2023 RAM 1500 Lights and Wipers Quick Guide

Introduction

A tough and adaptable pickup truck with a reputation for combining power, style, and cutting-edge technology is the 2023 RAM 1500. The lighting and wiper systems, among its many other features, are intended to improve safety, visibility, and convenience whether you’re on or off the road. The 2023 RAM 1500 often has cutting-edge LED headlights that offer superb illumination. These headlights provide a distinct, strong beam of light that enhances visibility at night and boosts energy economy. LED taillights are frequently installed on the back of trucks to improve visibility for motorists following you and give the vehicle a more contemporary and recognizable appearance. To increase road safety in bad weather, such as dense fog or torrential rain, several RAM 1500 grades come equipped with fog lights. The RAM 1500 comes equipped with DRLs as standard equipment. These lights improve your truck’s visibility throughout the day so that other drivers can see you more easily.

The RAM 1500 frequently provides programmable interior ambient lighting, enabling you to customize the atmosphere within the vehicle. To suit your preferences, a variety of colors and intensities are available. A lot of RAM 1500 models come with rain-sensing wipers, which automatically change their speed depending on the amount of rainfall, giving drivers the best visibility possible when it’s raining. In colder regions, heated wiper blades can aid in preventing snow and ice accumulation, ensuring that your wipers continue to operate properly in icy circumstances. If your RAM 1500 has a rear window, it might also have a rear wiper to keep the rear windshield visible. This is crucial for trucks with extended cabs or SUV-style trucks. These are a few of the standard components for lights and wipers in contemporary pickup trucks like the RAM 1500. However, I advise consulting official sources or contacting a RAM dealership for the most precise and recent information for specific characteristics and the most recent features offered in the 2023 RAM 1500 model.

EXTERIOR LIGHTS

HEADLIGHT SWITCH
The headlight switch is located on the left side of the instrument panel. This switch controls the operation of the headlights, parking lights, automatic headlights (if equipped), instrument panel light dimming, cargo light/trailer spotter lights (if equipped), and fog lights (if equipped).

Headlight Switch

1. Rotate Headlight Control
2. Push Fog Light Switch
3. Ambient Light Dimmer Control
4. Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
5. Push Cargo Light Switch

Headlight Switch (Vehicles Sold In Canada)

1. Rotate Headlight Control
2. Push Fog Switch
3. Ambient Light Dimmer Control
4. Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
5. Push Cargo Light Switch

NOTE:
Vehicles sold in Canada are equipped with a headlight switch with an AUTO and ON detent but without an OFF detent. Headlights will be deactivated when the headlight switch is placed in the parking lights position. However, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) will be activated along with the front and rear marker lights. The DRLs may be deactivated when the parking brake is engaged.
To turn on the headlights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise. When the headlight switch is on, the parking lights, taillights, license plate light and instrument panel lights are also turned on. To turn off the headlights, rotate the headlight switch back to the O (off) position.

NOTE:
For vehicles sold in Canada, rotate the headlight switch clockwise from the parking lights and instrument panel lights position to the first detent to turn on headlights, parking lights, and instrument panel lights. Rotate the headlight switch to the second detent for the AUTO position.

CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.

NOTE

1. Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight and fog light (if equipped) lenses that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass lights. Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
2. To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed by rinsing.

MULTIFUNCTION LEVER
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the steering column.

Multifunction Lever

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS)
The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) come on whenever the engine is running, and the low beams are not on. The lights will remain on until the ignition is placed in the OFF or ACC position, or the parking brake is engaged.

NOTE:

1. For vehicles sold in Canada, the Daytime Running Lights will automatically deactivate when the front fog lights are turned on.
2. If allowed by law in the country in which the vehicle was purchased, the Daytime Running Lights can be turned on and off using the Uconnect system.
3. On some vehicles, the Daytime Running Lights may deactivate, or reduce intensity, on one side of the vehicle (when a turn signal is activated on that side), or on both sides of the vehicle (when the hazard warning lights are activated).

HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument panel to switch the headlights to high beams. Pulling the multifunction lever back will turn the low beams on.

AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM HEADLAMP CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control system provides increased forward lighting at night by automating high beam control through the use of a camera mounted on the inside rearview mirror or a windshield mounted camera. These cameras detect vehicle specific light and automatically switch from high beams to low beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.

NOTE:

1. The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control can be turned on or off by selecting “ON” under “Auto Dim High Beams” within your Uconnect Settings, as well as turning the headlight switch to the AUTO position.
2. Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle). Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions on the windshield or camera lens will cause the system to function improperly.
3. If the windshield or Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control mirror is replaced, the mirror must be re-aimed to ensure proper performance. See a local authorized dealer.
4. To opt out of the Advanced Auto High Beam Sensitivity Control (default) and enter Reduced High Beam Sensi-tivity Control (not recommended), toggle the high beam lever six full on/off cycles within 10 seconds of placing the ignition in the ON position. The system will return to the default setting upon placing the ignition in the OFF position.

FLASH-TO-PASS
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward you. This will cause the high beam headlights to turn on, and remain on, until the lever is released.

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS — IF EQUIPPED

This system automatically turns the headlights on or off according to ambient light levels. To turn the system on, rotate the headlight switch to the AUTO position.
When the system is on, the Headlight Delay feature is also on. This means the headlights will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you place the ignition into the OFF position. To turn the automatic headlights off, turn the headlight switch out of the AUTO position.

NOTE:
The engine must be running before the headlights will turn on in the Automatic Mode.

PARKING LIGHTS AND PANEL LIGHTS
To turn on the parking lights and instrument panel lights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise. To turn off the parking lights, rotate the headlight switch back to the O (off) position.
NOTE:
Vehicles sold in Canada are equipped with a headlight switch with an AUTO and ON detent but without an OFF detent. Headlights will be deactivated when the headlight switch is placed in the parking lights position. However, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) will be activated along with the front and rear marker lights. The DRLs may be deactivated when the parking brake is engaged.

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WITH WIPERS

If your vehicle is equipped with Automatic Headlights, it also has this customer-programmable feature. When your headlights are in the automatic mode and the engine is running, they will automatically turn on when the wiper system is on. This feature is programmable through the Uconnect system. If your vehicle is equipped with the Rain Sensing Wiper system, and it is activated, the headlights will automatically turn on after the wipers complete five wipe cycles within approximately one minute. They will turn off approximately four minutes after the wipers completely stop.

NOTE:
When your headlights come on during the daytime, the instrument panel lights will automatically dim to the lower nighttime intensity.

HEADLIGHT DELAY
To assist when exiting the vehicle, the headlight delay feature will leave the headlights on for up to 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is placed in the OFF position while the headlight switch is on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight delay can be canceled by either turning the headlight switch on then off, or by placing the ignition in the ON position.

NOTE:

1. This feature can be programmed through the Uconnect system.
2. The headlight delay feature is automatically activated if the headlight switch is left in the AUTO position when the ignition is placed in the OFF position.

LIGHTS-ON REMINDER
If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights are left on after the ignition is placed in the OFF position, the vehicle will chime when the driver’s door is opened.

FOG LIGHTS — IF EQUIPPED
To activate the front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or low beam headlights and push the fog light switch located within the headlight switch. Pushing the fog light switch a second time will turn the front fog lights off.

Fog Light ButtonFog Light Switch (Vehicles Sold In Canada Only)

The fog lights will operate only when the parking lights are on or when the vehicle headlights are on low beam.
An indicator light located in the instrument cluster will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog lights will turn off when the button is pushed a second time, when the headlight switch is rotated to the O (off) position, or the high beam is selected.
If the fog lights are off, one of the fog lights will illuminate depending on the direction in which the vehicle is turning. This will provide increased visibility while turning, depending on the angle of the steering wheel.

TURN SIGNALS
Move the multifunction lever up or down to activate the turn signals. The arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to show proper operation.

