RAM 3500 Chassis Cab (2021 year). Manual in english — page 9

138

STARTING AND OPERATING

When the parking brake is applied with the

ignition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in

the instrument cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:



When the parking brake is applied and the

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake

Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is

detected, a chime will sound to alert the

driver. Fully release the parking brake before

attempting to move the vehicle.



This light only shows that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake

application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the

front wheels toward the curb on a downhill

grade and away from the curb on an uphill

grade. Apply the parking brake before placing

the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on

the transmission locking mechanism may make

it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.

The parking brake should always be applied

whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE

(ENGINE BRAKING)

The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine

braking) feature is to supply negative (braking)

torque from the engine. Typically, the engine

braking is used for, but not limited to, vehicle

towing applications where vehicle braking can

be achieved by the internal engine power,

thereby sparing the mechanical brakes of the

vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:



Vehicle driving control.



Reduced brake fade.



Longer brake life.



Faster cab warm-up.

WARNING!



Never use the PARK position as a substi

-

tute for the parking brake. Always apply the

parking brake fully when parked to guard

against vehicle movement and possible

injury or damage.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle,

or with access to an unlocked vehicle.

Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child

or others could be seriously or fatally injured.



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil

-

dren, and do not leave 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.



Be sure the parking brake is fully disen

-

gaged before driving; failure to do so can

lead to brake failure and a collision.



Always fully apply the parking brake when

leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause

damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave

the transmission in PARK. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to roll and cause

damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on

with the parking brake released, a brake

system malfunction is indicated. Have the

brake system serviced by an authorized

dealer immediately.

STARTING AND OPERATING

139

The exhaust brake feature will only function

when the driver toggles it on by pushing the

exhaust brake button until the "Exhaust Brake

Indicator" is illuminated. Normal (Full Strength)

exhaust brake mode is indicated by a yellow

"Exhaust Brake Indicator".

Exhaust Brake Switch

Once the "Exhaust Brake Indicator” is

illuminated and the vehicle is moving faster

than 5 mph (8 km/h); the exhaust brake will

automatically operate when the driver removes

pressure from the accelerator pedal. Exhaust

braking is most effective when the engine RPM

is higher. The automatic transmission will

downshift more aggressively in TOW/HAUL

mode when the exhaust brake is enabled to

increase brake performance.

NOTE:

For optimum braking power it is recommended

to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL

mode.

The exhaust brake feature can also be used to

reduce the engine warm-up time. To use the

exhaust brake as a warm-up device, the vehicle

must be stopped or moving less than 5 mph

(8 km/h), the "Exhaust Brake Indicator" must be

on, and the coolant temperature must be below

180°F (82°C) and ambient temperature below

60°F (16°C).

Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake
Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake technology

delivers smoother, less aggressive exhaust

braking characteristics during downhill

descents. Although it can apply full exhaust

braking force if needed, Automatic “Smart”

Exhaust Brake may not apply obvious braking if

the vehicle speed is not increasing. Automatic

“Smart” Exhaust Brake is intended to maintain

vehicle speed, while Full Exhaust Brake is

intended to reduce vehicle speed.
Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake can be

enabled by pushing the exhaust brake button

(on the center stack) again anytime after the

normal Full Exhaust Brake has been turned on.

The “Exhaust Brake Indicator” in the instrument

cluster display will change from Yellow to Green

when Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake is

enabled. Pushing the exhaust brake button

again will toggle the exhaust brake mode to off.

WARNING!

Do not use the exhaust brake feature when

driving in icy or slippery conditions as the

increased engine braking can cause the rear

wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around

with the possible loss of vehicle control, which

may cause an accident possibly resulting in

personal injury or death.

CAUTION!

Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not

recommended and could lead to engine damage

4

140

STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

(Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!



It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or

NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than

idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing

the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel

-

erate quickly forward or in reverse. You

could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear

when the engine is idling normally and your

foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.



