2007 RAM CHASSIS CAB automatic transmission

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
• the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” switch has not been
activated;
• transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).270 STARTING AND OPERATING

When To Use “TOW HAUL” and “O/D OFF”
Modes
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button once to
select TOW HAUL. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or
failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in
“TOW HAUL” mode, 5th gear is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4
shift patterns are modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th
gear) are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel
economy) and automatic closed-throttle downshifts to
3rd gear (for improved braking) will occur during steady
braking. Pressing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button a
second time to select O/D OFF will disable 4th and 5th
gear completely, which should eliminate any excessive
transmission shifting.
The “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF” light will illuminate in
the instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has
been activated. Pressing the switch a third time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF”
modes are desired, the button must be pressed each time
the engine is started.Tow Haul O/D Off Switch STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

When To Lock Out Overdrive
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent 4–3–4 transmission shifting
occurs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button twice to disable
the overdrive. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of overdrive.
NOTE: If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.272 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) — If
Equipped
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
“P” Park
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the
selector in Park position. On 4-wheel drive vehicles be
sure that the transfer case is in a drive position!
WARNING!Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage. STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5

engine braking when descending moderately steep
grades. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed
40 mph (64 km/h) in this range.
“2” Second
Use this position for driving on more severe conditions
and lower speeds than “3” third. To prevent excessive
engine speed do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this
range.
“1” First
Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds 15 mph (24 km/h) or less
when going downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed,
do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h) in this range.
NOTE: Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in “2” Second or “1” First gear selections in high
ambients as torque converter slip can impose significant
additional heat load on the cooling system. Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled 5th and 6th (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
• the transmission selector is in Drive;
• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
• vehicle speed is above approximately 38 mph (61
km/h) for 5th gear and 55 mph (89 km/h) for 6th gear;
• the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” switch has not been
activated;
• transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture. STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 37 mph (60 km/h) for 6th to
5th and 29 mph (47 km/h) for 5th to 4th.276 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine brak-
ing 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 result-
ing in personal injury or death.
When To Lock Out Overdrive
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent 6–5–6 or 5–4–5 transmis-
sion shifting occurs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button.
This will improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive
shifting. Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to 1st
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of overdrive.278 STARTING AND OPERATING

4L
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel-drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces 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). Vehicle’s equipped with the AISIN
(AS68RC) Automatic Transmission, Overdrive gear (5th
and 6th) will be disabled when the transfer case is in
4L. Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case
2H ⇔ 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 Manual Transfer Case Shifter286 STARTING AND OPERATING