ECO mode Ram 1500 2020 Workshop Manual

316 STARTING AND OPERATING
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four-wheel
drive auto 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
HIGH 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
pushing the desired position on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.

The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HIGH
and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE:
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located in the center of the
4WD Control Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen or
similar object. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used
for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” 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 (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
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.
• 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 transmis -
sion 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.
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ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of being able to adjust
vehicle height by the push of a switch.Air Suspension Switch 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 posi-
tion of the suspension and is meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 inch (26 mm)) – This position should be the primary posi -
tion 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 height selector switch up 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 vehicle will be automatically
lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1 may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
6 — Height Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 321
33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes below15 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/Exitchange will be cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the height selector switch up 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 instrument cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your key fob for
easier entry/loading. Refer to “Keys” in “Getting To Know
Your Vehicle” for further information. The system requires that the ignition be in the 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 oncoming
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.
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 “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor
-
mation.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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326 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 thevehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h).
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard posi-
tion of the suspension and is meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 inch
(26 mm)) – This position is intended for off-roading use
only where maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the height selector switch up 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 automatically
lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster display message
will be shown when this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. •
Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
0.6 inches (15 mm)) – This position provides improved
aerodynamics 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 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 Auto -
matic Aero Mode is enabled.
To enter Aero Mode manually push the height selector
switch down once from NRH at any vehicle speed. To
return to NRH push the height selector switch up once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/h). CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 327
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings on your Uconnect Radio.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
3 inches (73 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 height
selector switch down 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
height selector switch up 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
instrument cluster display message will be shown when
this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. The system requires that the ignition be in the 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 oncoming
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.
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.CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning the
steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to
release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is
unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs simi
-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during slip -
pery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery
surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel
on an excessively slippery surface, slight momentary appli -
cation of the parking brake may be necessary to gain
maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide side -
ways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking differential never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 353
Display Warnings And Maintenance
“Wipe Front Radar Sensor In Front Of Vehicle” Warning
The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
warning will display and also a chime will indicate when
conditions temporarily limit system performance.
This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in
snow or heavy rain. The ACC system may also become
temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt or
ice. In these cases, the instrument cluster display will display
“ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor” and the
system will deactivate.
The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
message can sometimes be displayed while driving in highly
reflective areas (i.e. tunnels with reflective tiles, or ice and
snow). The ACC system will recover after the vehicle has left
these areas. Under rare conditions, when the radar is not
tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this warning may
temporarily occur.
NOTE:
If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
warning is active Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control is
still available. For additional information refer to “Normal
(Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in this section.If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver should
examine the sensor. It may require cleaning or removal of an
obstruction. The sensor is located in the camera in the center
of the windshield, on the forward side of the rearview
mirror.
To keep the ACC System operating properly, it is important
to note the following maintenance items:
• Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully clear the wind
-
shield.
• Do not remove any screws from the sensor. Doing so could cause an ACC system malfunction or failure and require a
sensor realignment.
• Do not attach or install any accessories near the sensor, including transparent material or aftermarket grilles.
Doing so could cause an ACC system failure or malfunc -
tion.
When the condition that deactivated the system is no longer
present, the system will return to the “Adaptive Cruise
Control Off” state and will resume function by simply reac -
tivating it.
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362 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
• The driver can override the automatic braking function bypressing the gas pedal, turning ParkSense off via Park -
Sense switch, or changing the gear while the automatic
brakes are being applied.
• Automatic brakes will not be available if ESC is not avail -
able.
• Automatic brakes will not be available if there is a faulted condition detected with the ParkSense Park Assist system
or the Braking System Module.
• The automatic braking function may only be applied if the vehicle deceleration is not enough to avoid colliding with
a detected obstacle.
• The automatic braking function will not be available if vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode.
• The automatic braking function may not be applied fast enough for obstacles that move toward the rear of the
vehicle from the left and/or right sides.
• The automatic braking function can be enabled/disabled from the Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect System. • ParkSense will retain its last known configuration state for
the automatic braking function through ignition cycles.
• Trailer hitch ball assembly may cause false braking events if left attached after towing.
The automatic braking function is intended to assist the
driver in avoiding possible collisions with detected obstacles
when backing up in REVERSE gear.
NOTE:
• The driver is always responsible for controlling the vehicle.
• The system is provided to assist the driver and not to substitute the driver.
• The driver must stay in full control of the vehicle's acceler -
ation and braking and is responsible for the vehicle's
movements.
Refer to “ParkSense System Usage Precautions” in this
section for limitations of this system and recommendations.
ParkSense will retain the last system state (enabled or
disabled) from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN position.
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396 STARTING AND OPERATING
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows you to see an
image of the rear surroundings of your vehicle whenever the
gear selector is put into REVERSE or whenever it is manually
activated. When the gear selector is put into REVERSE, the
image will be displayed in the Uconnect screen along with a
caution note to “check entire surroundings” across the top of
the screen. After five seconds this note will disappear.
Manual Activation Of The Rear View Camera:
1. Press the "Controls" button located on the bottom of theUconnect display.
2. Press the "Backup Camera" button to turn the Rear View Camera system on.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with Camera
delay turned off), the rear Camera mode is exited and the
previous screen appears again.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with Camera
delay turned on), the rear Camera image will be displayed
for up to 10 seconds after shifting to another gear, unless the
vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the transmission is shifted into PARK, the ignition is placed in the OFF position,
or the touchscreen button “X” to disable display of the Rear
View Camera image is pressed.
Whenever the Rear View Camera image is activated through
the "Backup Camera" button in the "Controls" menu, and the
vehicle speed is greater than, or equal to, 8 mph (13 km/h), a
display timer for the image is initiated. The image will
continue to be displayed until the display timer exceeds 10
seconds.
NOTE:
• If the vehicle speed remains below 8 mph (13 km/h), the Rear View Camera image will be displayed continuously
until deactivated via the touchscreen button "X", the trans -
mission is shifted into PARK, or the ignition is placed in
the OFF position.
• The touchscreen button "X" to disable display of the camera image is made available ONLY when the vehicle is
not in REVERSE.
When enabled, active guide lines are overlaid on the image
to illustrate the width of the vehicle and its projected backup
path based on the steering wheel position. The active guide
lines will show separate zones that will help indicate the
distance to the rear of the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 399
When the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, the rear camera
view and top view is the default view of the system (Auto-
matic Activation).
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera
delay turned on), the camera image will continue to be
displayed for up to 10 seconds after shifting out of REVERSE
unless the vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the
vehicle is shifted into PARK or the ignition is placed in the
OFF position. There is a touch screen button “X” to disable
the display of the camera image.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera
delay turned off), the surround view camera mode is exited
and the last known screen appears again.
While the “rear view” is displayed, and if enabled, active
guide lines are overlaid on the image to illustrate the width
of the vehicle, including the side view mirrors and its
projected backup path based on the steering wheel position.
Different colored zones indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle. The following table shows the approximate distances for
each zone:
Modes Of Operation
Standard Backup Camera view can be manually activated by
selecting “Backup Camera” through the Controls menu
within the Uconnect screen.
Refer to “Parkview Rear Back Up Camera — If Equipped” in
this chapter for more information on activation conditions.
Zone
Distance To The Rear Of The
Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater
(2 m or greater)
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