The transmission may not engage PARK if

the vehicle is moving. Always bring the

vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to

PARK, and verify that the transmission gear

position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)

without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is

completely stopped, and the PARK position

is properly indicated, before exiting the

vehicle.



Unintended movement of a vehicle could

injure those in or near the vehicle. As with

all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle

while the engine is running. Before exiting a

vehicle, always come to a complete stop,

then apply the parking brake, shift the

transmission into PARK, turn the engine

OFF, and remove the key fob. When the

ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)

position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when

the ignition is in the OFF mode) the trans

-

mission is locked in PARK, securing the

vehicle against unwanted movement.



When leaving the vehicle, always make

sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,

remove the key fob from the vehicle, and

lock the vehicle.



Never use the PARK position as a substi

-

tute for the parking brake. Always apply the

parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle

to guard against vehicle movement and

possible injury or damage.

WARNING!

(Continued)



Your vehicle could move and injure you and

others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to

move the gear selector out of PARK with the

brake pedal released. Make sure the trans

-

mission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. 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 transmis

-

sion gear selector.



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil

-

dren), and do not leave the ignition (in 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.

WARNING!

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

141

I

GNITION

P

ARK

I

NTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park

Interlock which requires the transmission to be in

PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF

mode. This helps the driver avoid inadvertently

leaving the vehicle without placing the

transmission in PARK. This system also locks the

transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in

the OFF mode.

NOTE:

The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when

the ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the

engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission

is in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC

mode) before exiting the vehicle.

B

RAKE

/T

RANSMISSION

S

HIFT

I

NTERLOCK

(BTSI) S

YSTEM

This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that

holds the transmission gear selector in PARK

unless the brakes are applied. For vehicles with

8-speed transmission, to shift the transmission

out of PARK, the engine must be running and

the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake

pedal must also be pressed to shift from

NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the

vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.

For vehicles with 6-speed transmission, to shift

the transmission out of PARK, the ignition must

be in the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not)

and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The BTSI will timeout if brake pedal is pressed

for three minutes or longer continuously while in

park. It can be reset by releasing the brake for

more then three seconds, then reapplying the

brake pedal or cycling the ignition.

E

IGHT

-S

PEED

A

UTOMATIC

T

RANSMISSION

— I

F

E

QUIPPED

The transmission is controlled using a rotary

electronic gear selector located on the

instrument panel. The transmission gear range

(PRND) is displayed both above the gear

selector and in the instrument cluster. To select

a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector.

You must press the brake pedal to shift the

transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when

the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds).

To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such

as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear

selector to the appropriate detent. Select the

DRIVE range for normal driving.

NOTE:

In the event of a mismatch between the gear

selector position and the actual transmission

gear (for example, driver selects PARK while

driving), the position indicator will blink continu

-

ously until the selector is returned to the proper

position, or the requested shift can be

completed.

The electronically-controlled transmission

adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs,

along with environmental and road conditions.

The transmission electronics are self-calibrating;

therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle

may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal

condition, and precision shifts will develop within

a few hundred miles (kilometers).

CAUTION!



Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after

the vehicle has come to a complete stop.



Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,

NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is

above idle speed.



Before shifting into any gear, make sure

your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

4

142

STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE

when the accelerator pedal is released and the

vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on

the brake pedal when shifting between these

gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,

REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions.

Manual downshifts can be made using the

Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.

Pressing the GEAR -/GEAR + switches (on the

steering wheel) while in the DRIVE position will

select the highest available transmission gear,

and will display that gear limit in the instrument

cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc

Ú

page 145. Some

models will display both the selected gear limit,

and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.

Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

Gear Ranges

Do not press the accelerator pedal when

shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another

gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment

to allow the selected gear to engage before

accelerating. This is especially important when

the engine is cold.

PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by

locking the transmission. The engine can be

started in this range. Never attempt to use

PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the

parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this

range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake

before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an

added precaution, turn the front wheels toward

the curb on a downhill grade and away from the

curb on an uphill grade.

NOTE:

On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the

transfer case is in a drive position.

