2020 Ram Roll Down Windows With Remote
Okay, picture this: It's a scorching summer day. The kind of day where even thinking about touching your car door handle makes you sweat. I’m talking fry-an-egg-on-the-dashboard kinda hot. I was heading to a barbecue, and I knew my black leather seats were going to be like, well, the surface of the sun. I'd parked in direct sunlight, because, naturally, the only shady spot was occupied by a Smart Car. (No offense to Smart Car owners, but... priorities, people!). I approached my Ram 1500, ready to commit to the awkward dance of trying to cool down the seats with my hands before actually sitting. But then… a friend, seeing my plight, smugly pressed a button on his key fob. My jaw literally dropped. His Ram's windows rolled down automatically. He looked at me and just said, "Welcome to the future, buddy."
Now, before you start yelling at your screen – "My Ram doesn't do that!" – let's dive into the fascinating world of 2020 (and sometimes other model years) Ram roll-down windows via remote start. It’s not as widespread or as intuitively obvious as, say, cruise control, but it's a real thing, and it can seriously improve your summer driving experience. And let’s be honest, who doesn't want a cooler car on a hot day?
The Mystery of the Magical Windows: Decoding the Feature
This feature, often lurking quietly within your Ram’s settings, is essentially a ventilation hack designed to combat the dreaded "car sauna" effect. When activated, it allows you to remotely roll down the front windows (and potentially the sunroof, if equipped) *before* you even reach your vehicle. Pretty neat, right?
Is it a Standard Feature? Prepare for Disappointment (Maybe)
Here's the catch: it's not standard on every 2020 Ram. That's right, just because your neighbor’s truck does it, doesn't automatically mean yours will. (Life’s unfair, I know. Tell me about it!). It's often tied to specific trim levels (Limited, Laramie Longhorn sometimes) and/or optional packages. Think of it as a hidden perk, a little something extra for those who splurged (or got lucky!). And the other thing is that there might be other trim levels that support this. You really have to get in there and see.
How to Check if Your Ram Has the Feature: A Detective's Guide
So, how do you determine if *your* trusty Ram possesses this secret power? Here are a few investigative avenues to explore:
- The Owner's Manual: Your first port of call should be the holy grail of vehicle information: your owner's manual. Buried deep within its pages, you *might* find mention of this feature. Search for keywords like "remote window vent," "remote ventilation," or "express down windows (remote)." Don’t just glance through it, REALLY READ it.
- Uconnect Settings: Your Ram's infotainment system (Uconnect) is another place to check. Navigate through the settings menus. Look for options related to "remote start," "power doors & locks," or "comfort & convenience." The specific menu names may vary slightly depending on your Uconnect version, but the general idea is to hunt for anything remotely related to remote window control.
- The Key Fob Dance: This is where things get interesting. Some Rams require a specific sequence of button presses on the key fob to activate the remote window down feature. (Think of it like a secret handshake for your truck). Here's the most common sequence to try:
- Press the Lock button.
- Press and HOLD the Remote Start button (usually the circular arrow symbol) for about 5 seconds.
- While *still holding* the Remote Start button, press the Unlock button.
- Ask the Dealer: When all else fails, a trip to your local Ram dealership might be in order. A service advisor can check your vehicle's build sheet (a detailed list of factory-installed options) to confirm whether or not your Ram came with the remote window down capability.
- Online Forums: Ram owners are a passionate bunch! Online forums dedicated to Ram trucks are treasure troves of information. Search for threads discussing remote window features, and you might find tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice specific to your model year and trim level. (Warning: proceed with caution – internet advice can sometimes be… questionable. Always double-check information from unofficial sources).
Why Isn't It Working? Potential Culprits and Solutions
Okay, so you've confirmed (or strongly suspect) that your Ram *should* have this feature, but it's stubbornly refusing to cooperate. Don't throw your key fob against the wall just yet. Here are some common reasons why the remote window down might not be working, along with potential solutions:
- Disabled in Uconnect: As mentioned earlier, the feature might be disabled in your Uconnect settings. Double-check those menus to ensure it's turned on.
- Low Key Fob Battery: A weak battery in your key fob can sometimes interfere with its functionality. Try replacing the battery to see if that resolves the issue. (It’s a cheap fix, so worth a shot!).
- Faulty Window Motors: In rare cases, a faulty window motor or regulator could prevent the windows from responding to the remote command. If your windows are behaving erratically even when using the regular window switches, this might be the culprit.
- Software Glitches: Electronic gremlins are a fact of life in modern vehicles. A software glitch could be preventing the remote window function from working properly. A visit to the dealership for a software update might be necessary.
- Aftermarket Accessories: If you've installed any aftermarket accessories (e.g., remote start systems, alarms), they could be interfering with the factory remote window functionality. Try temporarily disconnecting these accessories to see if that resolves the issue.
- Hood Ajar: This seems strange, but some systems prevent the remote start (and related features) from working if the system thinks your hood is not closed properly. Just double check.
The Benefits of Remote Window Down: More Than Just Cool Air
While the primary benefit of remote window down is undoubtedly a cooler cabin on a hot day, there are other advantages to consider:
- Reduced Odor Buildup: Letting the windows down before you get in can help to ventilate stale air and unpleasant odors (gym socks, anyone?).
- Decreased Interior Temperature: Even a few degrees of temperature reduction can make a significant difference in comfort, especially on scorching days.
- Added Security: In some situations, remotely venting the windows can deter potential thieves by making it clear that the vehicle is not unoccupied and baking in the sun. (Though, admittedly, this is a minor benefit).
- Impressing Your Friends: Let’s be honest, rolling down your windows with a key fob is pretty cool. It's a subtle flex that says, "Yeah, my truck has this. What does yours do?" (Use this power responsibly!).
Beyond Roll-Down: Other Cool Ram Remote Features
While we're on the subject of remote features, it's worth noting that many Ram trucks offer other cool functionalities that can be controlled via the key fob or the Uconnect app:
- Remote Start: The most obvious one, but still worth mentioning. Remotely starting your engine allows you to warm up or cool down the cabin before you get in.
- Remote Door Lock/Unlock: Handy for those moments when you're not sure if you locked the doors (we've all been there).
- Remote Tailgate Release: Some Ram models offer a remote tailgate release, which can be convenient when your hands are full.
- Panic Alarm: A standard feature on most key fobs, the panic alarm can be useful for attracting attention in an emergency.
- Uconnect App Integration: Through the Uconnect app, you can control many of these features from your smartphone, even when you're not near your vehicle. (Requires a subscription, though).
- Locate Vehicle: With the Uconnect app, you can find your vehicle's location on a map, which can be helpful in crowded parking lots.
Final Thoughts: Is the Remote Window Feature Worth the Hype?
So, is the 2020 Ram remote window down feature a game-changer? Well, it depends. If you live in a hot climate, it's definitely a nice-to-have feature that can significantly improve your summer driving experience. But, honestly, it's not something I'd buy a whole new truck for. If you have it, great! If not, it's not the end of the world.
The real takeaway here is that modern vehicles are packed with hidden features and functionalities that many owners are simply unaware of. Take some time to explore your Ram's settings, read the owner's manual, and join online communities to discover all the hidden gems your truck has to offer. You might be surprised at what you find!
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go try that secret key fob sequence on my wife's minivan... Wish me luck!