Get STARTING AND OPERATING -> Fuel Requirements Guide for Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

STARTING AND OPERATING 183

When activated the feature will enable all of the exterior

lights sequentially for up to five minutes for time to walk

around and verify functionality. The following exterior

lights will remain on for the entirety of the sequence:

The sequence will only activate if the following conditions

are met:

 Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow Package

 Vehicle is in PARK

 Park/Running Lamps

 Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)

 License Lamp

 Vehicle is not in motion

 Ignition is in ACC or ON/RUN

 Remote start is inactive

 Signature Lamp (if equipped)

 Low Beams

 Brakes are not applied

 Left turn signal is not applied

 Right turn signal is not applied

 Hazard switch is not applied

 Fog Lamps (if equipped)

 Daytime Running Lamps

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Backup Lamps

4

During this time the following lights will sequence, each

activating for three seconds:

2 — Running Lamps

3 — Left Stop/Turn

4 — Ground

The sequence will cancel if any of the following conditions

occur:

1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)

2. Left turn signal

 Brakes are applied

5 — Battery

 Vehicle is shifted from PARK

3. Right turn signal

6 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Electric Brakes

 Vehicle is no longer stationary

 Left turn signal activated from stalk

 Right turn signal is activated from stalk

 Hazard switch is activated

4. Reverse Lamps

5. High Beam

Trailer Light Check

This light check sequence will continue for a total of five

minutes.

This feature will run the trailer lights through a sequence

to check the trailer light function. It is available in the

Instrument Cluster under the Trailer Tow menu

Ú page 103.

 Any button on the key fob is pushed

 Ignition button is pushed

 High Beam stalk position is changed

 Sequence is canceled in the instrument cluster

184 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cruise Control — If Equipped

 Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

TOWING TIPS

Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up

the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.

SNOWPLOW

Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory

installed option. These packages include components

necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.

 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until

you can get back to cruising speed.

Automatic Transmission

NOTE:

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The

transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid

frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent

shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL

mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic

Range Select (ERS) shift control).

 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom-

mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow the

recommendations contained within the current Body

Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or

snowplow manufacturer for this information. There are

unique electrical systems that must be connected to

properly ensure operator safety and prevent overloading

vehicle systems.

Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,

the air suspension system can be used Ú page 134.

Selecting Tow/Haul or connecting a trailer with an

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) will disable

Automatic Aero mode to avoid height changes while

towing and shifting loads or tongue weights.

NOTE:

Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range

(using the ERS shift control) while operating the vehicle

under heavy loading conditions will improve performance

and extend transmission life by reducing excessive

shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide

better engine braking.

WARNING!

NOTE:

Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely

affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.

Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described

earlier in this manual.

The vehicle must remain in the engine running position

while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air

suspension system.

Tow/Haul Mode

To reduce potential for automatic transmission

overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in

hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the (ERS)

shift control) on more severe grades.

CAUTION!

The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior

lamps are not properly installed.

STARTING AND OPERATING 185

Compliance Certification Label on the driver's side door

opening.

BEFORE PLOWING

OPERATING TIPS

 Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid

level.

Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)

should bemaximum operatingspeed. Theoperator should

be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned.

Reduce speed and use extreme caution when plowing

unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.

NOTE:

Detach the snowplow when transporting passengers.

 Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-

ness.

Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to

specifications at the factory without consideration for the

weight of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked

and reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the

snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.

 Check therunners and cutting edgefor excessive wear.

The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ inches

(6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow plowing

position.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the

plow manufacturer's instructions.

The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is

parked.

 Check that snowplow lighting is connected and

functioning properly.

4

Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery

terminals clean and free of corrosion.

Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow

equipment following the recommendations provided by

the specific snowplow manufacturer.

SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL

AVAILABILITY

For Information about snowplow applications visit

www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Builder’s

Guide.

When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drivetrain

damage, the following precautions should be observed:

OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH

SNOWPLOW ATTACHED

The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the

engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.

Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade

completely and position it as low as road or surface

conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The

operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance

and allow adequate passing clearance.

 Operate with transfer case in 4WD LOW when plowing

small or congested areas where speeds arenotlikelyto

exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in

4WD HIGH.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck

should not exceed one.

 Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use

4WD LOW when plowing deep or heavy snow for

extended periods of time to avoid transmission over-

heating.

2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR

should never be exceeded.

3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of

options or passengers, etc.

 Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has

returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a

practice of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting

the transmission.

NOTE:

The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow

system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,

options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross

Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)

ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety

Lane Departure Warning / Lane Keep Assist is not

available when a snow plow is attached.

186 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

See Instructions

 Transmission in PARK

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

 Transfer case in N (Neutral)

 Tow in forward direction

Front

Rear

ALL

NOT ALLOWED

OK

Dolly Tow

On Trailer

OK

3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission

in PARK.

NOTE:

RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL

DRIVE MODELS

DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will

result.

 When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable

state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial

Highway Safety offices for additional details.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following

the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

5. Turn the ignition OFF.

 Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four Corner Air

Suspension must be placed in Transport mode before

tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed

truck Ú page 134. If the vehicle cannot be placed in

Transport mode (for example, engine will not run),

tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the

body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause

fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper

tie-down tension.

Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is

allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground.

This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle

trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for

towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight

position.

CAUTION!

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the

vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause

severe transmission damage. Damage from improper

towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited

Warranty.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following

the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.

STARTING AND OPERATING 187

CAUTION!

RECREATIONAL TOWING —

CAUTION!

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that

the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before

recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

 Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

ments can cause severe transmission and/or

transfer case damage. Damage from improper

towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited

Warranty.

NOTE:

The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral) for

recreational towing. The transmission must be shifted into

PARK for recreational towing. Refer to the following for the

proper transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for

your vehicle.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,

with the engine running. Apply the parking brake.

 Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid

will leak from the transfer case, causing damage to

internal parts.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The driver's door

must be closed (or the driver's seat belt buckled) so

that the transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when

the brake pedal is released.

CAUTION!

 Do not use a fascia/bumper-mounted clamp-on tow

bar on your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face bar will

be damaged.

4

 DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with only

one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will

cause severe transmission and/or transfer case

damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the

ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the

vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

Shifting Into N (Neutral)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for

recreational towing.

 Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle

backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer

case.

4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button (at the

center of the transfer case switches). The N (Neutral)

indicator light will illuminate, and remain lit, when the

shift to N (Neutral) is complete. After the shift is

completed and the N (Neutral) light stays on, release

the N (Neutral) button.

WARNING!

 Before recreational towing, the transfer case must

be in N (Neutral). To be certain the transfer case is

fully in N (Neutral), perform the procedure outlined

under “Shifting Into N (Neutral)”. Internal transmis-

sion damage will result, if the transfer case is not in

N (Neutral) during towing.

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the

vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N

(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the

parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position

disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the

powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the

transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should

always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

 The transmission must be in PARK for recreational

towing.

 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and

remains released, while being towed.

(Continued)

188 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Release the parking brake.

NOTE:

Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for

normal usage:

6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

 Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be met

before pushing the N (Neutral) button, and must

continue to be met until the shift has been completed.

If any of these requirements are not met before

pushing the N (Neutral) button or are no longer met

during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light will flash

continuously until all requirements are met or until the

N (Neutral) button is released.

7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure

that there is no vehicle movement.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it

connected to the tow vehicle.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.

9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking

brake. Turn off the engine. For vehicles with Keyless

Enter ‘n Go™, push and hold the ENGINE START/

STOP button until the engine shuts off. The

transmission will automatically select PARK when the

engine is turned off.

3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the

transmission into NEUTRAL.

 The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be

operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the

shift will not take place and no position indicator lights

will be on or flashing.

4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button

(at the center of the transfer case switches).

10. Turn the ignition off.

5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release

the N (Neutral) button.

11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable

tow bar.

 A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light indicates

that shift requirements have not been met.

6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will automat-

12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not

start the engine.

ically select PARK when the engine is turned off.

 If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the

engine should be started and left running for a

minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at

least once every 24 hours. This process allows the air

suspension to adjust the vehicle’s ride height to

compensate for temperature effects.

7. Release the brake pedal.

13. Release the parking brake.

14. Turn the ignition OFF.

STARTING AND OPERATING -> Fuel Requirements for Your Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

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