RAM 4500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Manual — part 18

284 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel

travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there

is a problem with the power steering system.

• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering

pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is

due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This

noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any

way damage the steering system.

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service

interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if

a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or

the system is not functioning as anticipated. Check fluid

level when the engine is cold and off. Coordinate inspection

efforts through an authorized dealer.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated

level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all

surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical

Specifications” for further information.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of

the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid

temperature and it should be avoided when possible.

Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with

the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and

to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill.

Use only manufacturer's recommended power steering

fluid.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering

system as the chemicals can damage your power steering

components. Such damage is not covered by the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty.

STARTING AND OPERATING

285

SPEED CONTROL

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator

operations at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of the

steering wheel.

Speed Control Buttons

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed Control

System has been designed to shut down if multiple speed

control functions are operated at the same time. If this

occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by

pushing the Speed Control On/Off button and resetting the

desired vehicle set speed.

To Activate

Push the On/Off button to activate the Speed Control. The

cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will

illuminate. To turn the system off, push the On/Off button a

second time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The

system should be turned off when not in use.

1 — On/Off Button

3 — SET (-)

2 — RES (+)

4 — CANCEL

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use is

dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or

cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose

control and have an accident. Always leave the system

off when you are not using it.

5

286 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached the

desired speed, push the SET (-) button and release. Release

the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected

speed.
NOTE:

The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed and on

level ground before pushing the SET (-) button.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by

pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the

instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To

Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The

speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen speed

unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in an increase of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the

new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the

new set speed will be established.

To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by

pushing the SET (-) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the

instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To

Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The

speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen speed

unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

STARTING AND OPERATING

287

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in a decrease of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the

new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the

new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the pedal

is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

Using Speed Control On Hills

The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the

vehicle set speed.
NOTE:

The Speed Control system maintains speed up and down

hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it

may be preferable to drive without Speed Control.

WARNING!

Speed Control can be dangerous where the system

cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go

too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control

and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control in heavy

traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or

slippery.

5

288 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button

and release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph

(32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL button,

or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will

deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed

from memory.
Pushing the On/Off button, or returning the ignition to OFF,

erases the set speed from memory.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF EQUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving conve-

nience provided by cruise control while traveling on high-

ways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety system

and not designed to prevent collisions. Speed Control func-

tion performs differently. Please refer to the proper section

within this chapter.
ACC will allow you to keep cruise control engaged in light

to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need to

reset your cruise control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a

forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle directly

ahead of you.
NOTE:
• If the sensor does not detect a vehicle ahead of you, ACC

will maintain a fixed set speed.

• If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will apply

limited braking or accelerate (not to exceed the original set

speed) automatically to maintain a preset following

distance, while matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.

The Cruise Control system has two control modes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintaining an appro-

priate distance between vehicles.

• Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode for cruising at

a constant preset speed. For additional information, refer

to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in this

section.

NOTE:

Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control will not react to

preceding vehicles. Always be aware of the mode selected.
You can change the mode by using the Cruise Control

buttons. The two control modes function differently. Always

confirm which mode is selected.

STARTING AND OPERATING

289

(Continued)

WARNING!

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience

system. It is not a substitute for active driving involve-

ment. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be atten-

tive of road, traffic, and weather conditions, vehicle

speed, distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most impor-

tantly, brake operation to ensure safe operation of the

vehicle under all road conditions. Your complete atten-

tion is always required while driving to maintain safe

control of your vehicle. Failure to follow these warn-

ings can result in a collision and death or serious

personal injury.

• The ACC system:

• Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehicles,

and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped vehicle in a

traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).

• Cannot take street, traffic, and weather conditions

into account, and may be limited upon adverse sight

distance conditions.

• Does not always fully recognize complex driving

conditions, which can result in wrong or missing

distance warnings.

• Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while

following a target vehicle and hold the vehicle for

approximately two seconds in the stop position. At

this point, there will be an “ACC may cancel soon”

chime and warning to the driver. When ACC is

cancelled, the system will release the brakes and the

driver must take over braking. The system can be

resumed when the target vehicle drives off by

releasing the brake and pushing the resume button

on the steering wheel.

You should switch off the ACC system:
• When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,

heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (i.e., in

highway construction zones).

• When entering a turn lane or highway off ramp; when

driving on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered,

slippery, or have steep uphill or downhill slopes.

• When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
• When circumstances do not allow safe driving at a

constant speed.

WARNING! (Continued)

5

290 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation

The speed control buttons (located on the right side of the

steering wheel) operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

NOTE:

Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to the

vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive Cruise

Control and Forward Collision Warning System.

Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above

0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph

(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the

instrument cluster display will read “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will

read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:

You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE or

NEUTRAL.

• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
• When the brakes are overheated.

1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button

2 — Distance Button

STARTING AND OPERATING

291

• When the driver door is open at low speed.
• When the driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speed.
• ESC Full-Off Mode is active.

To Activate/Deactivate

Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off

button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster displays

“ACC Ready.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive Cruise

Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the system

will turn off and the instrument cluster display will show

“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Off

WARNING!

Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system on

when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set

the system or cause it to go faster than you want. You

could lose control and have a collision. Always leave the

system off when you are not using it.

5

292 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Set A Desired ACC Speed

When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET (-)

button and release. The instrument cluster display will show

the set speed.
If the system is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph

(32 km/h), the set speed shall be defaulted to 20 mph

(32 km/h). If the system is set when the vehicle speed is

above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current

speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:

ACC cannot be set if there is a stationary vehicle in front of

your vehicle in close proximity.
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, after the ACC

has been set. If you do not, the vehicle may continue to accel-

erate beyond the set speed. If this occurs:
• The message “ACC DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in

the instrument cluster display.

