Disclaimer: Not affiliated with or endorsed by RAM Motor Company. For informational purposes only. Full Disclaimer

2020 RAM 2500 Owners Manual - ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF EQUIPPED



ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF EQUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the

driving convenience provided by cruise control while traveling on highways and major road- ways. However, it is not a safety system and not designed to prevent collisions. Speed Control function 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.

 

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) auto- matically 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 main- taining an appropriate 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.

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 func- tion differently. Always confirm which mode is selected.

WARNING!

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a conve- nience system. It is not a substitute for active driving involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions, vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most importantly, brake opera- tion to ensure safe operation of the vehicle under all road conditions. Your complete attention is always required while driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle. Failure to follow these warnings 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).

WARNING! 

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 construc- tion 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.

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

1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button 2 — Distance Button

3 — RES (+)

4 — SET (-)

— CANCEL
— Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control On/Off Button

 

Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica- tions to the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.

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.”

 

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.
When the driver door is open at low speed.
When the driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speed.
Electronic Stability Control (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 “Adap- tive 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.

When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET (-) button and release. The instru- ment 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. 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 accelerate 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.

The following conditions cancel the system:

The brake pedal is applied.
The 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 (overheated).
The trailer brake is applied manually (if equipped).

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 placed in the OFF position.
You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.

If there is a set speed in memory push the RES (+) button and then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster display will display the last set speed. 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.

 

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.

To Vary The Speed Setting While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by pushing the RES (+) button. The speed increment shown is dependent 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 subse- quent tap of the button results in an increase of 1 mph.
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 subse- quent 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.

While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by pushing the SET (-) button.

The speed decrement shown is dependent 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 subse- quent 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 decrements 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 subse- quent 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 decrements until the button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in the instrument cluster display.
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 decel- erate, if the engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to reach the set speed, the brake system will automatically slow the vehicle.
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 uphill and downhill. 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 main- tain set speed. When driving uphill and down- hill, the ACC system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds normal range (over- heated).

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 calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance setting displays in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Setting 4 Bars (Longest)

Distance Setting 3 Bars (Long)

 

Distance Setting 2 Bars (Medium)

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 instru- ment cluster displays the ACC Set With Target Indicator Light, and the system adjusts vehicle speed automatically 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 5

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 “Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in this chapter.

The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however, the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if necessary.

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.

Brake Alert

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.

 

When a trailer is detected, the ACC system auto- matically defaults to the longest setting (four bars). The setting can be overridden by pushing the Distance Button on the steering wheel.

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 additional acceleration is triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and will only be active when passing on the left hand side.

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 stand- still, 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 stand- still, 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.

 

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 canceled 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 ACC system will cancel and the brakes will release. Driver intervention will be required at this moment.

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.

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:

When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”

When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has not been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”

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.

The ACC screen may display once again if any ACC activity occurs, which may include any of the following:

System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off

 

ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning

The instrument cluster display will return to the last display selected after five seconds of no ACC display activity “Wipe Front Radar Sensor In Front Of Vehicle” Warning The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” warning will display and also a chime will indicate when conditions temporarily limit system performance. This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in snow or heavy rain. The ACC system may also become temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt or ice. In these cases, the instrument cluster display will display “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” and the system will deactivate.

The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” message can sometimes be displayed while driving in highly reflective areas (i.e. tunnels with reflective tiles, or ice and snow). The ACC system will recover after the vehicle

 

has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when the radar is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this warning may temporarily occur.

If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” warning is active Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control is still available. For additional information refer to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in this section.

If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should examine the sensor. It may require cleaning or removal of an obstruction. The sensor is located in the camera in the center of the windshield, on the forward side of the rear- view mirror.

To keep the ACC System operating properly, it is important to note the following maintenance items:

Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully clear the windshield.
Do not remove any screws from the sensor. Doing so could cause an ACC system

malfunction or failure and require a sensor realignment.

Do not attach or install any accessories near the sensor, including transparent material or aftermarket grilles. Doing so could cause an ACC system failure or malfunction.

When the condition that deactivated the system is no longer present, the system will return to the “Adaptive Cruise Control Off” state and will resume function by simply reactivating it.

If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the radar sensor realigned at your authorized dealer.
Installing a snow plow, front-end protector, an aftermarket grille or modifying the grille is not recommended. Doing so may block the sensor and inhibit ACC/FCW operation.

