RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2017 year). Manual — part 1

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new FCA US LLC ve-
hicle. Be assured that it represents precision workmanship,
distinctive styling, and high quality.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists 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.

If applicable, refer to the Diesel Supplement for diesel
related information.

NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it should
be stored in the vehicle for convenient referencing and
remain with the vehicle when sold.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and cares about your
satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the items
of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and illustra-
tions may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the symbols
that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this
Owner’s Manual:

4

INTRODUCTION

1

INTRODUCTION

5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against oper-
ating procedures that could result in a collision, bodily
injury and/or death. It also contains CAUTIONS against
procedures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If
you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss
important information. Observe all Warnings and Cau-
tions.

VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. U.S.
residents refer to the Warranty Information book, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the, “What Is Not Cov-
ered” section of the Warranty Information book. 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 manufacturer should also be
supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions are miss-
ing, please contact your authorized dealer for assistance in
obtaining replacement documents from the applicable
manufacturer.

For information on the Body Builder’s Guide refer to:
www.rambodybuilder.com. This website contains dimen-
sional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It is
intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical sup-
port. For service issues, contact your authorized dealer.

6

INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number 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 vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may
lead to a collision resulting in serious injury or death.

Vehicle Identification Number

1

INTRODUCTION

7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

▫ Ignition Node Module (IGNM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
▫ Keyless Push Button Ignition — If Equipped . . . .12
▫ Key Fob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
▫ Removing Key Fob From Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . .15
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

䡵 SENTRY KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

▫ Replacement Key Fobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
▫ Customer Key Fob Programming . . . . . . . . . . . .18
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

䡵 VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

▫ Rearming Of The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Arm The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

▫ To Disarm The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
▫ Security System Manual Override . . . . . . . . . . . .21

䡵 ILLUMINATED APPROACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
䡵 REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

▫ Remote Unlock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
▫ To Lock The Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
▫ Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock . . . . . . . . . .23
▫ Using The Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ Programming Additional Key Fobs . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ Key Fob Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

䡵 REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . . .27

▫ How To Use Remote Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
▫ Remote Start Abort Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

2

▫ To Enter Remote Start Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
▫ To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

▫ To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

▫ Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped . . .29
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

䡵 DOOR LOCKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

▫ Manual Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . .32
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

䡵 KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO — PASSIVE ENTRY . . . . .34

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

䡵 WINDOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

▫ Power Windows — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

䡵 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . .40

▫ Occupant Restraint Systems Features . . . . . . . . .40
▫ Important Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
▫ Seat Belt Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). . . . . . . . . .54
▫ Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
▫ Transporting Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

䡵 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . .93

▫ Diesel Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

䡵 SAFETY TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

▫ Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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) key fob
and an Ignition Node Module (IGNM). The keyless igni-
tion system consists of a key fob and a Keyless Push Button
Ignition.

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.

Ignition Module

1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

11

Keyless Push Button Ignition — 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 key fob is in the passenger compartment.

The Keyless Push Button Ignition 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 position is START, during start RUN
will illuminate.

NOTE:

In case the ignition switch does not change with

the push of a button, the key fob may have a low or dead
battery. In this situation, a back up method can be used to
operate the ignition switch. Put the nose side (side opposite
of the emergency key) of the key fob against the ENGINE
START/STOP button, with your foot applied on the brake
pedal, and push to operate the ignition switch.

Keyless Push Button Ignition

1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 key fob and an emer-
gency 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 key fob go dead. You can
keep the emergency key with you when valet parking.

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch at
the top 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 access 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.

Remote Keyless Entry Key Fob (IGNM)

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

13

Keyless Push Button Ignition Key Fob — If Equipped

This Keyless Push Button Ignition key fob allows the driver
to operate the ignition switch with the push of a button, as
long as the Remote Keyless Entry key fob is in the
passenger compartment. The Keyless Push Button Ignition
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 position is START,
during start RUN will illuminate. It also contains the
Remote Keyless Entry key fob 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 key fob go dead. You can
keep the emergency key with you when valet parking.

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical 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 access 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.

Remote Keyless Entry Key Fob Keyless Enter-N-Go

14

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Removing Key Fob From Ignition

Place the gear selector 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” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

• For vehicles not equipped with a touchscreen radio,

refer to “Instrument Cluster Display

⬙ in “Understanding

Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

• For vehicles equipped with a touchscreen radio, refer to

“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.

WARNING!

• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic

transmission into PARK or the manual transmission
into REVERSE, apply the parking brake, turn the
vehicle OFF, remove the key fob from the ignition
and lock your vehicle. If equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, always make sure the keyless ignition
node is in “OFF” mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

Key Fob With Remote Keyless Entry (IGNM)

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

15

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children in a
vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. 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.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. 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 children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, 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!

• If your vehicle battery becomes low or dead, your

key fobs will become locked in the ignition.

• Do not attempt to remove the key fobs while in this

condition, damage could occur to the key fobs or
ignition module. Only remove the emergency key for
locking and unlocking the doors.

• Leave the key fobs in the ignition and either:

• Jump Start the vehicle.

• Charge the battery.

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always remove
the key from the ignition and lock all doors when
leaving the vehicle unattended.

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.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

• ⬙Keyed⬙ Ignition systems will chime in OFF or ACC

when the driver door is open.

• “Keyless⬙ Ignition systems will chime in ACC or RUN

when the driver door is open.

• The Instrument Cluster Display will display “Key In

Ignition.”

General Information

The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio
Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and
with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, in-

cluding interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.

NOTE:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved

by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized 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, an Ignition Node Module,
Keyless Push Button Ignition and a RF receiver to prevent
unauthorized 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 placing the keyless ignition
in the ON/RUN position, 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

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

17

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 Key Fobs

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
programmed 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 —

Ignition, always remember to place the ignition in
the OFF position.

NOTE:

Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an

authorized dealer. This procedure consists of programming
a blank key fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank key fob
is one that has never been programmed.

When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys with you to an authorized dealer.

Customer Key Fob Programming

Programming key fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information

The following regulatory statement applies to all radio
frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and
with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, in-

cluding interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.

NOTE:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved

by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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, the
headlights will turn on, the park lamps and/or turn signals
will flash and Vehicle Security Light will flash repeatedly.

For an additional 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 condi-
tion 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 —

Ignition, make sure the vehicle ignition system is

⬙OFF.⬙

• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go —

Ignition, make sure the vehicle ignition system is

⬙OFF⬙ and the key is physically removed from the
ignition.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

19

2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the

vehicle:

• Push 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 (refer to

⬙Keyless Enter-

N-Go — Passive Entry

⬙ in ⬙Things To Know Before

Starting Your Vehicle

⬙ for further information).

• Push the LOCK

button on the key fob.

3. If any doors are open, close them.

The Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Alarm can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:

1. Push the UNLOCK

button on the key fob.

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 —

Passive Entry

⬙ in ⬙Things To Know Before Starting Your

Vehicle

⬙ for further information.

3. Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position.

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go —

Ignition, push the Keyless Ignition

button (re-

quires at least one valid key fob in the vehicle).

• 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 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 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 Security Alarm will

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE