2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB key battery

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation.
When the Vehicle Security system is activated,
interior switches for door locks 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 in the instrument
cluster 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 avail -
able in the same exterior zone Ú page 25.
Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
The Vehicle Security system will set when you use
the power door locks, or use the key fob to lock the
doors. After all the doors are locked and closed,
the Vehicle Security Light, in the instrument panel
cluster, will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds to
indicate that the alarm is being set. After the alarm
is set, the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a
slower rate to indicate that the system is armed.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed using
any of the following methods:

1. Push the unlock button on the key fob.

2. Grab the Passive Entry door handle with a valid key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the Passive Entry
door handle (if equipped) Ú page 25.
3. Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position. 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.
REARMING OF THE SYSTEM
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is
taken to disarm it, the Vehicle Security system will
turn the horn off after a 29 second cycle (with five
seconds between cycles and up to eight cycles if
the trigger remains active), and then rearm itself.
SECURITY SYSTEM MANUAL OVERRIDE
The Vehicle Security system will not arm if you lock
the doors using the manual door lock.
Keep key fobs away from children. Operation
of the Remote Start system, windows, door
locks or other controls could cause serious
injury or death.
WARNING!
2

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 23

26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Preventing Inadvertent Locking Of Passive Entry
Key Fob In Vehicle:
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 switch is in the OFF position.
If one of the vehicle doors is open and the door
panel switch is used to lock the vehicle, once all
open doors have been closed the vehicle checks
the inside and outside of the vehicle for any valid
Passive Entry key fobs. If one of the vehicle's
Passive Entry key fobs is detected inside the
vehicle, and no other valid Passive Entry key fobs
are detected outside the vehicle, the Passive Entry
system automatically unlocks all vehicle doors and
chirps the horn three times (on the third attempt
ALL doors will lock and the Passive Entry key fob
can be locked in the vehicle).
To Lock The Vehicle’s Doors:
With one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry key fobs
within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the driver or passenger front
door handles, push the door handle lock button to
lock all doors.
Push The Door Handle Button To Lock

Do NOT grab the door handle when pushing the
door handle lock button. This could unlock the
door(s).

Do NOT Grab The Door Handle When Locking

NOTE:
After pushing the door handle lock button, you
must wait two seconds before you can lock or
unlock the doors, using either Passive Entry
door handle. This is done to allow you to check
if the vehicle is locked by pulling the door
handle, without the vehicle unlocking.
The Passive Entry system depends on a key fob
that is not fully discharged of its coin battery
capacity.
When the key fob battery is low, the instrument
cluster will display a message indicating that the
key fob battery is low Ú page 15.
The vehicle doors can also be locked by using the
key fob lock button or the lock button located on
the vehicle’s interior door panel Ú page 427.
AUTOMATIC UNLOCK DOORS ON EXIT —
I
F EQUIPPED
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles
with power door locks after the following sequence
of actions:

1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is
enabled.

2. All doors are closed.
3. The gear selector was not in PARK, then is placed in PARK.
4. Any door is opened.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 26

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE55

Cargo Lights Button (Vehicles Sold In Canada Only)

The cargo lights will turn on for approximately 60
seconds when a key fob unlock button is pushed,
as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.
When these lights are activated using the button
on the headlight switch, the rear guidance lights
will remain illuminated when the vehicle
transmission is in PARK, NEUTRAL, or REVERSE.
The rear guidance lights will turn off when the
vehicle transmission is placed in DRIVE.
BATTERY SAVER
Timers are set to both the interior and exterior
lights to protect the life of your vehicle’s battery.
If the ignition is OFF, the interior lights will
automatically turn off when:
Any door is left ajar for 10 minutes.
The Dome Defeat button is pushed.
The cargo and rear guidance lights are manually
activated by the headlight switch.
NOTE:Battery saver mode is canceled if the ignition is ON.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is
placed in the OFF position, the exterior lights will
automatically turn off after eight minutes. If the
headlights are turned on and left on for eight
minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior lights
will automatically turn off.
INTERIOR LIGHTS
COURTESY LIGHTS
The courtesy, dome, and cargo lights are turned on
when any door is opened or the Dome On button is
pushed on the overhead console. Also, if your
vehicle is equipped with Remote Keyless Entry,
and the unlock button is pushed on the key fob, the
courtesy, dome, and cargo lights will turn on.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
The overhead console lights can also be operated
individually as reading lights by pushing the
corresponding buttons.

