electronic ignition Ram 1500 2016 Owner's Guide

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. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and
sixth gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation) to select a lower gear range. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear range will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup.
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selected. 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 dam-
aging 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 switch 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 recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (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 4 (fourth gear), the transmis-
sion 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 shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
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NOTE:
•If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, then the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator light
is ON, until all requirements have been met.
•The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, the shift will not take place and no position
indicator lights will be on or flashing.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD AUTO)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
Transfer Case Switch (Five–Position)
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button once from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes
below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will begin
to lower. If the vehicle speed remains between 15 mph
(24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60
seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be cancelled. To
return to Normal Height Mode, push the “Up” button
once while in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over
15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an EVIC/DID mes-
sage will be displayed when this occurs. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your
key fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “A Word About
Your Keys” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.•When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors,
must be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be completed
until the open door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into on-
coming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the
vehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
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CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors,
must be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be completed
until the open door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into on-
coming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of thevehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the
air suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure
a proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling
to be disabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
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system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control system (EBC). This system includes Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and Electronic Roll Mitigation
(ERM). These systems work together to enhance both
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions.Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting
braking pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent
overslip of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability,
and to prevent the rear axle from entering ABS before the
front axle.
Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the brake system
is not functioning properly and that immediate service is
required. If the “Brake System Warning Light” does not
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come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically prevents
wheel lock, and enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the
ABS is working properly each time the vehicle is started
and driven. During this self-check you may hear a slight
clicking sound as well as some related motor noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the system detects
one or more wheels begins to lock. Road conditions such
as ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris,
or panic stops may increase the likelihood of ABS activa-
tion(s).You also may experience the following when ABS acti-
vates:
•The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
•Brake pedal pulsations.
•A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
(Continued)
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If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will no longer flash, and theSERVICE TPMSYSTEMmessage will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
•Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as
the TPM sensors.
•Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains
materials that may block radio wave signals.
•Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
•Using tire chains on the vehicle.
•Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
Tire Pressure Monitor Display
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SYSTEMmessage for a minimum of five seconds and
then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.
•For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will
sound, the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC/
DID will display aSERVICE TPM SYSTEMmessage
for a minimum of five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.
•Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the non matching
full size spare or compact spare, the TPMS will update
automatically. In addition, the TPM Telltale Light will
turn OFF and the graphic in the EVIC/DID will
display a new pressure value instead of dashes (- -), as
long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. Thevehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) 3500
Series Trucks
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure
Information System (TPIS).
The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) uses wire-
less technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sen-
sors to transmit tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to
each wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
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The TPIS consists of the following components:
•Receiver module
•Four TPM sensors (Single Rear Wheel (SRW) applica-
tions)
•Six TPM sensors (Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) applica-
tions)
•Pressure display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID)
The TPIS system will display all four (Single Rear Wheel
(SRW) applications) or six (Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)
applications) tire pressure values in the EVIC/DID dis-
play.
If a system fault is detected, the EVIC/DID will display a
SERVICE TPM SYSTEMmessage for a minimum of five
seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value to indicate which sensor is not being
received.If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, theSERVICE TPM SYSTEMmessage
will no longer be displayed, and a pressure value will
display in place of the dashes. A system fault can occur
due to any of the following:
•Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as
the TPM sensors.
•Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains
materials that may block radio wave signals.
•Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
•Using tire chains on the vehicle.
•Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
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