Page 90 Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING241
during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to third
gear only. During this condition, the ability of the
vehicle to accelerate under heavily loaded
conditions may be reduced. In all cases, normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni -
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti -
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear (for 68RFE transmission) or third
gear (for AS69RC transmission) regardless of
which forward gear is selected. If an
AS69RC-equipped truck enters Limp Home
Mode at highway speeds, it will initially engage
fifth gear, until the vehicle slows to a speed
where third gear can be engaged. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows
the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer
for service without damaging the transmission. In the event of a momentary problem, the trans
-
mission can be reset to regain all forward gears
by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible convenience.
Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip -
ment to assess the condition of your transmis -
sion.
If the transmission cannot be reset, 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. For
example, if you set the transmission gear limit
to 4 (FOURTH gear), the transmission will not
shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through
the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is
in the DRIVE position, the transmission 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
the ERS (-) or (+) switch will change the top
available gear.

Electronic Range Select
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
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242STARTING AND OPERATING
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS
(+) switch until the gear limit display disappears
from the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply push and
hold the ERS (-) switch. The transmission will
shift to the range from which the vehicle can
best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec -
tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans -
mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/
HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed,
and the transmission will automatically down
-
shift (for engine braking) when the throttle is
closed and/or during steady braking maneu -
vers.

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 opera -
tion. 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.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
Transmis -
sion Gear
Limit Dis -
play 1 2 3 4 5 6 D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed
1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING243
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis -
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops
or during some accelerations, the clutch auto -
matically disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage,
until the transmission fluid and engine
coolant are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because engine speed
is higher when the torque converter clutch is
not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis -
sion is not shifting properly when cold. This is normal. Using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within five
seconds after starting the engine.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located
in the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and PTO (Power Take Off) – If Equipped.
If Power Take Off is equipped, it will take the
place of the sixth Auxiliary switch. Connections
to the switches are found under the hood in the
connectors attached to the auxiliary Power
Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the function
-
ality of the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster display. All switches can now be config
-
ured for setting the switch type operation to
latching or momentary, power source of either
battery or ignition, and ability to hold last state
across key cycles.
NOTE:
Holding last state conditions are met when
switch type is set to latching and power source
is set to ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builders
Guide by accessing www.rambodybuilder.com
and choosing the appropriate links.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
Your vehicle is equipped with an Active Noise
Cancellation system that cannot be turned off.
This system is designed to address exhaust and
engine noise. The system relies on four micro -
phones embedded in the headliner, which
monitor exhaust and engine noise, and assists
an onboard frequency generator, which creates
counteracting sound waves in the audio
system’s speakers. This helps keep the vehicle
quiet at idle and during drive. The system is
deactivated when the windows are rolled down.
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
control, which may cause an accident
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
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244STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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. Refer to the
operating instructions for your transfer case,
located in this section for further information.
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — 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.

Four-Position Transfer Case
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
N (Neutral)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard
surfaced roads.
4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages
four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear
wheels to spin at the same speed. This 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 (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, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this
range.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” 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 (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING245
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. Driving
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 HIGH and 4WD LOW posi -
tions 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 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 posi
-
tions 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 Oper -
ating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
(4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW) 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:
If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:

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 One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions
Are Not Met:

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

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
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. To find the
shift requirements, refer to the “Shifting Proce-
dure” for your transfer case, located in this
section.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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246STARTING AND OPERATING
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or illumi -
nates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning prop -
erly and that service is required.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 2WD or 4WD HIGH 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 circum -
ference 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.
Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi
-
cator light for the previous position will
remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all
the requirements for the selected position
have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, the
current position indicator light will turn off,
the selected position indicator light will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the position indi -
cator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on. 2WD To 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the 4WD control
switch to shift the transfercase. Shifts between
2WD and 4WD HIGH can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disen
-
gage faster if you momentarily release the
accelerator pedal after turning the control
switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position.
NOTE:
The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or
rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this
situation, the selected position indicator light
will flash and the original position indicator light
will remain on. At this time, reduce speed and
stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll
which may cause personal injury or death.

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STARTING AND OPERATING247
2WD Or 4WD HIGH To 4WD LOW
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal
and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occu -
pants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle
rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely
stopped. You can use either of the following
procedures:
Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear. Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON position
and the engine running, shift the transmis -
sion into NEUTRAL.
3. Push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear.
NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter -
nate Procedure are not satisfied prior to
attempting the shift, then the desired posi -
tion indicator light will flash continuously
while the original position indicator light is
on, until all requirements have been met.
The ignition switch must be in the ON position
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If
Equipped
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4H)
N (Neutral)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range
locks the front and rear driveshafts together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction for loose, slip -
pery road surfaces only.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
5

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248STARTING AND OPERATING
vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
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).
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the
2H position for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and
4L positions can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
This is accomplished by simply moving the gear
selector to the desired positions once the
appropriate speed and gear requirements are
met. Refer to “Shifting Procedure – Manually
Shifted Transfer Case” in this section for further
information.
The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H
and 4L positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to
the driveline components.
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will alert the driver that
the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and that the
front and rear driveshafts are locked together.
This light will illuminate when the transfer case
is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position. There
is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL positions on
some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the
2H or 4H 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 circum
-
ference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and can cause damage
to the drivetrain.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can
cause damage to driveline components. 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.
NOTE:
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or
uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle
loading, or cold temperatures.
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 disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING249
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard
surfaced roads.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4H)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range locks
the front and rear driveshafts together forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be
used for flat towing behind another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (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).
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 the vehicle in motion, the
transfer case will engage/disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal
after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H Or 4H To 4L
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal
and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occu -
pants.
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 diffi
-
culty occurs, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, hold your foot on the brake, and
turn the engine off. Complete the range shift
to the desired mode.
Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped, however
difficulty may occur due to the mating clutch
teeth not being properly aligned. Several
attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2
to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to
engage or disengage 4WD LOW with the
vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
Do not attempt to shift into or out of 4WD
LOW while the transmission is in gear.
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating
the vehicle on dry pavement. Driveline
hardware damage can result.
5

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250STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster is used to alert the driver
that the front axle is fully engaged and all four
wheels are driving.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride
height system. The main purpose of this system
is to maintain the truck’s rear ride height level.
There are two selectable heights that can be
chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 inch (25 mm) for a level
truck, to be used as required while trailer
towing. It will automatically adjust to maintain
the rear ride height as conditions change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will continue to load level after the
vehicle has been turned off for 10 minutes
without compressor activation. This allows for
easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the
back of the truck by maintaining the ride height.
After 10 minutes you will need to turn the igni -tion to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the
vehicle. If the air suspension system is disabled
using the settings menu (Tire Jack Mode, Trans
-
port Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed Lowering
Mode) the system will remain disabled when
the vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the
settings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode, Alignment
Mode, Transport Mode and Bed Lowering
Mode.
NOTE:
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see your authorized dealer for
service.

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