Front Courtesy/Reading Lights

1 — Driver’s Reading Light On/Off Button
2 — Dome Off Button
3 — Dome On Button
4 — Passenger’s Reading Light On/Off Button
2

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 55

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE71

Rear USB Ports

Applicable to only Uconnect 5/5 NAV With 8.4-inch
Display, and Uconnect 5 NAV With 12-inch Display
radios, different scenarios are listed as follows
when a non-phone device is plugged into the
smaller and larger USB ports, and when a phone
device is plugged into the smaller and larger USB
ports:
“A new device is now connected. Previous
connection was lost”.
“(Phone Name) now connected. Previous
connection was lost”.
“Another device is in use through the same USB
port. Please disconnect the first device to use
the second device”.
NOTE:
Charge unsupported devices with the Charge Only
USB ports. If an unsupported device is plugged into a
Media USB port, a message will display on the touch -
screen that the device is not supported by the system.
Plugging in a phone or another USB device may cause
the connection to a previous device to be lost.

If equipped, your vehicle may also contain a USB
port located on the top tray of the vehicle’s center
console.
If equipped, two Mini-USB Ports (Type C), two
Standard USB Ports (Type A), and one AUX port
may be located to the left of the center stack, just
below the climate controls.

USB/AUX Media Hub
Some USB ports support media and charging. You
can use features, such as Apple CarPlay®, Android
Auto™, Pandora®, and others while charging your
phone.
NOTE:Plugging in a phone or another USB device may
cause the connection to a previous device to be
lost.
For further information, refer to the Uconnect
Owner’s Manual Supplement or visit
UconnectPhone.com.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary 12 Volt (13 Amp) power outlet can
provide power for in-cab accessories designed for
use with the standard “cigarette lighter” style plug.
The 12 Volt power outlets and 5 Volt (2.5 Amp) USB
port (Charge Only) have a cap attached to the
outlet indicating 12V DC, together with either a key
symbol, battery symbol, or USB symbol.
A key symbol indicates that the ignition must be in
the ON/RUN or ACC positions for the outlet to
provide power. The battery symbol indicates that
the outlet is connected to the battery, and can
provide power at all times.
1 — Rear Charge Only USB Ports 1
2 — Rear Charge Only USB Ports 2
1 — Standard USB Type A Ports
2 — Mini-USB Type C Ports
3 — AUX Port
2

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

96GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:Trailer connection status is remembered after the
key cycle. If the trailer connection status has not
changed, no pop-up will appear in your Instrument
Cluster Display.
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Audio Menu icon/title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display. This
menu will display the audio source information,
including the Song name, Artist name, and audio
source with an accompanying graphic.
Phone Call Status
When a call is incoming, a Phone Call Status
pop-up will display on the screen. The pop-up will
remain until the phone is answered or ignored.
NOTE:The call status will temporarily replace the
previous media source information displayed on
the screen. When the pop-up is no longer
displayed, the display will return to the last used
screen.
Stored Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Messages Menu item is
highlighted. This feature shows the number of
stored warning messages. Push and release the
right or left arrow button to cycle through
stored messages.
Settings — If Equipped
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK.
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until Settings displays in the instrument
cluster display.
Follow the prompts to display and set any of the
following Vehicle Settings.
NOTE:Your vehicle may be equipped with the following
settings.
If equipped with a base radio (Non-Touch -
screen) Vehicle Settings will be included in the
instrument cluster display.
If equipped with a Touchscreen radio, the
Vehicle Settings will be included in the radio
head unit.
BASE AND MIDLINE CLUSTER
Upper Left or Right
None Time Current Econ
Compass Range Trip A Distance
Outside Temp Average Econ Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip –
If Equipped Trailer Brake Oil Pressure
Coolant Temp Oil Temp Battery
Voltage
Trans Temp Oil Life
Exhaust Brake –
If Equipped

