display Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2017 Manual Online

ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key fob in the ignition to warn you that this safety feature
is inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key fob cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be turned to
the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models (with automatic transmission) may
use either the AS66RC transmission (which is equipped
with a Power Take-Off (PTO) access cover on the side of the
transmission case), or the 66RFE transmission (which has
no PTO access cover).
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
The gear selector is mounted on the right side of the steering column. You must press the brake pedal to move
the gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to
the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you
when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting
out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. 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 shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer to “Electronic Range Select [ERS] Operation”
in this section for further information). Pushing the ERS
(-/+) switches (on the gear selector) while in the DRIVE
position will select the highest available transmission gear,
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and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as
1, 2, 3, etc. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine 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 leaving 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, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of 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 substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked 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 gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leav-
ing the vehicle.
(Continued)
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
•When shifting into PARK, pull the gear selector toward
you and move it all the way counterclockwise until it
stops.
• Release the gear selector and make sure it is fully seated
in the PARK gate.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• 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. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.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. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
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 underdrive first, second, and third gears,
direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
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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, shift-
ing 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 (-) or (+) will change the
top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS (+) switch
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.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.
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.
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 over-
speed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled 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.Column Gear Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 333

POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and the
AS66RC automatic six-speed, will allow for an aftermarket
upfit with a transmission driven PTO (power take off). The
customer will have the ability to operate the PTO in either
a “stationary” or “mobile” mode. The vehicles will be
factory set to the “stationary” mode. To select “mobile”
mode, you will need to enter the commercial vehicle menu
on the instrument cluster screen and select mobile PTO
mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further PTO
information is available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders
web site. www.rambodybuilder.com
AS66RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS66RC) operates at torque
converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be less
than engine speed when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged and will be same as engine speed when the torque
converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:•
Transmission in PARK position (vehicles equipped with
automatic transmission.)
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with manual
transmission).
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle pro-
vided circuits.
The instrument cluster will display a PTO Onmessage for
five seconds if the above conditions are met. Otherwise, the
instrument cluster will display a message To Operate PTO
Shift To Park indicating what operator action should be
taken to engage the PTO mode.
The customer has the choice to operate the PTO by utilizing
the cruise control switches or by utilizing a remote control
(provided by the PTO supplier). To operate the feature
using the cruise control switches, the customer must first
activate the PTO switch which will turn on the PTO. In
order to increase or decrease the engine idle speed, to
optimize the PTO function, the “RESUME/ACCEL” and
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“DECEL” cruise switches can be used respectively. To
disengage PTO operation and return to “standard vehicle
operation” simply toggle the PTO switch to the OFF
position.
The torque converter clutch (TCC) will automatically en-
gage at engine speeds above 1,200 RPM (engine speed) in
PTO stationary mode. Once engaged, the TCC will remain
applied and will not disengage until the engine speed falls
below 1,000 RPM. TCC engagement is desirable for certain
types of PTO applications (Automatic Transmission Only).
To operate the PTO via a remote switch, the customer must
make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital for
proper operation that the PTO and remote have been
installed correctly, paying special attention to ensure the
vehicle provided wiring has been connected properly. This
is the responsibility of the installer of the PTO and
switches/remote system. It is the responsibility of the PTO
manufacturer to ensure that their electrical (switches and
remote) system is compatible with the vehicle’s electrical
architecture and software functionality.
NOTE:Single set speed can be programmed via the PTO
menu on the instrument cluster display. Further details are
available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders web site located
at rambodybuilder.comMobile Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
•Mobile mode is activated via the menu on the instru-
ment cluster display.
• (ON/OFF) switch has been activated.
• Vehicles with automatic transmission must be in PARK
or DRIVE.
• Parking brake must not be applied.
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle pro-
vided circuits.
The customer may choose to use the PTO while the vehicle
is moving. To do so, the PTO function must be activated
prior to taking the vehicle out of PARK. This is accom-
plished by activating the upfitter-provided PTO on/off
switch. At this point, the customer may place the vehicle in
a forward or reverse gear and have PTO operation once the
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STARTING AND OPERATING 337

WARNING!(Continued)
•Failure to follow these warnings may cause the
vehicle to roll down the incline and could collide
with another vehicle, object or person, and cause
serious or fatal injury. Always remember to use the
parking brake while parking on a hill and that the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
• For vehicles equipped with the instrument cluster dis-
play, refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
• If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the instrument cluster
display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing straight forward). 2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half
turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate control four times within twenty
seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slighty more than one-half turn to the right.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will blink sev-
eral times to confirm HSA is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or
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STARTING AND OPERATING 357

NOTE:
•When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of
ESC, (except for the limited slip feature described in the
TCS section), has been disabled and the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction feature of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by
the ESC system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC
system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
Full Off – If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only
and should not be used on any public roadways. In this
mode, TCS and ESC features are turned OFF. To enter the
“Full Off” mode, push and hold the “ESC Off” switch for
five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running. After five seconds, a chime will sound, the “ESC
Off Indicator Light” will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF”
message will display in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC
ON again, momentarily push the “ESC Off” switch. NOTE:
System may switch from ESC Full Off to Partial
mode when vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed. When
the vehicle speed slows below the predetermined speed the
system will return to ESC Full Off.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive modes – if
equipped.
WARNING!
• In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are disabled. There-
fore, enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is unavailable. In an emergency evasive ma-
neuver, the ESC system will not engage to assist in
maintaining stability. “ESC Off” mode is intended
for off-highway or off-road use only.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC
OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine run-
ning. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

them from the outer rear wheels, because of this, the
inner and outer wheel locations can’t be switched.
• After a tire rotation is completed, as shown below, the
system can auto learn the locations of each sensor ID.
Auto learning/localization occurs when the vehicle ig-
nition status is changed from Off to On and speeds of
greater than 5 mph (8km/h) are obtained and remain
over 5mph (8km/h) for at about a 15 minute period. You
may need to drive for 20 minutes to account slower
speeds and stops.
• If the tires are rotated incorrectly, the Auto localization of
the TPIS sensors will fail to locate correctly resulting in
incorrect locations for the pressure values displayed in
the Instrument Cluster.
CAUTION!
• 4500/5500 Dual Rear Tires may only have one ap-
proved direction of rotation. This is to accommodate
the asymmetrical design (tread pattern) of the On/
Off road tire.
• When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to be
remounted on the rim or installed at a different
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
location to maintain the correct placement of the tire
on the wheel relative to the tire/wheel position on
the vehicle. For example, if the spare is used to
replace an outer rear tire it will have to be remounted
on the rim so that the wheel is dished inward. That
way the tread design of asymmetrical tires will
maintain proper position.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer in
each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on your
vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

The TPMS consists of the following components:
•Receiver module
• Four TPM sensors
• TPM Telltale Light
The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly (if
equipped) has a TPM sensor. The matching full size spare
can be used in place of any of the four road tires. The TPMS
will only monitor the pressure in the full size spare when
it is used in place of a road tire. Otherwise, a spare with a
pressure below the low-pressure limit will not cause the
“Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” to illuminate or
the chime to sound.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the tire
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly and to
maintain the proper pressure. The TPMS consists of the following components:
•
Receiver module
• Four TPM sensors
• Various TPMS messages, which display in the instru-
ment cluster
• TPM Telltale Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime
will sound when tire pressure is low in one or more of the
four active road tires. In addition, the instrument cluster
will display a “LOW TIRE” message and a graphic show-
ing the pressure values of each tire with the low tire
pressure values in a different color. An Inflate to XX
message will also be displayed.
392 STARTING AND OPERATING