• The system will not be controlling the distance between

your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will

only be determined by the position of the accelerator

pedal.

To Cancel

The following conditions cancel the system:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC (cancel) button is pushed.
• An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event occurs.
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control System

(ESC/TCS) activates.

• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• Driver seatbelt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.
• A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over-

heated).

STARTING AND OPERATING

293

To Turn Off

The system will turn off and clear the set speed in memory if:
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is

pushed.

• The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button is

pushed.

• The ignition is turned OFF.
• You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.

To Resume

If there is a set speed in memory push the RES (+) button and

then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The instru-

ment cluster display will display the last set speed.
NOTE:
• If your vehicle stays at standstill for longer than two

seconds, the driver will have to push the RES (+) button to

reengage the ACC to the existing set speed.

• ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle

in-front of your vehicle in close proximity.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed
While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by pushing

the RES (+) button.
The speed increment shown is dependant on the chosen

speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in an increase of 1 mph.

WARNING!

The Resume function should only be used if traffic and

road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is too

high or too low for prevailing traffic and road conditions

could cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate too

sharply for safe operation. Failure to follow these

warnings can result in a collision and death or serious

personal injury.

5

294 STARTING AND OPERATING

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase in 5 mph increments until the button

is released. The increase in set speed is reflected in the

instrument cluster display.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase in 10 km/h increments until the

button is released. The increase in set speed is reflected in

the instrument cluster display.

To Decrease Speed
While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by pushing

the SET (-) button.
The speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen

speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in a decrease of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease in 5 mph increments until the button

is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in the

instrument cluster display.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button

results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease in 10 km/h increments until the

button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in

the instrument cluster display.

NOTE:
• When you override and push the RES (+) button or SET (-)

buttons, the new set speed will be the current speed of the

vehicle.

• When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if the

engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi-

ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will auto-

matically slow the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

295

• The ACC system decelerates the vehicle to a full stop when

following a target vehicle. If an ACC host vehicle follows a

target vehicle to a standstill, after two seconds the driver

will either have to push the RES (+) button, or apply the

accelerator pedal to reengage the ACC to the existing set

speed.

• The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up hill

and down hill. However, a slight speed change on

moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may

occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This

is normal operation and necessary to maintain set speed.

When driving up hill and down hill, the ACC system will

cancel if the braking temperature exceeds normal range

(overheated).

Setting The Following Distance In ACC

The specified following distance for ACC can be set by

varying the distance setting between four bars (longest),

three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short).

Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC calcu-

lates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance

setting displays in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Setting 4 Bars (Longest)

5

296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Distance Setting 3 Bars (Long)

Distance Setting 2 Bars (Medium)

STARTING AND OPERATING

297

Distance Setting 1 Bar (Short)

The system automatically defaults to the longest distance

setting. To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance

Button and release. Each time the button is pushed, the

distance setting decreases by one bar. Once the shortest

setting is reached, if the button is pushed again it will reset

to the default setting (longest).
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the set

speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same

lane, the instrument cluster displays the “Sensed Vehicle

Indicator” icon, and the system adjusts vehicle speed auto-

matically to maintain the distance setting, regardless of the

set speed.

The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
• The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set

speed.

• The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the

sensor.

• The distance setting is changed.
• The system disengages. (Refer to the information on ACC

Activation).

The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,

the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if neces-

sary.
NOTE:

The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system

applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts

that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain

the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE” will

flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will

sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking

capacity.

5

298 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake Alert

NOTE:

The “Brake!” Screen in the instrument cluster display is a

warning for the driver to take action and does not necessarily

mean that the Forward Collision Warning system is

applying the brakes autonomously.
Trailer Detect — If Equipped
When a trailer is detected, the ACC system automatically

defaults to the longest setting (four bars). The setting can be

overridden by pushing the Distance Button on the steering

wheel.

Overtake Aid

When driving with ACC engaged and following a vehicle,

the system will provide an additional acceleration up to the

ACC set speed to assist in passing the vehicle. This addi-

tional acceleration is triggered when the driver utilizes the

left turn signal and will only be active when passing on the

left hand side.

ACC Operation At Stop

In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a

standstill while following a target vehicle, if the target

vehicle starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle

coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion

without the need for any driver action.
If the target vehicle does not start moving within two

seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, then ACC will

cancel and the driver must take over braking. When the

target vehicle drives off, ACC can be resumed by releasing

the brake and pushing the RES (+) button.

STARTING AND OPERATING

299

NOTE:

After the ACC system holds your vehicle at a standstill for

approximately two seconds, a chime will sound and an

“ACC may cancel soon” warning will display. The brakes

will release when ACC is cancelled and the driver must take

over braking.
While ACC is holding your vehicle at a standstill, if the

driver seatbelt is unbuckled or the driver door is opened, the

parking brake will be activated, and the ACC system will be

cancelled.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu

The instrument cluster display will show the current ACC

system settings. The instrument cluster display is located in

the center of the instrument cluster. The information it

displays depends on ACC system status.

Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button

(located on the steering wheel) until one of the following

appears in the instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive

Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has not

been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise

Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the RES (+) or the SET(-) button (located on the

steering wheel) is pushed, the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the instrument

cluster display.

WARNING!

When the ACC system is resumed, the driver must

ensure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles or objects

in the path of the vehicle. Failure to follow these

warnings can result in a collision and death or serious

personal injury.

5