Boost
Pressure –
If Equipped
Fuel Filter Life –
If Equipped

Upper Center
None Compass Outside Temp
Time Range To
EmptyAverage Econ
Current Econ Trip A Distance Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip Audio (show/
hide)Speedometer
Menu Title

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

116STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Extended Park Starting
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle
has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery to ensure a full battery charge
during the crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition to the START position and release it when the engine starts. For Keyless
Enter ‘n Go ignition systems, press and hold
the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE
START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, wait 10 to 15 seconds to allow the starter to
cool, then repeat the Extended Park Starting
procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least
10 minutes, then repeat the Extended Park
Starting procedure.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle
has not experienced an Extended Park condition
as defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it there while the engine is cranking. This should
clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run,
but not have enough power to continue running
when the ignition button/key is released. If this
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10
second period of engine cranking with the
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly Ú page 334.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 116

STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
STARTING PROCEDURE — ENGINE
M
ANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE BELOW
0°F (-18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it
may be beneficial to cycle the intake air heater
twice before attempting to start the engine. This
can be accomplished by turning the ignition to OFF
position for at least five seconds and then back to
the ON/RUN position after the Wait To Start
Indicator Light has turned off, but before the
engine is started. However, excessive cycling of the
intake air heater will result in damage to the heater
elements or reduced battery voltage.
NOTE:If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before starting,
additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory
level.

1. If the engine stalls after the initial start, the
ignition must be turned to the OFF position for
at least five seconds and then to the ON/RUN
position to recycle the intake air heater.

NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor -
mance will result if intake air heater is not recycled.
2. Heat generated by the intake air heater dissipates rapidly in a cold engine. If more than
two minutes pass between the time the Wait To Start Indicator Light turns off and the
engine is started, recycle the intake air heater
by turning the ignition switch to the OFF
position for at least five seconds and then
back to the ON/RUN position.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19 mph (31 km/h) before the intake
air heater post-heat (after start) cycle is
complete, the intake air heater will shut off.
4. If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the post-heat cycle will turn off.
NOTE:
Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry
Turbocharger at low coolant temperatures to
improve engine warm-up.
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel or the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is
pulled into the fuel system. If your engine has
run out of fuel Ú page 363.
If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left
on for more than two minutes after the Wait To
Start Indicator Light goes out, reset the intake
air heater by turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position for at least five seconds and then
back to the ON/RUN position. Repeat steps 1
through 5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine Mani -
fold Air Temperature 0°F to 60°F (-18°C to
19°C).”
STARTING FLUIDS
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric
air preheating system. If the instructions in this
manual are followed, the engine should start in all
conditions.
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never
be used in the Cummins® diesel engine (see
Warning label). Never pour diesel fuel,
flammable liquid, starting fluids (ether) into the
air cleaner canister, air intake piping, or
turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and
explosion causing serious personal injury and
engine damage.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key fob and lock your vehicle.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 121

STARTING AND OPERATING139
The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL
mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a
second time restores normal operation. Normal
operation is always the default at engine start-up.
If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be
pushed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has
been included in the automatic transmission on
your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter
engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This
may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in the upper gears. When
the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically
disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage,
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant
are warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)
of driving). Because engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is
not shifting properly when cold; this is normal.
Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently
warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will
not cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five seconds
after starting the engine.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located in
the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped, it
will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.
Connections to the switches are found under the
hood in the connectors attached to the auxiliary
Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of
the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster
display. All switches can now be configured for
setting the switch type operation to latching or
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to
ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builder’s
Guide by accessing
https://
www.ramtrucks.com/ram-commercial/
body-builders-guide.html
and choosing the
appropriate links.
WARNING!
Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased
engine braking can cause the rear wheels to
slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control, which may
cause an accident possibly resulting in personal
injury or death.4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 139