RAM 2015 1500 Owner's manual

OPERATING INFORMATION
15D241-126-ARA-AA
RAM TRUCK
1500/2500/3500
2015
RAM TRUCK
1500/2500/3500
15D241-126-ARA-AA

Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION
.....................................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
.............................................7
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
.............................................67
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
.................................................149
5STARTING AND OPERATING
............................................................237
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
..........................................................381
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
...........................................................419
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
............................................................465
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
.....................................................467
10 INDEX
.........................................................................471
1

2

1
INTRODUCTION
•INTRODUCTION ...............................4
•HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL .......................4
•WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS .......................6
•VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS .....................6
•VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ..................6
•VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS ...............6
3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler
Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it repre-
sents precision workmanship, distinctive styl-
ing, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with
the assistance of service and engineering spe-
cialists to acquaint you with the operation and
maintenance of your vehicle. It is supplemented
by Warranty Information, and various customer-
oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this
manual will help assure safe and enjoyable
operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:
After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for conve-
nient referencing and remain with the ve-
hicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has
factory-trained technicians and genuine parts,
and cares about your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine
which section contains the information you de-
sire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends
on the items of equipment ordered, certain
descriptions and illustrations may differ from
your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s
Manual contains a complete listing of all sub-
jects.
Consult the following table for a description of
the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or
throughout this Owner’s Manual:
4

5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owners Manual contains WARNINGS
against operating procedures that could result
in a collision or bodily injury. It also contains
CAUTIONS against procedures that could re-
sult in damage to your vehicle. If you do not
read this entire Owners Manual, you may miss
important information. Observe all Warnings
and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
apply to body modifications or special equip-
ment installed by van conversion/camper
manufacturers/body builders. Refer to the War-
ranty Information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs,
heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact
the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment
installed by the conversion/camper manufac-
turer should also be supplied with your vehicle.
If these instructions are missing, please contact
your authorized dealer for assistance in obtain-
ing replacement documents from the applicable
manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builders Guide
refer to: www.rambodybuilder.com. This web-
site contains dimensional and technical specifi-
cations for your vehicle. It is intended for Sec-
ond Stage Manufacturer’s technical support.
For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is
found on the left front corner of the instrument
panel, visible through the windshield. This num-
ber also appears on the vehicle frame and
underbody as well as the Automobile Informa-
tion Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/
ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this ve-
hicle could seriously affect its roadworthi-
ness and safety and may lead to a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
Vehicle Identification Number
6

2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING
YOUR VEHICLE
•A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS ......................9
•Ignition Node Module (IGNM) ......................9
•Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) — If Equipped ..............9
•KeyFob..................................10
•Removing Key Fob From Ignition ...................11
•Key-In-Ignition Reminder ........................12
•SENTRY KEY®................................13
•Replacement Keys ...........................13
•Customer Key Programming ......................14
•General Information ...........................14
•VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM ......................14
•Rearming Of The System ........................14
•To Arm The System ...........................14
•To Disarm The System .........................15
•Security System Manual Override ...................15
•ILLUMINATED APPROACH ........................15
•REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF EQUIPPED ........16
•Remote Unlock The Doors .......................16
7

•To Lock The Doors ..............................17
•RKE Air Suspension (Remote Lowering Of The Vehicle) — If
Equipped....................................17
•Programming Additional Transmitters...................18
•Transmitter Battery Replacement .....................18
•General Information .............................19
•DOOR LOCKS ..................................20
•Manual Door Locks..............................20
•Power Door Locks — If Equipped .....................21
•Child-Protection Door Lock ........................21
•KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO™ ..........................22
•WINDOWS ....................................24
•Power Windows — If Equipped ......................24
•Wind Buffeting ................................26
•OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ....................26
•Important Safety Precautions .......................26
•Seat Belt Systems ..............................27
•Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ..................36
•Child Restraints ...............................44
•Transporting Pets ..............................62
•ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ................62
•SAFETY TIPS ..................................63
•Transporting Passengers ..........................63
•Exhaust Gas .................................63
•Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle ..........64
•Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle . . .65
8