When exiting the vehicle, always:



Apply the parking brake.



Shift the transmission into PARK.



Turn the engine off.



Remove the key fob.

WARNING!



Never use the PARK position as a substi

-

tute for the parking brake. Always apply the

parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle

to guard against vehicle movement and

possible injury or damage.



Your vehicle could move and injure you and

others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to

move the transmission gear selector out of

PARK with the brake pedal released. Make

sure the transmission is in PARK before

exiting the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

143

(Continued)

(Continued)



The transmission may not engage PARK if the

vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a

complete stop before shifting to PARK, and

verify that the transmission gear position

indicator solidly indicates PARK (P) without

blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely

stopped, and the PARK position is properly indi

-

cated, before exiting the vehicle.



It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or

NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than

idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing

the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel

-

erate quickly forward or in reverse. You

could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear

when the engine is idling normally and your

foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

WARNING!

(Continued)



Unintended movement of a vehicle could

injure those in or near the vehicle. As with

all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle

while the engine is running. Before exiting a

vehicle, always come to a complete stop,

then apply the parking brake, shift the

transmission into PARK, and turn the igni

-

tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF

mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,

securing the vehicle against unwanted

movement.



When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob

from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. 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 transmis

-

sion gear selector.

WARNING!

(Continued)



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil

-

dren), and do not leave the ignition in the

ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls,

or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!



DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,

as this can damage the drivetrain.



Before moving the transmission gear

selector out of PARK, you must start the

engine, and also press the brake pedal.

Otherwise, damage to the gear selector

could result.

WARNING!

(Continued)

4

144

STARTING AND OPERATING

The following indicators should be used to

ensure that you have properly engaged the

transmission into the PARK position:



Look at the transmission gear position

display and verify that it indicates the PARK

position (P), and is not blinking.



With brake pedal released, verify that the

gear selector will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.

Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has

come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for

prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply

the parking brake and shift the transmission into

PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and

highway driving. It provides the smoothest

upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel

economy. The transmission automatically

upshifts through all forward gears.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs

(such as when operating the vehicle under

heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,

traveling into strong head winds, or while towing

a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use

the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control

to select a lower gear range

Ú

page 145. Under

these conditions, using a lower gear range will

improve performance and extend transmission

life by reducing excessive shifting and heat

build-up.
During extremely cold temperatures

(-22°F [-30°C] or below), transmission

operation may be modified depending on

engine and transmission temperature as

well as vehicle speed. Normal operation will

resume once the transmission temperature

has risen to a suitable level.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the

ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe

practices that limit your response to changing

traffic or road conditions. You might lose

control of the vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any

other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL

can cause severe transmission damage.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle

Ú

page 350.

For Recreational Towing

Ú

page 215.

STARTING AND OPERATING

145

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored

electronically for abnormal conditions.

If a condition is detected that could result in

transmission damage, Transmission Limp

Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the

transmission may operate only in certain gears,

or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may

be severely degraded and the engine may stall.

In some situations, the transmission may not

re-engage if the engine is turned off and

restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

may be illuminated. A message in the

instrument cluster will inform the driver of the

more serious conditions, and indicate what

actions may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the

transmission can be reset to regain all forward

gears by performing the following steps:

NOTE:

In cases where the instrument cluster message

indicates the transmission may not re-engage

after engine shutdown, perform this procedure

only in a desired location (preferably, at an

authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if

possible. If not, shift the transmission to

NEUTRAL.

3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the

engine turns off.

4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the

problem is no longer detected, the

transmission will return to normal operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we

recommend that you visit an authorized dealer

at your earliest possible convenience. An autho

-

rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to

assess the condition of your transmission.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized

dealer service is required.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation

The ERS shift control allows the driver to

limit the highest available gear when the

transmission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set

the transmission gear limit to FOURTH gear, the

transmission will not shift above FOURTH gear

(except to prevent engine overspeed), but will

shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at

any vehicle speed. When the transmission gear

selector is in DRIVE, the transmission will operate

automatically, shifting between all available

gears. Tapping the GEAR – switch (on the

steering wheel) will activate ERS mode, display

the current gear in the instrument cluster, and

set that gear as the top available gear. Once in

ERS mode, tapping the GEAR – or GEAR + switch

will change the top available gear.

