2020 RAM 1500 Owner’s Manual — JUMP STARTING

If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in another vehicle, or by using a portable battery booster pack. Jump starting can be dangerous if done improperly, so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.

NOTE:

When using a portable battery booster pack, follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and precautions.

The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.

NOTE:

The positive battery post may be covered with a protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the posi- tive battery post. Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly

off positive post which has a positive (+) symbol on or

around the post.

Positive Battery Post

Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis- sion into PARK and turn the ignition OFF.

Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.

If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables' reach, apply the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

Connecting The Jumper Cables 6

Jumper Cable Connections

Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

NOTE:

Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off positive post.

Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper cable to the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

Connect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle's engine) away from the battery and the fuel injection system.

Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:

Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

Disconnect the negative (-) end of the jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and charging system inspected at an authorized dealer.