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses either a key start ignition
system or keyless ignition system. The key start
ignition system consists of a either a bladed key
with an immobilizer chip in it, or a Key Fob with
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and an
Ignition Node Module (IGNM). The keyless ig-
nition system consists of a Key Fob with Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and a
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).
Ignition Node Module (IGNM)
The Ignition Node Module (IGNM) operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has four operating
positions, three with detents and one that is
spring-loaded. The detent positions are OFF,
ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position is a
spring-loaded momentary contact position.
When released from the START position, the
switch automatically returns to the ON/RUN
position.
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) — If
Equipped
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button as long
as the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
is in the passenger compartment.
The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) has four operat-
ing positions; three of which are labeled and will
illuminate when in position. The three positions
are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The fourth position
is START, during start RUN will illuminate.
NOTE:
In case the ignition switch does not change
with the push of a button, the RKE transmit-
ter (Key Fob) may have a low or dead bat-
tery. In this situation, a back up method
can be used to operate the ignition switch.
Ignition Module
1 — OFF
2 — ACCESSORY
3 — ON/RUN
4—START
9

Put the nose side (side opposite of the
emergency key) of the Key Fob against the
ENGINE START/STOP button and push to
operate the ignition switch and with your
foot applied on the brake pedal.
Key Fob
Key Fob — If Equipped
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert
the square end of the key fob into the ignition
switch located on the instrument panel and
rotate to the desired position. It also contains
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
and an emergency key, which stores in the rear
of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the
vehicle should the battery in the vehicle or the
RKE transmitter go dead. You can keep the
emergency key with you when valet parking.
To remove the emergency key, slide the me-
chanical latch at the top of the Key Fob side-
ways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand.
NOTE:
When using the emergency key to gain ac-
cess to your vehicle, be aware that the
security alarm may be triggered. Insert the
Key Fob into the ignition and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN mode to disarm the
security system.
KIN Key Fob — If equipped
This KIN Key Fob allows the driver to operate
the ignition switch with the push of a button, as
long as the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter is in the passenger compartment. The
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) has four operating
positions, three of which are labeled and will
illuminate when in position. The three positions
are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The fourth posi-
tion is START, during start RUN will illuminate.
Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
Emergency Key Removal (IGNM)
10

It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter and an emergency key, which
stores in the rear of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the
vehicle should the battery in the vehicle or the
RKE transmitter go dead. You can keep the
emergency key with you when valet parking.
To remove the emergency key, slide the me-
chanical latch on the backside of the Key Fob
sideways with your thumb and then pull the key
out with your other hand.
NOTE:
When using the emergency key to gain ac-
cess to your vehicle, be aware that the
security alarm may be triggered. Insert the
Key Fob into the ignition and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN mode to disarm the
security system.
NOTE:
You can insert the double-sided emergency
key into the door lock cylinder with either
side up.
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with
an automatic transmission). Turn the Key Fob to
the OFF position and then remove the Key Fob.
NOTE:
•
The power window switches, radio, power
sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will
remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
Opening either front door will cancel this
feature. Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” (En-
gine Off Options) in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
• For vehicles not equipped with a touch-
screen radio, refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/ Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
•For vehicles equipped with a touchscreen
radio, refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
Emergency Key Removal Keyless
Enter-N-Go™ Fob (KIN)
11

CAUTION!
•If your vehicle battery becomes low or
dead, your Key Fob will become locked in
the ignition.
•Do not attempt to remove the Key Fob
while in this condition, damage could occur
to the Key Fob or ignition module. Only
remove the emergency key for locking and
unlocking the doors.
•Leave the Key Fob in the ignition and
either:
•Jump Start the vehicle.
•Charge the battery.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and push ignition button to place
ignition in OFF mode. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go™ in theACC or ON/RUN mode.Achild
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is
in the ignition and the ignition switch position is
OFF or ACC, a chime will sound to remind you
to remove the Key Fob.
NOTE:
•ⴖKeyedⴖIgnition systems will chime in
OFF or ACC when the driver door is open.
•“KeylessⴖIgnition systems will chime in
ACC or RUN when the driver door is open.
•If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Driver Information
Display (DID), the EVIC will display “Key
In Ignition.”
12

