2023 RAM 1500 tailgate

3
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ..............................................................46Headlight Switch ........................................................ 46
Multifunction Lever .................................................... 47
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) ................................ 47
High/Low Beam Switch ............................................. 47
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control —
If Equipped ................................................................. 47
Flash-To-Pass ............................................................. 48
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ......................... 48
Parking Lights And Panel Lights................................. 48
Automatic Headlights With Wipers ............................ 48
Headlight Delay ........................................................... 48
Lights-On Reminder .................................................... 48
Fog Lights — If Equipped ........................................... 48
Turn Signals ................................................................ 49
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped............................. 49
Cargo Lights/Trailer Spotter Lights/Trailer
Hitch Light With Bed Lights — If Equipped ................ 49
Battery Saver ............................................................... 50
INTERIOR LIGHTS ...............................................................50 Courtesy Lights............................................................ 50
Illuminated Entry ........................................................ 52
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ..........................52 Windshield Wiper Operation....................................... 52
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped .......................... 53
CLIMATE CONTROLS .........................................................54 Automatic Climate Control Descriptions
And Functions ............................................................. 54
Manual Climate Control Descriptions
And Functions ............................................................. 56
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —
If Equipped ................................................................. 59
Climate Voice Recognition — If Equipped .................. 59
Operating Tips ............................................................ 59 INTERIOR STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT ............................ 60
Storage ......................................................................... 60
USB/AUX Control ........................................................ 65
Electrical Power Outlets ............................................. 66
Power Inverter — If Equipped ..................................... 67
Wireless Charging Pad — If Equipped ........................ 68
UV-C Light — If Equipped ............................................. 69
WINDOWS .......................................................................... 70 Power Windows............................................................ 70
Automatic Window Features ....................................... 70
Reset Auto-Up ............................................................. 71
Window Lockout Switch ..............................................71
Power Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped ............... 71
Manual Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped .............. 71
Wind Buffeting ............................................................ 72
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED ................................. 72 Dual Pane Power Sunroof .......................................... 72
HOOD ................................................................................... 74 To Open The Hood .......................................................74
To Close The Hood .......................................................74
TAILGATE ............................................................................. 74 Opening ........................................................................ 74
Closing .......................................................................... 75
Locking Tailgate ........................................................... 75
Multifunction Tailgate — If Equipped ......................... 75
Tailgate Removal ........................................................ 76
Bed Step — If Equipped ............................................... 78
PICKUP BOX ....................................................................... 79 Bed Rail Tie-Down System — If Equipped ................. 80
RAMBOX — IF EQUIPPED .................................................. 81 Locking And Unlocking RamBox ................................. 82
RamBox Cargo Storage Bins ....................................... 82
RamBox Safety Warning..............................................83
Bed Extender — If Equipped ....................................... 84 TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED .................. 86
Tonneau Cover Components ...................................... 86
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Folding For Driving
Or Removal .................................................................. 87
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Installation ........................... 90
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Cleaning ............................... 92
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE .............. 93 Midline Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gasoline ....................................................................... 94
HIGHLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE ............ 95 Highline Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gasoline ....................................................................... 96
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE............ 97 Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gasoline ....................................................................... 98
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ..................................... 98 Instrument Cluster Display Location
and Controls ................................................................ 98
Oil Life Reset.............................................................. 101
Display Menu Items .................................................. 101
Head Up Display (HUD) —
If Equipped ................................................................ 105
Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction Actions —
If Equipped ................................................................ 106

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12
Hood Open Warning Light
Úpage 109
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Úpage 109
Oil Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 110
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 110
Tailgate Open Warning Light
Úpage 110
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
Úpage 110
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 110
Vehicle Security Warning Light
Úpage 110
Red Warning Lights
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
Úpage 110
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light
Úpage 110
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Úpage 110
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light
Úpage 112
Electric Park Brake Warning Light
Úpage 111
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light
Úpage 111
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light
Úpage 111
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Úpage 111

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16
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS
KEY FOB
Your vehicle is equipped with a key fob which supports
Passive Entry, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ (if equipped), remote air suspension
lowering (if equipped), and Remote Start (if equipped).
The key fob allows you to lock or unlock all doors, tailgate,
and the RamBox (if equipped) as well as activate the Panic
Alarm from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m). The key fob does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to
activate the system. The key fob also contains an
emergency key, which is stored in the rear of the key fob.
NOTE:
 The key fob’s wireless signal may be blocked if the key
fob is located next to a mobile phone, laptop, or other
electronic device. This may result in poor performance.
 If your vehicle is equipped with a Wireless Charging
Pad, the key fob may not be detected if it is placed
within 6 inches (15 cm) of the pad
Úpage 68.
 With the ignition in the ON position and the vehicle
moving at 2 mph (4 km/h), all RKE commands are
disabled.

