ECO mode Ram 1500 2016 Workshop Manual

•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four -
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four -
wheel drive will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is
engaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy
than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the frontand rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by pushing the button located on the lower left hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD,
4LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
534 STARTING AND OPERATING

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)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four-
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheeldrive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is en-
gaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy than
the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 539

NOTE:The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph
(100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h).
•Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
•Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 in [26 mm])– This position should be the primary
position for all off-road driving until Off Road 2 (OR2)
is needed. A smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while the vehicle speed is below
35 mph (56 km/h). When in the OR1 position, if the
vehicle speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the vehiclewill be automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1
may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
EVIC/DID message will be displayed when this oc-
curs. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
•Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approximately
2 in [51 mm])– This position is intended for off-
roading use only where maximum ground clearance is
required. To enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice
from the NRH position or once from the OR1 position
while vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While
in OR2, if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the vehicle height will be automatically lowered to
OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be available due to vehicle
payload, an EVIC/DID message will be displayed
546 STARTING AND OPERATING

when this occurs. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
•If the vehicle is in OFFROAD1 or OFFROAD2 setting,
be aware of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and vehicle dam-
age may occur.
•Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in
[15 mm])– This position provides improved aerody-
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will
automatically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle
will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehiclespeed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph
(56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) when
equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or your Uconnect Radio
when equipped with UConnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately 2
in [51 mm])– This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the
rear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the “Down”
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 547

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.
548 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph
(100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h).
•Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
•Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 in
[26 mm])– This position is intended for off-roading
use only where maximum ground clearance is re-
quired. To enter OR, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h). While in OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automati-
cally lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available
due to vehicle payload, an EVIC/DID message will bedisplayed when this occurs. Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver Information
Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
•Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in
[15 mm])– This position provides improved aerody-
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will
automatically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle
will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehicle
558 STARTING AND OPERATING

speed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph
(56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:Speed thresholds for raising the vehicle only
apply if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled.
•To enter Aero Mode manually push the down button
once from NRH at any vehicle speed. To return to
NRH push the up button once while vehicle speed is
less than 56 mph (90 km/h).
NOTE:Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings on your Uconnect Radio when equipped
with UConnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately 3
in [73 mm])– This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering therear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the “Down”
button twice 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
twice 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 559

•Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illumi-
nated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/
Exit mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h).
If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator
lamp 4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is
achieved at which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
•Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Tire/Jack Mode – indicator lamps 3 and 6 will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Wheel Alignment Mode – indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is dis-
abled by driving the vehicle.AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front
and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,
mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the
wheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming
stuck. The locking front and rear differentials should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situa-
tions where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with
the ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle
with the differentials locked on pavement due to the
reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.
CAUTION!
•Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced
(Continued)
564 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the
axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.
•Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is
stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR LOCK. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the switch should be left in the AXLE
UNLOCK position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the
front and rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK
position, the rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR
LOCK position, the front and rear axles are locked.NOTE:Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to
“Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information. Move the axle locker switch
position to REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on when the
rear axle is locked.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 565

The switch has two positions; On-Road and Off-Road. The
system is normally in the On-Road mode, indicated by a
solid green light. The stabilizer/sway bar should remain in
the On-Road mode during normal driving conditions.
WARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h), you may lose control of the vehicle, which
could result in serious injury or death. The front
stabilizer bar enhances vehicle stability and assists in
maintaining control of the vehicle. The system moni-
tors vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the
stabilizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is
indicated by a flashing off road light and solid on
road light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below
14 mph (22 km/h), the system will attempt to return to
the Off-Road mode.To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI
or 4LO as shown in “Four Wheel Drive Operation” and
press the right hand Off Road stabilizer/sway bar button
to obtain the Off-Road position. The amber indicator
light will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been
fully disconnected.
NOTE:The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; press the left hand On
Road stabilizer/sway bar button.
568 STARTING AND OPERATING