4

146

STARTING AND OPERATING

ERS Control

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the

GEAR + switch until the gear limit display

disappears from the instrument cluster.

When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying

a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission

shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to

activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve

performance and reduce the potential for

transmission overheating or failure due to

excessive shifting.

TOW/HAUL Switch

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in

the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL

mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a

second time restores normal operation. Normal

operation is always the default at engine start-up.

If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be

pushed each time the engine is started.

S

IX

-S

PEED

A

UTOMATIC

T

RANSMISSION

— I

F

E

QUIPPED

Chassis Cab models may use either the

AS66RC or AS69RC transmission (which are

equipped with a Power Take-Off (PTO) access

cover on the side of the transmission case).
The transmission gear position display

(located in the instrument cluster) indicates the

transmission gear range. The gear selector is

mounted on the right side of the steering column.

You must press the brake pedal to move the gear

selector out of PARK

Ú

page 141. Pull the gear

selector toward you when shifting into REVERSE

or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.

1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine

braking on a slippery surface. The drive

wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle

could skid, causing a collision or personal

injury.

WARNING!

Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving

in icy or slippery conditions. The increased

engine braking can cause the rear wheels to

slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the

possible loss of vehicle control, which may

cause an accident possibly resulting in

personal injury or death.

STARTING AND OPERATING

147

(Continued)

The electronically-controlled transmission

provides a precise shift schedule. The

transmission electronics are self-calibrating;

therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle

may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal

condition, and precision shifts will develop

within a few hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE

when the accelerator pedal is released and the

vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on

the brake pedal when shifting between these

gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,

REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions.

Manual downshifts can be made using the

Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.

Pushing the ERS (-/+) switches (on the steering

wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the

highest available transmission gear, and will

display that gear limit in the instrument cluster

as 1, 2, 3, etc

Ú

page 150. Some models will

display both the selected gear limit, and the

actual current gear, while in ERS mode.

Gear Ranges

Do not press the accelerator pedal when

shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another

gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment

to allow the selected gear to engage before

accelerating. This is especially important when

the engine is cold.

PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by

locking the transmission. The engine can be

started in this range. Never attempt to use

PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the

parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this

range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake

before shifting the transmission to PARK,

otherwise the load on the transmission locking

mechanism may make it difficult to move the

gear selector out of PARK. As an added

precaution, turn the front wheels toward the

curb on a downhill grade and away from the

curb on an uphill grade.

NOTE:

On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the

transfer case is in a drive position.

When exiting the vehicle, always:



Apply the parking brake.



Shift the transmission into PARK.



Turn the engine off.



Remove the key fob.

WARNING!



Never use the PARK position as a substi

-

tute for the parking brake. Always apply the

parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle

to guard against vehicle movement and

possible injury or damage.



Your vehicle could move and injure you and

others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to

move the gear selector out of PARK with the

brake pedal released. Make sure the trans

-

mission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.

4

148

STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

The following indicators should be used to

ensure that you have properly engaged the

transmission into the PARK position:



When shifting into PARK, pull the gear

selector toward you and move it all the way

counterclockwise until it stops.



Release the gear selector and make sure it is

fully seated in the PARK gate.



Look at the transmission gear position

display and verify that it indicates the PARK

position (P).



With brake pedal released, verify that the

gear selector will not move out of PARK.



It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or

NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than

idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing

the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel

-

erate quickly forward or in reverse. You

could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear

when the engine is idling normally and your

foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.



Unintended movement of a vehicle could

injure those in or near the vehicle. As with

all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle

while the engine is running. Before exiting a

vehicle, always come to a complete stop,

then apply the parking brake, shift the

transmission into PARK, turn the engine

OFF, and remove the key fob. When the

ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)

position (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when

the ignition is in the OFF mode), the trans

-

mission is locked in PARK, securing the

vehicle against unwanted movement.