Key Fob

In case the ignition switch does not change with the push
of a button, the key fob may have a low or fully depleted
battery. A low key fob battery can be verified by referring to
the instrument cluster display, which will display a
procedure to follow.
NOTE:A low key fob battery condition may be indicated by a
message in the instrument cluster display, or by the LED
light on the key fob. If the LED key fob light no longer
illuminates from key fob button pushes, then the key fob
battery requires replacement
Úpage 402.
To Lock/Unlock The Doors And Tailgate
All doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped) can be
programmed to either unlock on the first push of the
unlock button, or for the first push to unlock only the
driver’s door, then twice within five seconds to unlock all
doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped). To lock all the
doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped), push the lock
button once.
When the doors are unlocked, the turn signals will flash
and the illuminated entry system will be activated. When
the doors are locked, the turn signals will flash and the
horn will chirp.
The horn chirp when the lock button is pushed can be
programmed on/off within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
1 — LED Indicator Light
2 — Unlock
3 — Tailgate Lowering (If Equipped)
4 — Air Suspension Remote Lowering (If Equipped)
5 — Lock
6 — Remote Start (If Equipped)
7 — Panic
8 — Emergency Key

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER
D
E-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active and the outside ambient
temperature is less than 33°F (0.6°C), the Windshield
Wiper De-Icer will activate. Exiting Remote Start will
resume its previous operation. If the Windshield Wiper
De-Icer was active, the timer and operation will continue.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
One of the following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote
start, or exits Remote Start prematurely:
 Remote Start Canceled — Door Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low
 Remote Start Canceled — Too Cold
 Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired
 Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
The message will stay active until the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle doors,
hood, tailgate, and the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition for
unauthorized operation. While the Vehicle Security system
is armed, interior switches for door locks and tailgate
release are disabled. If something triggers the alarm, the
Vehicle Security system will provide the following audible
and visible signals: 
The horn will pulse.
 The turn signals will flash.
 The Vehicle Security Light, located in the lower right
corner of the instrument cluster display, will flash.
TO ARM THE SYSTEM
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security system:

1. Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the OFF
position.

 For vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry, make
sure the vehicle’s keyless ignition system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
 Push the lock button on the interior power door
lock switch with the driver and/or passenger door
open.
 Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry
door handle with a valid key fob available in the
same exterior zone
Úpage 25.
 Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:
 Push the unlock button on the key fob.
 Grab the Passive Entry door handle to unlock the door
Úpage 25.
 Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position to disarm
the system.
NOTE:
The driver's door key cylinder cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security system. Use of the door key cylinder
when the system is armed will sound the alarm when
the door is opened.
 The Vehicle Security system remains armed when the
power tailgate (if equipped) is opened using the
tailgate button on the key fob.
 If Passive Entry (if equipped) is used to unlock the
tailgate, the Vehicle Security system is disarmed and
the rest of the vehicle doors will remain locked unless
all doors are set to unlock on first press within Ucon -
nect Settings.
 When the Vehicle Security system is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security system is designed to protect your
vehicle. However, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously
described arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security system will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
Vehicle Security system.
If the Vehicle Security system is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security system will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security system.
2

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26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To Unlock From The Driver Or Passenger Side
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
door handle, grab the handle to unlock the vehicle.
Grabbing the driver’s door handle will unlock the driver
door automatically. Grabbing the passenger door handle
will unlock all doors and the tailgate automatically.

Grab The Door Handle To Unlock

NOTE:
 Either the driver door only or all doors will unlock when
you grab hold of the front driver’s door handle,
depending on the selected setting in the Uconnect
system
Úpage 191.
 All doors will unlock when the front passenger door
handle is grabbed regardless of the driver’s door
unlock preference setting. Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key (FOBIK-Safe)
To minimize the possibility of unintentionally locking a
Passive Entry key fob inside your vehicle, the Passive Entry
system is equipped with an automatic door unlock feature
which will function if the ignition is in the OFF position.
There are five situations that trigger a FOBIK-Safe search
in any Passive Entry vehicle:

A lock request is made by a valid Passive Entry key fob
while a door is open.
 A lock request is made by the Passive Entry door
handle while a door is open.
 A lock request is made by the door panel switch while
the door is open.
 When the Vehicle Security system is in pre-arm or
armed status and the tailgate transitions from open to
closed.
 When the tailgate transitions from opened to closed
and Remote Start is active.
When any of these situations occur, after all open doors
are shut, the FOBIK-Safe search will be executed. If it
detects a Passive Entry key fob inside the vehicle, the
vehicle will unlock and alert the customer.
NOTE:The vehicle will only unlock the doors when a valid Passive
Entry key fob is detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle will
not unlock the doors when any of the following conditions
are true:
 The doors are manually locked using the door lock
knobs.
 Three attempts are made to lock the doors using the
door panel switch and then the doors are closed.
 There is a valid Passive Entry key fob outside the
vehicle within 5 ft (1.5 m) of a Passive Entry door
handle.
To Lock The Vehicle’s Doors And Tailgate
With one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry key fobs within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of either front door handle, pushing the Passive
Entry lock button will lock the vehicle.

