four wheel drive Ram 1500 2018 Owner's Manual

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
Eight-Speed Transmission
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift con-
trol allows the driver to limit the highest
available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmis-
sion gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the trans-
mission will not shift above fourth gear (ex-
cept 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 trans-
mission gear selector is in DRIVE, the trans-
mission 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.To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
GEAR+ switch until the gear limit display
disappears from the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission — 1500 Models
Only (If Equipped)
The transmission gear position display (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) indicates the
transmission gear range. The gear selector is
mounted either on the right side of the steer-
ing column (if equipped) or on the console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to
move the gear selector out of PARK (refer to
“Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System”
in this section). To drive, move the gear
selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward
you when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or
when shifting out of PARK (column shift
only).
The electronically-controlled transmission
provides a precise shift schedule. The trans-
mission 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).
ERS ControlSTARTING AND OPERATING
158

ERS mode, gears 1 though 3 are underdrive
gears, and ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS 5 and 6
(Overdrive gears) are the same as the normal
fourth and fifth gears.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS
mode at any vehicle speed. When the gear
selector is in the DRIVE position, the trans-
mission will operate automatically, shifting
between all available gears. Tapping the ERS
(-) switch (column shift) or tapping the gear
selector to the left (-) (console shift) will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear
in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as
the top available gear. For example, if you are
in DRIVE and are in third (direct) gear, when
you tap the gear selector/switch one time in
the (-) direction, the display will show 4 (ERS
4 is direct gear). Another tap down (-) will
shift the transmission down to ERS 3 (the
added underdrive gear). Once in ERS mode,
tapping (-) or (+) will change the top available
gear.To exit ERS mode, simply hold the gear
selector to the right (+) (console shift) or
press and hold the ERS (+) switch (column
shift) until the gear limit display disappears
from the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
press and hold the gear selector to the left (-)
(console shift) or the ERS (-) switch down
(column shift). The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
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.
Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission — 2500/
3500 Models Only
The transmission gear position display (lo-
cated 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 (refer to
“Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System”
in this section for further information). To
ERS Control
STARTING AND OPERATING
160

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS
mode at any vehicle speed. When the gear
selector is in the DRIVE position, the trans-
mission 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.
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
ERS (+) switch until the gear limit display
disappears from the instrument cluster.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
push and hold the ERS (-) switch. The trans-
mission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
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.
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. Re-
fer to the operating instructions for elec-
tronic transfer case, located in this section
for further information.
• For further information on the manually shifted transfer case, refer to “Four Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” in your Owner’s Manual.
Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case (Four-Position Switch) — If
Equipped
The electronic shift transfer case is operated
by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case
Switch), which is located on the instrument
panel.Column Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING
162

This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides four mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
•
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD
LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
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 LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range 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 maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcingthe front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
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 posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans-
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
Four-Position/Part Time Transfer Case
163

This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two-wheel drive
position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry, hard surfaced roads.
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” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
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 instru-
ment panel.
This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides five mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range(4WD AUTO)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
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 High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four-wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case
STARTING AND OPERATING
164

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.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). Driv-
ing 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 ve-
hicle 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 po-
sitions 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” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of you Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
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 posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans-
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
165

Four-Position Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Trans-
fer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides four mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD
LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
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 LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — Eight Speed Transmission Only
STARTING AND OPERATING
166

4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions 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 pushing the desired posi-
tion on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N)
position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in
PARK (or manual transmission is in
gear). The parking brake should always
be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• The transmission may not engage PARKif the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
167

Five-Position Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Trans-
fer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides five mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range
(4WD AUTO)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
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 High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four–wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — Eight Speed Transmission Only
STARTING AND OPERATING
168

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
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 highwayconditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing 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 ve-
hicle 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 po-
sitions 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 pushing the desired position
on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for further details.WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N)
position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in
PARK (or manual transmission is in
gear). The parking brake should always
be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
169