WARNING!

(Continued)



When leaving the vehicle, always make

sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,

remove the key fob from the vehicle, and

lock the vehicle.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. 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 transmis

-

sion gear selector.



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil

-

dren), and do not leave the ignition (in 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.

WARNING!

(Continued)

CAUTION!



Before moving the transmission gear

selector out of PARK, you must turn the igni

-

tion to the ON/RUN mode, and also press

the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the

gear selector could result.



DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,

as this can damage the drivetrain.

STARTING AND OPERATING

149

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.

Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has

come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing

for prolonged periods with the engine running.

The engine may be started in this range. Apply

the parking brake and shift the transmission

into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and

highway driving. It provides the smoothest

upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel

economy. The transmission automatically

upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs

(such as when operating the vehicle under

heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,

traveling into strong head winds, or while towing

a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use

the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control

to select a lower gear range

Ú

page 150. Under

these conditions, using a lower gear range will

improve performance and extend transmission

life by reducing excessive shifting and heat

buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal

operating limits, the powertrain controller will

modify the transmission shift schedule and

expand the range of torque converter clutch

engagement. This is done to prevent

transmission damage due to overheating.

If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is

in danger of overheating, the “Transmission

Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and

the transmission may operate differently until

the transmission cools down.

NOTE:

Use caution when operating a heavily loaded

vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer

up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic)

during hot weather. In these conditions, torque

converter slip can impose a significant addi

-

tional heat load on the cooling system. Down

-

shifting the transmission to the lowest possible

gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to

NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can

help to reduce this excess heat generation.

During cold temperatures, transmission

operation may be modified depending on

engine and transmission temperature as well

as vehicle speed. This feature improves

warm-up time of the engine and transmission to

achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of

the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the

transmission fluid is warm

Ú

page 151.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the

ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe

practices that limit your response to changing

traffic or road conditions. You might lose

control of the vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any

other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL

can cause severe transmission damage.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle

Ú

page 350.

For Recreational Towing

Ú

page 215.

4

150

STARTING AND OPERATING

On trucks with AS66RC or AS69RC

transmission, FIFTH and SIXTH gears may

be inhibited briefly on cold starts below

41°F (5°C), and during very cold temperatures

(-4°F [-20°C] or below), operation may briefly

be limited to third gear only. During this

condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate

under heavily loaded conditions may be

reduced. In all cases, normal operation will

resume once the transmission temperature has

risen to a suitable level.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored

electronically for abnormal conditions.

If a condition is detected that could result in

transmission damage, Transmission Limp

Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the

transmission remains in THIRD gear regardless

of which forward gear is selected. If an

AS66RC/AS69RC equipped truck enters Limp

Home Mode at highway speeds, it will initially

engage FIFTH gear, until the vehicle slows to

a speed where THIRD gear can be engaged.

PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to

operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows

the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer

for service without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the

transmission can be reset to regain all forward

gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the

problem is no longer detected, the

transmission will return to normal operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we

recommend that you visit an authorized dealer

at your earliest possible convenience. An autho

-

rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to

assess the condition of your transmission.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized

dealer service is required.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation

The ERS shift control allows the driver to

limit the highest available gear when the

transmission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set

the transmission gear limit to FOURTH gear, the

transmission will not shift above FOURTH gear,

but will shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode

at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is

in the DRIVE position, the transmission will

operate automatically, shifting between all

available gears. Tapping the ERS (-) switch will

activate ERS mode, display the current gear in

the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the

top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping

(-) or (+) will change the top available gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING

151

Electronic Range Select

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS

(+) switch until the gear limit display disappears

from the instrument cluster.

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), simply push and

hold the ERS (-) switch. The transmission will

shift to the range from which the vehicle can

best be slowed down.

Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an

electronically controlled Overdrive (FIFTH and SIXTH

gears). The transmission will automatically shift into

Overdrive if the following conditions are present:



The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.