NOTE:

1. If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.
2. For information on Turn Signal Activated Blind Spot Assist,

LANE CHANGE ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
Lightly push the multifunction lever up or down, without moving beyond the detent, and the turn signal will flash three times then automatically turn off.

CARGO LIGHTS/TRAILER SPOTTER LIGHTS/TRAILER HITCH LIGHT WITH BED LIGHTS — IF EQUIPPED
The cargo light, bed lights, trailer spotter lights, and trailer hitch light are turned on by pushing the cargo light button located on the lower half of the headlight switch.

Cargo/Bed Lights Button On Headlight Switch

Cargo/Bed Lights Button On Headlight Switch (Vehicles Sold In Canada)

Cargo Lights

When the vehicle is stationary, these lights can also be turned on using the switch located just inside the pickup box, on the lower part of the bed light lens. A telltale will illuminate in the instrument cluster display when these lights are on. Pushing the switch a second time will turn the lights off.

Bed Light Switch (Without RamBox)

The cargo light and bed lights (if equipped) will turn on for approximately 30 seconds when a key fob unlock button is pushed, as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.
When these lights are activated using the button on the headlight switch the cargo lights, trailer spotter lights, and trailer hitch light will remain illuminated when the vehicle transmission is in PARK, NEUTRAL, or REVERSE. The lights will turn off when the vehicle transmission is placed in DRIVE. When the vehicle is placed in the REVERSE position, the trailer hitch light will turn on automatically. The trailer hitch light will turn off when the vehicle is placed in the DRIVE position.

NOTE:
The bed lights are not affected by gear selection.

NOTE:
For vehicles shipped to or sold in the states of California or Mississippi, the cargo, bed, and mirror spotter lights will not work while the vehicle is in motion. In every other state, the cargo and mirror spotter lights will turn off when the vehicle is in motion, but the bed light will remain on.

BATTERY SAVER
Timers are set to both the interior and exterior lights to protect the life of your vehicle’s battery.
After 10 minutes, if the ignition is OFF and any door is left open or the dimmer control is rotated all the way up to the topmost position, the interior lights will automatically turn off.

NOTE:
Battery saver mode is canceled if the ignition is ON.
The headlights will automatically turn off after eight minutes while the ignition is in the OFF position.

INTERIOR LIGHTS

COURTESY LIGHTS
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the doors are opened or the Dome ON button is pushed on the overhead console. If your vehicle is equipped with Remote Keyless Entry and the unlock button is pushed on the key fob, the courtesy and dome lights will turn on. When a door is open and the interior lights are on, and the Dome Defeat button on the overhead console is pressed, the interior lights will turn off.

Front Map/Reading Lights
The overhead console lights can also be operated individually as reading lights by pushing the corres ponding buttons.

Front Courtesy/Reading Lights

1. Reading Light On/Off Buttons
2. Dome Defeat Button
3. Dome ON Button

Front Courtesy/Reading Lights

1. Driver’s Reading Light On/Off Button
2. Dome Defeat Button
3. Passenger’s Reading Light On/Off Button
4. Dome On Button

Three types of rear courtesy/reading lights are available for your vehicle.

1. Push button on/off
2. Push lens on/off
3. Push round puck lens on/off (if equipped with Dual Pane Sunroof)

NOTE:
The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until the switch is pushed a second time, so be sure they have been turned off before exiting the vehicle. If the interior lights are left on after the ignition is turned off, they will automat-ically turn off after 10 minutes.

Dimmer Controls
The dimmer controls are inboard and adjacent to the headlight switch located on the left side of the instrument panel.

Dimmer Controls

1. Ambient Light Control (If Equipped)
2. Instrument Panel Dimmer Control

Dimmer Controls (Vehicles Sold In Canada Only)

1. Ambient Light Control
2. Instrument Panel Dimmer Control

With the parking lights or headlights on, rotating the instrument panel dimmer control upward will increase the brightness of the instrument panel lights. Rotating the ambient dimmer control will adjust the interior and ambient light levels when the headlights are on.

