automatic transmission Ram 1500 2013 Owner's Guide

4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating the
vehicle on dry pavement. Driveline hardware dam-
age can result.
Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted Transfer
Case
2H To 4H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With thevehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H Or 4H To 4L
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
•
Pausing in transfer case NEUTRAL in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL, hold foot on brake, and
turn the engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.
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AUTO or 4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2WD
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto Range - This range sends power
to the rear wheels. The four–wheel drive system will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road conditions.
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WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a roll over, which may result in
severe injury or death.
• Driving Down Hill – Before driving down a steep hill
you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe
descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there
obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty of
distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the
vehicle descends too fast? If you feel confident in your
ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low
Range) with the transmission in first gear (manually
select first gear on automatic transmissions) and pro-
ceed with caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not
allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured or killed.
• Driving Across An Incline – If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places
more weight on the down hill wheels, which increases
the possibilities of a down hill slide or rollover. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable
soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
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FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
– IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release
handle. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will illuminate.Parking Brake Release
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•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
7%), with a loaded vehicle or while pulling a trailer
where the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, which could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.
The system will only work if the intended direction of the
vehicle and vehicle gear match. For example, if the
intended direction is forward up a hill and the vehicle is
in DRIVE and the activation criteria are met, HSA will
activate. The system will work in REVERSE and all forward gears,
and will not activate if the vehicle is placed in NEU-
TRAL.
Towing And Hauling With HSA
The HSA system does not know if your vehicle is loaded
or towing a trailer unless the TOW/HAUL switch, lo-
cated on the center stack, is selected. When activated, the
“TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information. In
order to accommodate the extra weight entailed under
towing and hauling conditions and to increase driver
comfort while launching on a hill, the system recognizes
when the TOW/HAUL switch is activated and compen-
sates by releasing brake pressure at a slower rate while
throttle is applied in order to prevent the vehicle from
rolling down the hill.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to a 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) without added equipment or alterations to
the standard equipment.
Ram 1500 4x2
STSLT/OutdoorsmanSport/Laramie
3.6L V-6
8–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
Max Payload: 1,910 lbs (866 kg) Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
Max Payload: 1,890 lbs (857 kg) –
4.7L V-8
6–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,700 lbs (3 492 kg)
Max Payload: 1,750 lbs (793 kg) Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,700 lbs (3 492 kg)
Max Payload: 1,720 lbs (780 kg) –
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STSLT/OutdoorsmanSport/Laramie
5.7L HEMI®
V-8 6–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,450 lbs
(4 740 kg)
Max Payload: 1,710 lbs (775 kg) Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,450 lbs
(4 740 kg)
Max Payload: 1,690 lbs (766 kg)Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,300 lbs
(4 672 kg)
Max Payload: 1,550 lbs
(703 kg)
Ram 1500 4x4
ST
SLT/OutdoorsmanSport/Laramie
3.6L V-6
8–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 6,300 lbs
(2 857 kg)
Max Payload: 1,930 lbs (875 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 6,250 lbs
(2 834 kg)
Max Payload: 1,900 lbs (861 kg) –5
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STSLT/OutdoorsmanSport/Laramie
4.7L V-8
6–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,500 lbs
(3 401 kg)
Max Payload: 1,570 lbs (712 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 7,450 lbs
(3 379 kg)
Max Payload: 1,530 lbs (694 kg) –
5.7L HEMI® V-8 6–Speed Automatic
Transmission Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,350 lbs (4 694 kg)
Max Payload: 1,480 lbs (671 kg) Standard Towing: 5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,300 lbs (4 672 kg)
Max Payload: 1,450 lbs (657 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,050 lbs (4 558 kg)
Max Payload: 1,380 lbs (625 kg)
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Ram 2500 And 3500
STSLT/Outdoorsman/Sport Laramie
5.7L HEMI®
V-8 6–Speed
Automatic
Transmission Max Towing: 10,100 lbs
(4 581 kg)
Max Payload: 1,780 lbs (807 kg)
Max Towing: 12,300 lbs
(5 579 kg)
Max Payload: 3,120 lbs
(1 415 kg) –
NOTE: For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
• http://www.ramtrucks.com
• http://www.ramtruck.ca (Canada)
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include an adaptive drive strategy
to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shiftingdoes occur while in DRIVE, select
“TOW/HAUL” mode or select a lower gear using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) switches.
NOTE:Using “TOW/HAUL” mode or a lower gear
range while operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build
up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
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