The transmission fluid has reached an

adequate temperature.



The engine coolant has reached an adequate

temperature.



Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.



The TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.



The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.

Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has

been included in the automatic transmission on

your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter

engages automatically at calibrated speeds.

This may result in a slightly different feeling or

response during normal operation in the upper

gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during

some accelerations, the clutch automatically

disengages.

NOTE:



The torque converter clutch will not engage,

until the transmission fluid and engine

coolant are warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles

(2 to 5 km) of driving). Because engine speed

is higher when the torque converter clutch is

not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis

-

sion is not shifting properly when cold; This is

normal. Using the Electronic Range Select

(ERS) shift control, when the transmission is

sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the

transmission is able to shift into and out of

Overdrive.

1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking

on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could

lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,

causing a collision or personal injury.

CAUTION!

When using ERS for engine braking while

descending steep grades, be careful not to

overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as

needed to prevent engine overspeed.

4

152

STARTING AND OPERATING



If the vehicle has not been driven for several

days, the first few seconds of operation after

shifting the transmission into gear may seem

sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially

draining from the torque converter into the

transmission. This condition is normal and

will not cause damage to the transmission.

The torque converter will refill within

five seconds after starting the engine.

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,

carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent

transmission shifting occurs, push the

TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode.

This will improve performance and reduce the

potential for transmission overheating or failure

due to excessive shifting. When operating in

TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are

delayed, and the transmission will automatically

downshift (for engine braking) when the throttle

is closed and/or during steady braking

maneuvers.

TOW/HAUL Switch

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate

in the instrument cluster to indicate that

TOW/HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing

the switch a second time restores normal

operation. Normal operation is always the

default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is

desired, the switch must be pushed each time

the engine is started.

AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED

There can be up to six auxiliary switches located

in the lower switch bank of the instrument panel

which can be used to power various electronic

devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped,

it will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.

Connections to the switches are found under

the hood in the connectors attached to the

auxiliary Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of

the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster

display. All switches can now be configured for

setting the switch type operation to latching or

momentary, power source of either battery or

ignition, and ability to hold last state across key

cycles.

NOTE:

Holding last state conditions are met when

switch type is set to latching and power source

is set to ignition.

For further information on using the auxiliary

switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builders

Guide by accessing https://www.ramtrucks.com/

ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html and

choosing the appropriate links.

WARNING!

Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving

in icy or slippery conditions. The increased

engine braking can cause the rear wheels to

slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the

possible loss of vehicle control, which may

cause an accident possibly resulting in

personal injury or death.

STARTING AND OPERATING

153

(Continued)

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF

EQUIPPED

Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with

either a manually shifted transfer case or an

electronically shifted transfer case.

E

LECTRONICALLY

S

HIFTED

T

RANSFER

C

ASE

(E

IGHT

S

PEED

T

RANSMISSION

) —

I

F

E

QUIPPED

This is an electronically shifted transfer case

and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch

(Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the

instrument panel.

Four-Position Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case

provides four mode positions:



Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)



Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD High)



Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD Low)



N (Neutral)

For additional information on the appropriate

use of each transfer case mode position, see

the information below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for

normal street and highway driving on dry, hard

surfaced roads.
4WD High
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range

provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages

four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear

wheels to spin at the same speed. This provides

additional traction for loose, slippery road

surfaces only.

4WD Low
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range

provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes

torque (increased torque over 4WD High) to the

front driveshaft, allowing front and rear wheels to

rotate at the same speed. This range provides

additional traction and maximum pulling power

for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not

exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the

front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.

To be used for flat towing behind another

vehicle

Ú

page 214.

WARNING!



You or others could be injured or killed if you

leave the vehicle unattended with the

transfer case in the N (NEUTRAL) position

without first fully engaging the parking brake.

The transfer case N (NEUTRAL) position

disengages both the front and rear drive

shaft from the powertrain, and will allow the

vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in

PARK. The parking brake should always be

applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

4