SENTRY KEY®
The Sentry Key® Immobilizer System prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the
engine. The system does not need to be armed
or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a Key Fob with a factory-
mated Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
an Ignition Node Module, Keyless Ignition Node
(KIN) and a RF receiver to prevent unauthor-
ized vehicle operation. Therefore, only Key
Fobs that are programmed to the vehicle can be
used to start and operate the vehicle. The
system will not allow the engine to crank if an
invalid Key Fob is used to start and operate the
vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two seconds if an invalid Key Fob is used to
start the engine.
NOTE:
A Key Fob that has not been programmed is
also considered an invalid key.
During normal operation, after turning on the
ignition switch, the Vehicle Security Light will
turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the
light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates
that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb
check, it indicates that someone used an invalid
Key Fob to try to start the engine. Either of these
conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there
is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur,
have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible
by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key® Immobilizer system is not
compatible with some aftermarket remote
starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
All of the Key Fobs provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. Once a Key Fob is
programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be pro-
grammed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Always remove the Key Fobs from the
vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
•For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go™, always remember to place the
ignition in the OFF position.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is
provided with a four-digit Personal Identification
Number (PIN). Keep the PIN in a secure loca-
tion. This number is required for authorized
dealer replacement of Key Fobs. Duplication of
Key Fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer. This procedure consists of programming
13

a blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A
blank Key Fob is one that has never been
programmed.
NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key® Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with
you to an authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters
may be performed at an authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Key® operates on a carrier fre-
quency of 433.92 MHz. The Sentry Key® Im-
mobilizer system is subject to the following
conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence.
•This device must accept any interference
that may be received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation.
When the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated,
interior switches for door locks are disabled.
The system provides both audible and visible
signals for the first three minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights will turn on, the park
lamps and/or turn signals will flash and Vehicle
Security Light will flash repeatedly. For an ad-
ditional 15 minutes only, the headlights will turn
on, the park lamps and/or turn signals, and
Vehicle Security Light will flash.
Rearming Of The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after
the 15 additional minutes of headlights and
Vehicle Security Light flashing, if the system
has not been disabled. If the condition which
initiated the alarm is still present, the system will
ignore that condition and monitor the remaining
doors and ignition.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security
Alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system
(refer to "Starting Procedures"in "Starting
And Operating"for further information).
•For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go™, make sure the vehicle ignition
system is "OFF."
•For vehicles not equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go™, make sure the vehicle igni-
tion system is "OFF"and the key is physi-
cally removed from the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock
the vehicle:
•Press LOCK on the interior power door
lock switch with the driver and/or passen-
ger door open.
•Press the LOCK button on the exterior
Passive Entry Door Handle with a valid
Key Fob available in the same exterior
zone (refer to "Keyless Enter- N-Go™"in
"Things To Know Before Starting Your Ve-
hicle"for further information).
14

•Press the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use
the power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter 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 Alarm can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:
1. Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2.
Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle
with a valid Key Fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
passive entry door handle (if equipped, refer to
"Keyless Enter-N-Go™"in "Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle"for further infor-
mation).
3. Cycle the vehicle ignition system out of the
OFF position.
4. For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go™, press the Keyless Enter-N-Go™
Start/ Stop button (requires at least one valid
Key Fob in the vehicle).
5.
For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go™, insert a valid key into the ignition
switch and turn the key to the ON position.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to pro-
tect 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 Alarm 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 Alarm.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the
battery becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Se-
curity Alarm 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 Alarm.
Security System Manual Override
The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you
lock the doors using the manual door lock
plunger.
ILLUMINATED APPROACH
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting
in the outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to
“Mirrors” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
The lights will fade to off after approximately 30
seconds, or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN
from the OFF position.
The front courtesy overhead console and door
courtesy lights will not turn off if the dimmer
control is in the “Dome ON” position (rotate
horizontal thumb wheel on the bottom of the
switch to the far right detent position).
15

