stop start RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owner's Guide

156STARTING AND OPERATING
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 occupants.
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
transmission 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.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION) — IF
E
QUIPPED
The electronically shifted transfer case is
operated by the four-wheel drive Control Switch
(Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand 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)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

158STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
(four-wheel drive 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, turn the control switch back to the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry
selection Ú
page 159.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronically shifted four-wheel drive system.
If this light remains on after engine start up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. 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.

When operating your vehicle in 4WD Low, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the two-wheel drive 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
circumference 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.
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.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING159
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 require -
ments for the selected position have been
met. To retry a shift: return the control switch
back to the original position, make certain all
shift requirements have been met, wait five
seconds and try the shift again.

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 four-wheel drive
control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts
between two-wheel drive and 4WD High can
be done with the vehicle stopped or in motion.
With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage 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.
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 occupants.
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.
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

160STARTING AND OPERATING
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
transmission 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 —
I
F 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,
slippery 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
vehicle Ú
page 214.
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 Ú page 159.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 160

STARTING AND OPERATING161
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 N (Neutral) positions on
some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the
4H or 4L 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
circumference 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.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.
2WD High Or 4WD High To 4WD Low
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise
may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
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.
WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (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.

4

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162STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehi -
cles equipped with an automatic transmis -
sion may require shutting the engine OFF to
avoid gear clash while completing the shift. If
difficulty 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 4L 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 4L with the vehicle moving faster
than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

Do not attempt to shift into or out of 4L while
the transmission is in gear.
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.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
The limited-slip differential provides additional
traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel,
particularly when there is a difference between
the traction characteristics of the surface under
the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit
performs similarly to a conventional differential.
On slippery surfaces, however, the differential
delivers more of the driving effort to the rear
wheel having the better traction.

The limited-slip differential is especially helpful
during slippery driving conditions. With both rear
wheels on a slippery surface, a slight application
of the accelerator will supply maximum traction.
When starting with only one rear wheel on an
excessively slippery surface, slight momentary
application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden
accelerations when both rear wheels are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both rear
wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in
a turn.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
differential never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground since the vehicle may
drive through the rear wheel remaining on the
ground. You could lose control of the vehicle.

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166STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
The following conditions will also deactivate the
Cruise Control without erasing the set speed
from memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
Stability event occurs
Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
Engine overspeed occurs
Pushing the on/off button, or placing the
ignition in the OFF position, erases the set
speed from memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF
E
QUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the
driving convenience provided by Cruise Control
while traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not
designed to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control
function performs differently if your vehicle is not
equipped with ACC
Ú
page 164.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control
engaged in light to moderate traffic conditions
without the constant need to reset your speed.
ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a forward facing
camera designed to detect a vehicle directly
ahead of you to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead,
ACC will apply limited braking or acceleration
(not to exceed the original set speed) auto
-
matically to maintain a preset following
distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the perfor -
mance of the Adaptive Cruise Control and
Forward Collision Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control alone (an ACC
distance not set) will not detect vehicles
directly ahead of you. Always be aware of the
mode selected.
WARNING!

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a conve -
nience system. It is not a substitute for active
driver involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic,
and weather conditions, vehicle speed,
distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road condi -
tions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe
control of your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death
or serious personal injury.

The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians,
oncoming vehicles, and stationary
objects (e.g., a stopped vehicle in a
traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather
conditions into account, and may be
limited upon adverse sight distance
conditions.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 166

STARTING AND OPERATING167
(Continued)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering
wheel operate the ACC system.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
Does not always fully recognize
complex driving conditions, which can
result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.

Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a target vehicle and hold
the vehicle for approximately two seconds
in the stop position. At this point, there will
be an “ACC may cancel soon” chime and
warning to the driver. When ACC is
cancelled, the system will release the
brakes and the driver must take over
braking. The system can be resumed when
the target vehicle drives off by releasing
the brake and pushing the resume button
on the steering wheel.

WARNING! (Continued)
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway construc -
tion zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or
have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
WARNING! (Continued)
1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button
2 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off Button
3 — CANCEL
4 — Distance Button
5 — RES (+)
6 — SET (-)
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 167

170STARTING AND OPERATING
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 seat belt 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).
The trailer brake is applied manually
(if equipped).
The following conditions will only cancel the ACC
system:
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
Driver door is opened at low speeds
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 Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button
is pushed
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory push the RES
(+) button and then remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster
display will display the last set speed.
Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed
Cruise Control is being used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph
(0 km/h) when ACC is active. NOTE: 
While in ACC mode when the vehicle comes
to a complete stop longer than two seconds,
the system will cancel. The driver will have
to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at a
standstill.
 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.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 170

STARTING AND OPERATING171
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the
set speed by pushing the RES (+) button, or
decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the RES (+) button, or SET (-) button
once will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment.
Each subsequent tap of the button results in
an adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 5 mph incre -
ments until the button is released. The new
set speed is reflected in the instrument
cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the RES (+) button, or SET (-) button
once will result in a 1 km/h speed adjust -
ment. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 10 km/h
increments until the button is released.
The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display. When An ACC Distance Is Also Set: 
When you use the SET (-) button to decel -
erate, if the engine’s braking power does not
slow the vehicle sufficiently to reach the set
speed, the brake system will automatically
slow the vehicle.
 The ACC system applies the brake down to a
full stop when following the vehicle in front.
If your vehicle follows the vehicle in front to
a standstill, your vehicle will release the
brakes two seconds after coming to a
complete stop.
 The ACC system maintains set speed when
driving uphill and downhill. However, a slight
speed change on moderate hills is normal.
In addition, downshifting may occur while
climbing uphill or descending downhill. This
is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed. When driving uphill and
down -hill, the ACC system will cancel if the
braking temperature exceeds normal range
(over -heated).
Setting The Following Distance In ACC

The specified following distance for Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) can be set by varying the
distance setting between four bars (longest),
three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one
bar (short). Using this distance setting and the
vehicle speed, ACC calculates and sets the
distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance
setting displays in the instrument cluster display.
Distance Settings

1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
3 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)
4

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