display Ram 3500 2019 Repair Manual

302 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector position
and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver selects
PARK while driving), the position indicator will blink
continuously until the selector is returned to the proper posi-
tion, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission 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).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions. Manual downshifts can be
made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pressing the GEAR-/GEAR+ switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest
available transmission gear, and will display that gear limit
in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further
information. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Electronic Transmission Gear Selector
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially
important when the engine is cold.

304 STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
• 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.
• 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 ignition 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 igni -
tion 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 unattended 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.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), 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.
WARNING! (Continued)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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 307
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation — Eight-Speed
Transmission
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the transmis-
sion is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission
gear limit to 4 (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 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.
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
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.
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318 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspension system
will load level (lower/exhaust only) once after 12 minutes
after the vehicle is turned off. This allows for easy removal of
a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck by main -
taining the ride height. After 12 minutes you will need to
turn the ignition 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, Transport 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 or Alignment
Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for 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. Ignition OFF Behavior

For a predetermined amount of time after the ignition is off the
air suspension may adjust to maintain a proper appearance.

Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect the
system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode

To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system has a
feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. This
mode is intended to be enabled with engine running. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru
-
ment Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped
with a touch screen radio for further information.

NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 319
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air
suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle
below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic
load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled
with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if
equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.Bed Lowering Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air
suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle
below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic
load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled
with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if
equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over
-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automat -
ically resume as soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does not resume.
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320 STARTING AND OPERATING
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error has
been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal oper-
ation does not resume.
Operation
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) button once
while at Normal Ride Height (NRH), will lower the vehicle
to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) and will illuminate the
LED.
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until vehicle Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) has been achieved and the LED will
turn on.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again will raise
the vehicle to Normal Ride Height (NRH). NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until Normal Ride Height
(NRH) has been achieved and the LED will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated.
Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or dese -
lecting the mode via the interface.
• Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or by
deselecting the mode via the interface.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps will be illu -
minated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by driving
the vehicle, or by deselecting the mode via the interface.
• Bed Lowering Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi -
nated. Bed Lowering Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle, or deselecting the mode via the interface.
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

STARTING AND OPERATING 355
To Activate
Push the On/Off button to activate the Speed Control. The
cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the On/Off button a
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 Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached the
desired speed, push the 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 (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed 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 leave the system
off when you are not using it.
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360 STARTING AND OPERATING
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).

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 Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE orNEUTRAL.
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
• When the brakes are overheated.
• When the driver door is open at low speed.
• When the driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speed.
• 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.”
Adaptive Cruise Control 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.”

STARTING AND OPERATING 361
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
To Set A Desired ACC Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET (-)
button and release. The instrument cluster display will show
the set speed.
If the system is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h), the set speed shall be defaulted to 20 mph
(32 km/h). If the system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current
speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
ACC cannot be set if there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity.
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, after the ACC
has been set. If you do not, the vehicle may continue to accel-
erate beyond the set speed. If this occurs:
• The message “ACC DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the instrument cluster display.
• The system will not be controlling the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will
only be determined by the position of the accelerator
pedal.
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.
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362 STARTING AND OPERATING
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the system:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC (cancel) button is pushed.
• An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event occurs.
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control System(ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• Driver seatbelt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.
• A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.

• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (overheated).

To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed in memory if:
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is pushed. • The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button is
pushed.
• The ignition is turned OFF.
• You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory push the RES (+) button and
then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The instru-
ment cluster display will display the last set speed.
NOTE:
• If your vehicle stays at standstill for longer than two seconds, the driver will have to push the RES (+) button to
reengage the ACC to the existing set speed.
• ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle in-front of your vehicle in close proximity.
WARNING!

The Resume function should only be used if traffic and road
conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is too high or
too low for prevailing traffic and road conditions could
cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate too sharply for
safe operation. Failure to follow these warnings can result in
a collision and death or serious personal injury.