Push The Door Handle Button To Lock

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74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HOOD
TO OPEN THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.

1. Pull the hood release lever located below the
steering wheel at the base of the instrument panel.

Hood Release Lever Location

2. Reach into the opening beneath the center of the hood and push the safety latch lever to the left to
release it, before raising the hood.

Safety Latch Location

NOTE:
 Vehicle must be at a stop and the gear selector must
be in PARK.
 While lifting the hood, use both hands.
 Before lifting the hood, check that the wiper arms are
not in motion and not in the lifted position.
TO CLOSE THE HOOD
In one continuous motion, pull down on the front edge of
the hood with moderate force until the angle is below the
crossover point (where the gas props are no longer
resisting) and let the hood continue to fall closed from its
own inertia.
TAILGATE
OPENING
The tailgate may be opened by pushing the tailgate
release pad located on the tailgate door.
The tailgate damper strut will lower the tailgate to the
open position (if equipped).
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your
vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open
when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center of
the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
WARNING!
It is very dangerous to ride on the tailgate, even when
the vehicle is traveling at low speeds. Anyone riding on
the tailgate could easily fall in response to the vehicle
maneuvers or rough terrain. Passengers should always
sit in the vehicle seats and use their seatbelt. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious injury or
death.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE75
Electronic Tailgate Release — If Equipped
The key fob may be equipped with an electronic
release feature for the tailgate, allowing
hands-free tailgate opening. To activate, push
and release the Tailgate Release button on the
key fob twice within five seconds. The tailgate door will
unlatch, and slowly lower into the open position.
If equipped, a button on the center overhead console
inside the vehicle can be used to release the tailgate.
An indicator light may also signal when the tailgate is
open.
For the tailgate to lower, the vehicle must be stationary
and in PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The optional Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Úpage 86 may
prevent electronic tailgate release. The Tonneau Cover
must be removed or folded up before releasing the
tailgate.
CLOSING
To close the tailgate, push it upward until both sides are
securely latched.
LOCKING TAILGATE
The tailgate can be locked using the key fob lock button.
MULTIFUNCTION TAILGATE —
I
F EQUIPPED
The 60/40 multifunction tailgate has two swing doors to
allow for closer access to the pickup box with the doors
open.
Opening
The tailgate must be latched closed to open the swing
doors. Push the paddle down, then pull the release handle
beneath the tailgate lowering handle. This opens the
60 split door.

60 Split Door Release Handle

Once the 60 split swing door is opened, pull the release
handle on the inboard side of the 40 split door to open.

40 Split Door Release Handle

Closing
Always close the 40 split door first, then close the 60 split
door. The swing doors must be securely latched before the
tailgate can be lowered.
NOTE:
 When the swing doors are open, the maximum load
placed on a door cannot exceed 180 lb (82 kg).
 Pull back on the swing doors firmly after closing to
ensure they are securely latched. Similar to the side
door ajar light inside the cab, the bed light above the
rear window will remain on if the tailgate doors are not
fully closed.
WARNING!
To avoid injury, make sure there is no one in the way of
the power tailgate as it is opening or closing, and keep
hands away from the tailgate hinges when in use. You
or other could be injured if caught in the path of the
power tailgate or tailgate hinges.
2

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76GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
TAILGATE REMOVAL
NOTE:Removing the tailgate will disable the rearview camera
function.
To remove the tailgate, refer to the following instructions:

1. Open the tailgate to a 45° angle.

2. Lift up on the right side of the tailgate, lifting it off of
the pivot.

Lift Right Side Off Of Pivot

3. Without latching, rotate the tailgate to nearly closed. Then, while providing support to the tailgate, slide it
slowly to the right, removing the tailgate from the left
pivot.
NOTE:Rest the tailgate on the bumper so that the entire tailgate
is secure and supported.

Slide Tailgate To The Right

4. Let the tailgate rest on the support cables while having the tailgate naturally slide forward on the
bumper.

Tailgate Only Supported By Cables

WARNING!
To prevent serious injury or death:
Make sure there is no one in the way of the swing
doors or tailgate that is being opened or closed, and
keep away from their hinges when in use. You or
others could be injured if caught in the path of the
swing doors, tailgate, or their hinges.
 Never operate the vehicle with the swing doors open.
 Never hang from or sit on the swing doors.
CAUTION!
Always check both swing doors are latched before
starting vehicle.
 Vehicle damage may occur if doors are not securely
latched.
WARNING!
For vehicles equipped with a multifunction tailgate, the
tailgate weighs 115 lb (52 kg) and should be removed
by at least two people. Injury to the customer or
damage to the tailgate may occur if one person tries to
remove the multifunction tailgate.

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