transmission RAM 1500 2021 Owner's Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING157
(Continued)
(Continued)
(Continued)
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting 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 transmission 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.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel -
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the igni -
tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

158STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P), and is not blinking.
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
to select a lower gear range
Úpage 159. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must start the
engine, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 231.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 392.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING159
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, Transmission Limp
Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the
transmission may operate only in certain gears,
or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may
be severely degraded and the engine may stall.
In some situations, the transmission may not
re-engage if the engine is turned off and
restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what
actions may be necessary. In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage
after engine shutdown, perform this procedure
only in a desired location (preferably, at an
authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if
possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 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
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho
-
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission. If the
transmission cannot be reset, an 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 and ERS
mode is not active. For example, if you set the
transmission gear limit to FOURTH gear, the
transmission will not shift above FOURTH gear
(except 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 transmission
gear selector is in DRIVE, the transmission will
operate automatically, shifting between all
available gears. Tapping the - button (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 - or + button will change
the top available gear.4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

160STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Range Select (ERS)

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the +
button until the gear limit display disappears
from the instrument cluster.
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
Select TOW/HAUL mode when driving in
conditions such as: driving in hilly areas, towing
a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc. This mode
will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure
due to excessive shifting.

TOW/HAUL Switch
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the
switch a second time restores normal
operation. Normal operation is always the
default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time
the engine is started.
1 — Shift Up (+)
2 — Shift Down (–)
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine brak
-
ing on a slippery surface. The drive wheels
could lose their grip and the vehicle could
skid, causing a collision or personal injury.
WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when
driving in icy or slippery conditions. The
increased engine braking can cause the rear
wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing
around with the possible loss of vehicle con -
trol, which may cause an accident possibly
resulting in personal injury or death.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 160

STARTING AND OPERATING161
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), located on the instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case
provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway
driving 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.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive
-
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same
speed. This provides additional traction for
loose or slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) —
This range provides low speed four-wheel
drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque
over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft;
allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for
loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power -
train. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle Ú page 231.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) posi -
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shaft 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.
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 transmission 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.
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

164STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
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.
The transfer case N (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 N
(Neutral) position is to be used for recre
-
ational towing only Ú page 231.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
(4WD High, 4WD Low, and 4WD Auto) are
located in the instrument cluster and indicate
the current and desired transfer case selection.
When you select a different transfer case
position, the indicator lights will do the
following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the
shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on. If the transfer case does not shift into the
desired position, one or more of the following
events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position
will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will
be a cluster message stating the 4WD shift
has canceled.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry
the selection, push the current position, wait
five seconds, and retry selection.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning
properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) posi -
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shaft 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.
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 transmission 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.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 164

STARTING AND OPERATING175
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
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.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save
fuel and reduce emissions. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing the
brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will
automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a
heavy duty motor generator and an additional
hybrid electric battery to store energy from
vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup
after a stop as well as providing launch torque
assist.
AUTOSTOP MODE

The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. It will remain in
STOP/START NOT READY until you drive
forward with a vehicle speed greater than
2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will
go into STOP/START READY.

To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster
within the Stop/Start section
Ú
page 114.

2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the stop/start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in an
Autostop. While in an Autostop, the Climate
Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer
settings will be maintained upon return to an
engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check
many safety and comfort conditions to see if
they are fulfilled. In following situations, the
engine will not Autostop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
Driver’s door is not closed
The vehicle is on a steep grade
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an
acceptable cabin temperature has not been
achieved
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature
Engine temperature too high
The battery is charging
The transmission is not in DRIVE
Hood is open
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 175

176STARTING AND OPERATING
TOW/HAUL mode is selected
Accelerator pedal input
Excessive 12 Volt loads
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several
consecutive times in extreme conditions and
not meet all criteria to enable an Autostop state.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed and the transmission will automatically
reengage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:
The transmission selector is moved from
DRIVE to REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
To maintain cabin temperature near the
HVAC settings
HVAC is set to full defrost mode
12 Volt demand requires engine restart
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
The emissions system override is present
A Stop/Start system error present
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To
Park While In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the
transmission will be placed in PARK if:
The driver door is open and brake pedal
released
The driver door is open and the driver seat
belt is unbuckled
The engine hood has been opened
A Stop/Start system error present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission shift selector out of PARK (e.g. to
DRIVE) or, in some cases, only by a KEY START.
The instrument cluster will display a SHIFT OUT
OF PARK message, or a STOP/START KEY
START REQUIRED message, to indicate which
action is required Ú page 114.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will
illuminate. The “STOP/START OFF” message
will appear in the instrument cluster display and
the autostop mode will be disabled
Ú page 114.
NOTE:
The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to
the ON mode every time the ignition is turned
OFF and back ON.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 176

178STARTING AND OPERATING
second time. The cruise indicator light will turn
off. The system should be turned off when not in
use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Cruise Control on.
When the vehicle has reached the desired
speed, push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the
vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pushing the
SET (+) or SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or
decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button
is released, then the new set speed will be
established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment.
Each subsequent tap of the button results in
an adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button
is released, then the new set speed will be
established.
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may
occur so it may be preferable to drive without
Cruise Control.
WARNING!
Leaving the Cruise Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could
accidentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose control
and have an accident. Always ensure the
system is off when you are not using it.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Cruise Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 178

STARTING AND OPERATING181
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is
pushed, the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the
last display selected after five seconds of no
ACC display activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster display will read
“ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster
display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Off.”
NOTE:
You cannot engage ACC under the following
conditions:
When in 4WD Low
When the brakes are applied
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is below the
minimum speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at
low speeds
When there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity
ESC Full Off mode is active
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
again. At this time, the system will turn off and
the instrument cluster display will show
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 181