automatic transmission Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING285
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the ERS
shift control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating. If you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Mainte
-
nance Plan” for the proper maintenance inter -
vals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (Six-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
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STARTING AND OPERATING287
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without consider -
ation for the weight of the plow. Front end toe-in
should be checked and reset if necessary at the
beginning and end of the snowplow season.
This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the
vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snow -
plow equipment following the recommenda -
tions provided by the specific snowplow
manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when trans -
porting the plow, angle the blade completely
and position it as low as road or surface condi -
tions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h).
The operator should always maintain a safe
stopping distance and allow adequate passing
clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating
speed. The operator should be familiar with the
area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed
and use extreme caution when plowing unfa -
miliar areas or under poor visibility.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accor -
dance with the plow manufacturer's instruc -
tions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed.
Operate with transfer case in 4LO when
plowing small or congested areas where
speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph
(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions
should use 4LO range when plowing deep or
heavy snow for extended periods of time to
avoid transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the
engine has returned to idle and wheels have
stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the
brake pedal while shifting the transmission.
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288STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional
details.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow
NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
Automatic transmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK

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STARTING AND OPERATING289
(Continued)
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished
using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instruc -
tions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place auto -
matic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instruc -
tions.
5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift
transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral)
for recreational towing. Automatic transmis -
sions must be shifted into PARK for recreational
towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
will cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because
fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage. Tow
with all four wheels either ON the ground, or
OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer
case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage
will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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290STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground, with the engine running.
Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):
With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the transfer case N (Neutral)
button. Some models have a small,
recessed "N" button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be
pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular
N (Neutral) switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The N
(Neutral) indicator light will blink while
the shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to N
(Neutral) is complete. After the shift is
completed and the N (Neutral) light stays
on, release the N (Neutral) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle move-
ment.
8. Repeat steps six and seven with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, push
and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button
until the engine shuts off.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK.
11. Place the ignition in the OFF mode, and remove the key fob.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft
because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face
bar will be damaged.
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 driveshafts from the
powertrain, 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.
CAUTION! (Continued)CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to
prevent damage to internal parts.

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STARTING AND OPERATING291
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until the
shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the
N (Neutral) button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the N (Neutral) button is
released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired posi -
tion.
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold the
transfer case N (Neutral) button until the
N (Neutral) indicator light turns off. After
the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,
release the N (Neutral) button. After the
N (Neutral) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indi -
cated by the selector switch.
With electronic shift transfer case with push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the N (Neutral) indi -
cator light turns off and the desired posi -
tion indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral),
turning the engine off is not required, but may
be helpful to avoid gear clash. With 8-speed
automatic transmission, the engine must
remain running, since turning the engine off will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the trans -
mission must be in NEUTRAL for the transfer
case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic trans- mission into PARK. On 8-speed transmis -
sions the shifter will automatically select
PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
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329
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km). An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched
-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than an autho -
rized dealer, the message can be reset by refer -
ring to the steps described under “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Gas Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or very low
engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is consid -
ered Severe Duty. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only), and
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
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330SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi -
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect engine cooling system protection
and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty
or off-road conditions. Replace air cleaner
filter, if necessary.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect automatic transmission fluid if
equipped with dipstick.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
hoses and park brake.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty condi -
tions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:

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332SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Additional Maintenance

Replace engine air filter.
XX X X X

Replace spark plugs.
1
X

Flush and replace the engine coolant
at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first.
X
X

Change the automatic transmission
fluid (AS66RC Transmission Only).
X
X X

Change the automatic transmission
fluid and sump filter (AS66RC
Transmission Only).
X
X

Inspect the transfer case fluid, change
for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
X
X X X X

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE339
Change the transfer case fluid
(4x4). X
X
Change automatic transmission
fluid (AS69RC transmission
only). X
XXX X
Change the automatic
transmission fluid and sump
filter (AS69RC transmission
only). X
X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing (68RFE transmission
only). X
X
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months:6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
78
84
90
96
102
108
114
120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
7

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