The “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” warning will display and also a chime will indicate when conditions temporarily limit system performance. This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in snow or heavy rain and fog. The ACC system may also become temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt, or ice on wind- shield, driving directly into the sun and fog on the inside of glass. In these cases, the instru- ment cluster display will show “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” and the system will have degraded perfor- mance.

The “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” message can sometimes be displayed while driving in adverse weather conditions. The ACC/FCW system will recover after the vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when the camera is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this warning may temporarily occur.

If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should examine the windshield and the camera located on the back side of the inside rearview mirror. They may require cleaning or removal of an obstruction.

When the condition that created limited func- tionality is no longer present, the system will return to full functionality.

 

If the “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the windshield and forward facing camera inspected at your authorized dealer.

If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster displays “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required” or “Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service Required”, there may be an internal system fault or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC functionality. Although the vehicle is still driv- able under normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try acti- vating ACC again later, following an ignition cycle. If the problem persists, see your autho- rized dealer. In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need to intervene. Aftermarket add-ons such as snow plows, lift kits, and brush/grille bars can hinder module performance. Ensure the radar/camera has no obstructions in the field of view. Height modifications can limit module perfor- mance and functionality. Do not put stickers or easy passes over the camera/radar field of view. Any modifications to the vehicle that may obstruct the field ofview of the radar/camera are not recommended. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the cover and block the camera lens. Clean the camera lens with a soft microfiber cloth, being careful not to damage or scratch the module.

ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking. ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system may decrease the vehicle speed and acceleration for stability reasons, with no target vehicle detected. Once the vehicle is out of the curve the system will resume your original set speed. This is a part of normal ACC system func- tionality.

On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.

 

Turn Or Bend Example

When driving on hills, ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane. Depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the steep- ness of the hills, ACC performance may be limited.

ACC Hill Example

ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane in which you are trav- eling. In the illustration shown, ACC has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes and it may not detect the vehicle until it's too late for the ACC system to take action. ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the lane-changing vehicle. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.

Lane Changing Example

Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of the lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they have moved fully into the lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.

Narrow Vehicle Example

ACC does not react to stationary objects and stationary vehicles. For example, ACC will not react in situations where the vehicle you are following exits your lane and the vehicle ahead is stopped in your lane. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.

Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle Example

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 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

 

This device may not cause harmful interfer- ence, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d`Innovation, Science and Economic Develop- ment applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:

l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouil- lage, et
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en comprom- ettre le fonctionnement.

La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos condiciones:

es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no cause interferencia perjudicial y
este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cual- quier interferencia, incluyendo la que pueda causar su operación no deseada.

 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli- ance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

In addition to Adaptive Cruise Control mode, a Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode is available for cruising at fixed speeds. The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode is designed to maintain a set cruising speed

without requiring the driver to operate the accel-

erator. Speed Control can only be operated if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph (32 km/h).

To change between the different control modes, push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button which turns the ACC on and the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control off. Pushing of the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button will result in turning on (changing to) the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode.

WARNING!

In the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode, the system will not react to vehicles ahead. In addition, the proximity warning does not activate and no alarm will sound even if you are too close to the vehicle ahead since neither the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be sure to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Always be aware which mode is selected.

 

Turn the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on. When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push the RES (+) or SET (-) button and release.

Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed. Once a speed has been set a message “CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear indicating what speed was set. This light will turn on when the system is turned on via the on/off control. It turns green when the cruise control is set.

When the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise 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. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for more informa- tion. The speed increment shown is dependent on the speed of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:

U.S. Speed (mph)

Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph increase in set speed. Each subse- quent tap of the button results in an increase of 1 mph.
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 subse- quent 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.

When the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise 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. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for more informa- tion. The speed decrement shown is dependent on the speed of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:

U.S. Speed (mph)

Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph decrease in set speed. Each subse-

quent 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 decrements 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 subse- quent 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 decrements until the button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in the instrument cluster display.

The following conditions will cancel the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control without clearing the memory:

The brake pedal is applied.
The CANCEL button is pushed.
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control System (ESC/TCS) activates.

 

The vehicle parking brake is applied.
The braking temperature exceeds normal range (overheated).
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode.

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).

The system will turn off and erase the set speed in memory if:

The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/ off button is pushed.
The ignition is placed in the OFF position.
You engage Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is pushed.

Download Manual