The illuminated entry system will not operate if
the dimmer control is in the “Dome OFF” posi-
tion (rotate horizontal thumb wheel on the bot-
tom of the switch to the far left detent position).
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with illuminated
approach lights under the outside mirrors,
they can be turned off by using the EVIC/DID
controls (if NOT equipped with a touch-
screen radio) or the Uconnect® radio (if
equipped with a touchscreen radio). For
further information, refer to “EVIC/DID” or
“Uconnect® Settings” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel”.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
(RKE) — IF EQUIPPED
The RKE system allows you to lock or unlock
the doors from distances up to approximately
66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held radio transmitter
with integrated key. The transmitter does not
need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system. Press and release the LOCK button on
the RKE transmitter to lock all doors, the tail-
gate, and the RamBox® (if equipped). The turn
signal lights will flash and the horn will chirp to
acknowledge the signal.
NOTE:
Inserting the Key Fob with RKE transmitter
into the ignition switch disables the system
from responding to any button presses from
that RKE transmitter. Driving at speeds
5 mph (8 km/h) and above disables the
system from responding to all RKE transmit-
ter buttons for all RKE transmitters.
Remote Unlock The Doors
Push and release the UNLOCK button on the
RKE transmitter once to unlock the driver’s
door. Push the unlock button twice within five
seconds to unlock all doors, the tailgate and the
RamBox® (if equipped). The turn signal lights
will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The
illuminated entry system will also turn on.
NOTE:
The EVIC/DID or Uconnect® Settings are
setup for driver door first, otherwise this will
unlock all doors.
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors
First
This feature lets you program the system to
unlock either the driver’s door or all doors on the
first push of the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter. To change the current setting, pro-
ceed as follows:
•
For vehicles not equipped with a touchscreen radio,
refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/ Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Key Fob With Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
Transmitter
16

•For vehicles equipped with a touchscreen
radio, refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
Pushing the LOCK button on the RKE trans-
mitter while you are inside the vehicle will
activate the Vehicle Security Alarm System.
Opening a door with the Vehicle Security
Alarm System activated will cause the alarm
to sound. Push the UNLOCK button to deac-
tivate the Vehicle Security Alarm System.
Flash Lamps With Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the turn signal lights to
flash when the doors are locked or unlocked
with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current
setting, proceed as follows:
•
For vehicles not equipped with a touchscreen radio,
refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
•For vehicles equipped with a touchscreen
radio, refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
To Lock The Doors
Push and release the LOCK button on the RKE
transmitter to lock all doors, the tailgate and the
RamBox® (if equipped). The turn signal lights
will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge
the signal.
RKE Air Suspension (Remote
Lowering Of The Vehicle) — If
Equipped
For easy entry and loading, your
vehicle can be lowered by pushing
the Key Fob air suspension lower-
ing button two times. When Re-
mote key FOB lowering is re-
quested, the vehicle will send a
series of chirps and flashes to alert the cus-
tomer that the operation has begun and will
continue these alerts until it successfully lowers.
The following conditions must be met for the
vehicle to lower remotely:
•The vehicle must not already be in Entry/Exit
(Park) ride height.
•The vehicle battery must be fully charged.
•All doors must be closed.
•The ignition key must be out of the vehicle.
Cancelling Remote Lowering
Vehicle lowering can be cancelled at anytime.
When vehicle lowering is cancelled, the vehicle
will raise up to the next defined level and lock
out the remote lowering feature until the ignition
has been cycled ON/OFF.
To cancel vehicle lowering, push the Key Fob
air suspension lowering button one time during
the lowering process. When vehicle lowering is
cancelled, the horn will chirp two times and the
hazard lights will flash four times. Once raising
is completed, the horn will chirp one time.
NOTE:
For further information, refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating.”
17