Reverse Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Guide

210STARTING AND OPERATING
If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to over -
heating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until
the transmission cools down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer
up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic)
during hot weather. In these conditions, torque
converter slip can impose a significant addi -
tional heat load on the cooling system. Down -
shifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to
NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can
help to reduce this excess heat generation. During cold temperatures, transmission opera
-
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis -
sion fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
On trucks with AS66RC or AS69RC transmis -
sion, FIFTH and SIXTH gears may be inhibited
briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
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 third gear (for AS66RC/AS69RC transmis -
sion) regardless of which forward gear is
selected. If an AS66RC/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 to the OFF position.
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING213
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.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instru -
ment panel. The transmission gear range
(PRND) is displayed both above the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector.
You must press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds).
To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such
as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear
selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
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 continu
-
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, 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-cali -
brating; 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 (kilome -
ters).
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 Elec
-
tronic 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 infor -
mation. Some models will display both the
selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.

Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

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.
5

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214STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
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.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
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.
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)

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STARTING AND OPERATING215
(Continued)
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.
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)
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)
5

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234STARTING 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 or NEUTRAL.
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.
Electronic Stability Control (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 “Adap
-
tive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

Adaptive Cruise Control 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.

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246STARTING AND OPERATING
To Cancel
The following conditions will cancel the Normal
(Fixed Speed) Cruise Control without clearing
the memory:
The brake pedal is applied.
The CANCEL button is pushed.
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction
Control System (ESC/TCS) activates.
The vehicle parking brake is applied.
The braking temperature exceeds normal
range (overheated).
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position.
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES
(+) button and release. Resume can be used at
any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and erase the set speed
in memory if:
The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/
off button is pushed.
The ignition is placed in the OFF position.
You engage Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button is pushed.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system
provides visual and audible indications of the
distance between the rear fascia and a
detected obstacle when backing up (e.g. during
a parking maneuver). Refer to “ParkSense
System Usage Precautions” in this section for
limitations of this system and recommenda -
tions.
ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle
when the ignition is changed to the ON/RUN
position.
ParkSense Rear Park Assist can be active only
when the gear selector is in REVERSE. If Park -
Sense is enabled at this gear selector position,
the system will remain active until the vehicle
speed is increased to approximately 7 mph
(11 km/h) or above. When in REVERSE and
above the system's operating speed, a warning will appear within the instrument cluster display
indicating the vehicle speed is too fast. The
system will become active again if the vehicle
speed is decreased to speeds less than approx
-
imately 6 mph (9 km/h).
ParkSense Sensors
For the 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab
vehicles, the rear ParkSense sensors are
shipped loose. Please refer to the Ram Body
Builder’s Guide for more information.
The four ParkSense sensors are to be located in
the rear fascia/bumper, and monitor the area
behind the vehicle that is within the sensors’
field of view.
The sensors can detect obstacles from approxi -
mately 18 inches (45 cm) up to 79 inches
(200 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper in the
horizontal direction, depending on the location,
type and orientation of the obstacle.
NOTE:
If equipped as a dually, the ParkSense system
has six rear sensors to assist in detection
around the dually flares.

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STARTING AND OPERATING247
ParkSense Warning Display
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display. It provides visual
warnings to indicate the distance between the
rear fascia/bumper and the detected obstacle.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
ParkSense Display
When the vehicle is in REVERSE, the warning
display will turn on indicating the system status.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by
showing a single arc in one or more of the rear
regions (left/center/right) based on the object’s
distance and location relative to the vehicle.
If an object is detected in one or more of the
rear regions, the display will show a single solid
arc in these regions and the system will produce
a tone. As the vehicle moves closer to the
object, the display will show the single arc
moving closer to the vehicle and the tone will
change from a single 1/2 second tone to slow,
to fast, to continuous.
Single 1/2 Second Tone
Slow Tone Slow Tone
Fast Tone

5

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STARTING AND OPERATING249
Adjustable Chime Volume Settings
The rear chime volume settings are program -
mable through the Uconnect system. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
The chime volume settings include low,
medium, and high. The factory default volume is
medium.
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense
ParkSense can be enabled and disabled with
the ParkSense switch.
When the gear selector is moved to
REVERSE and the system is disabled,
the instrument cluster display will
show the vehicle graphic with “Off”
over the arcs for as long as the vehicle is in
REVERSE.
NOTE:
The ParkSense system will automatically
disable when the system detects that a trailer
with trailer brakes has been connected to the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module. The instru -
ment cluster display will show an “Off” message
over the arcs if the ParkSense system is off, or
a “Trailer” message if the system is on, for as
long as the vehicle is in REVERSE. The ParkSense switch LED will be on when Park
-
Sense is disabled or defective. The ParkSense
switch LED will be off when the system is
enabled.
If the ParkSense switch is pushed, and the
system is disabled or requires service, the Park -
Sense switch LED will blink momentarily, and
then the LED will be on.
Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist
System
During vehicle start up, when the Rear Park -
Sense System has detected a faulted condition,
the instrument cluster display will show the
"Rear ParkSense Unavailable Service Required"
or the "Rear ParkSense Unavailable Wipe
Sensors" message.
When the gear selector is moved into REVERSE,
a vehicle graphic will show in the instrument
cluster display, along with the display overlay
“Rear ParkSense Unavailable Wipe Sensors.” If
the system needs service, the display overlay
will read “Rear ParkSense Unavailable Service
Required” Under this condition, ParkSense will
not operate. If "Rear ParkSense Unavailable Wipe Sensors"
appears in the instrument cluster display make
sure the outer surface and the underside of the
rear fascia/bumper is clean and clear of snow,
ice, mud, dirt or other obstruction, and then
cycle the ignition. If the message continues to
appear, see an authorized dealer.
If "Rear ParkSense Unavailable Service
Required" appears in the instrument cluster
display, see an authorized dealer.Cleaning The ParkSense System
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car
wash soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or
hard cloths. Do not scratch or poke the sensors.
Otherwise, you could damage the sensors.
ParkSense System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow,
ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the Park
-
Sense system operating properly.
Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of Park -
Sense.
5

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250STARTING AND OPERATING
When you move the gear selector into
REVERSE with ParkSense turned off, the
instrument cluster display will show "Off" on
the vehicle graphic arcs for as long as the
vehicle is in REVERSE.
ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume
of the radio when it is sounding a tone.
Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly,
taking care not to scratch or damage them.
The sensors must not be covered with ice,
snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do
so can result in the system not working prop -
erly. The ParkSense system might not detect
an obstacle behind the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the fascia/bumper.
Ensure the ParkSense system is off if objects
such as bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc.,
are placed on the fascia/bumper while
driving the vehicle. Failure to do so can result
in the system misinterpreting a close
obstacle as a sensor problem, causing the
“Wipe Sensors” message or providing false
alerts.
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST
The ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist
system provides visual and audible indications
of the distance between the rear, and/or front
fascia/bumper, and a detected obstacle when
backing up or moving forward (e.g. during a
parking maneuver).
Refer to “ParkSense System Usage Precau -
tions” in this section for limitations of this
system and recommendations.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind
you, and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your surroundings. Failure
to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected from
the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury
or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer
to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the loudspeaker sounds the continuous
tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending
on its size and shape, giving a false indica -
tion that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle,
including small obstacles. Parking curbs
might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or
below the sensors will not be detected
when they are in close proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using ParkSense in order to be able to stop
in time when an obstacle is detected. It is
recommended that the driver looks over
his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.

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STARTING AND OPERATING251
ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle
when the ignition is changed to the ON/RUN
position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear
selector is in REVERSE or DRIVE. If ParkSense is
enabled at one of these gear selector positions,
the system will remain active until the vehicle
speed is increased to approximately 7 mph
(11 km/h) or above. A warning will appear in the
instrument cluster display when the vehicle is in
REVERSE, indicating the vehicle is above Park -
Sense operating speed. The system will become
active again if the vehicle speed is decreased to
speeds less than approximately 6 mph
(9 km/h).
ParkSense Sensors
For the 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab
vehicles, the rear ParkSense sensors are
shipped loose. Please refer to the Ram Body
Builder’s Guide for more information.
The four ParkSense sensors are to be located in
the rear fascia/bumper, and monitor the area
behind the vehicle that is within the sensors’
field of view. The sensors can detect obstacles from approxi
-
mately 18 inches (45 cm) up to 79 inches
(200 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper in the
horizontal direction, depending on the location,
type and orientation of the obstacle.
NOTE:
If equipped as a dually, the ParkSense system
has six rear sensors to assist in detection
around the dually flares.
The six ParkSense sensors, located in the front
fascia/bumper, monitor the area in front of the
vehicle that is within the sensors’ field of view.
The sensors can detect obstacles from approxi -
mately 12 inches (30 cm) up to 47 inches
(120 cm) from the front fascia/bumper in the
horizontal direction, depending on the location,
type and orientation of the obstacle.ParkSense Warning Display
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display. It provides visual
warnings to indicate the distance between the
rear fascia/bumper and/or front fascia/bumper
and the detected obstacle. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
ParkSense Display
The warning display will turn on indicating the
system status when the vehicle is in REVERSE
or when the vehicle is in DRIVE and an obstacle
has been detected.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by
showing a single arc in one or more of the rear
regions (left/center/right) based on the
obstacle’s distance and location relative to the
vehicle.

Single 1/2 Second Tone

5

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