Dimming Of The Uconnect Touchscreen
The brightness of the Uconnect touchscreen can be dimmed using the instrument panel dimmer control when the parking lights or headlights are on. When Display Mode is set to Auto within the Uconnect system, the brightness will automatically adjust from daytime intensity to nighttime intensity (and vice versa) based on ambient light levels outside of the vehicle.

NOTE:
The brightness of the Uconnect touchscreen cannot be adjusted when the instrument panel dimmer control is rotated to the upper most detent, even when Display Mode is set to Auto within the Uconnect Settings. When Display Mode is set to Manual, the brightness of the Uconnect touchscreen will adjust to the set brightness (1 – 6) when the headlights are either on or off. For more information on these Uconnect Settings,

ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the key fob to unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lamps located beneath the outside mirrors (if equipped). The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds, or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position from the OFF position. The front courtesy overhead console and door courtesy lights will not turn off if the Dome ON button on the overhead console is pushed. The overhead and door courtesy lights will turn off after 10 minutes when the ignition is placed in the OFF position to protect the battery. The illuminated entry system will not operate if the Dome Defeat button on the overhead console is pushed.

NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Illuminated Approach lights under the outside mirrors, they will also be turned off by pushing the Dome Defeat button.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

The windshield wiper/washer controls are located on the multifunction lever on the left side of the steering column. The front wipers are operated by rotating a switch, located on the end of the lever.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever

1. Push End Inward (Hold For Washer Or Short Press For Mist)
2. Rotate For Front Wiper Operation

WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION

Intermittent Wipers
The intermittent feature of this system was designed for use when weather conditions make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause between cycles, desirable. For maximum delay between cycles, rotate the control knob upward to the first detent. The delay interval decreases as you rotate the knob until it enters the low continual speed position. The delay can be regulated from a maximum of about 18 seconds between cycles, to a cycle every one second. The delay intervals will double in duration when the vehicle speed is 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Windshield Washers
To use the windshield washer, push the washer knob, located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward and hold. Washer fluid will be sprayed and the wipers will operate for two to three cycles after the washer knob is released. If the washer knob is pushed while in the delay range, the wipers will operate for several seconds after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer knob is pushed while in the off position, the wipers will turn on and cycle approximately three times after the washer knob is released.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating information can be found on most washer fluid containers.

WARNING
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield could lead to a collision. You might not see other vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of the windshield during freezing weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before and during windshield washer use.

Mist
When a single wipe to clear off road mist or spray from a passing vehicle is needed, push the washer knob, located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward briefly and release. The wipers will cycle one time and automatically shut off.

NOTE:
The mist feature does not activate the washer pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed on the wind-shield. The washer function must be used in order to spray the windshield with washer fluid.
For information on wiper care and replacement,

RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED

This feature senses rain or snowfall on the windshield and automatically activates the wipers. Rotate the end of the multifunction lever to one of four detent positions to activate this feature.
The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted with the multifunction lever. Wiper delay position one is the least sensitive, and wiper delay detent position four is the most sensitive. Wiper delay position three should be used for normal rain conditions. Positions one and two can be used if the driver desires less wiper sensitivity. Position four can be used if the driver desires more sensitivity. Place the wiper switch in the O (off) position when not using the system.

NOTE:

1. The Rain Sensing feature will not operate when the wiper switch is in the low or high-speed position.
2. The Rain Sensing feature may not function properly when ice, or dried salt water is present on the wind-shield.
3. Use of products containing wax or silicone may reduce Rain Sensing performance.
4. The Rain Sensing feature can be turned on and off using the Uconnect system.

The Rain Sensing system has protection features for the wiper blades and arms, and will not operate under the following conditions:

1. Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition is first placed in the ON position, the Rain Sensing system will not operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), or the outside temperature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
2. Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the ignition is ON, and the automatic transmission is in the NEUTRAL position, the Rain Sensing system will not operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), or the gear selector is moved out of the NEUTRAL position.
3. Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles equipped with a Remote Start system, Rain Sensing wipers are not operational when the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full PDF:2023 RAM 1500 Auto User Guide
2023 RAM 1500 Dashboard Warning and Indicator Lights

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