2009 Ram 1500 automatic transmission

Four–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
NOTE:Under extremely cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)
and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
when moving the shift lever between these gears.
Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
This range 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 the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever in the PARK position.
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.
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate 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 when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
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REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual. DRIVE
This range is for most city and highway driving.
2 (Second)
This range is for moderate grades and to assist braking
on dry pavement or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in
low gear with automatic upshift to second gear. Will not
shift to third gear.
1 (First)
This range is for hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand,
snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear
with no upshift. Provides engine compression braking at
low speeds.
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Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (OVERDRIVE).
The transmission will automatically shift from third gear
to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE 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.
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 “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.
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).
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Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
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Five–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift
lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering
column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift
lever left (-) or right (+), or toggle the switch on the
column shift lever down (-) or up (+) to select the desired
top gear. For example, if the driver shifts the transmissioninto 3 (third gear), the transmission will never shift above
third gear, but can shift down to 2 (second gear) or 1 (first
gear), when needed.
Column Shift Lever
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Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal
operating temperature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
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.
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 “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.
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).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
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performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in the TOW/HAUL mode, fifth gear is dis-
abled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into Overdrive (fourth gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automaticclosed-throttle downshifts to third gear are performed
(for improved braking) when driving conditions warrant.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
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
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped
•Vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
7%), with a loaded vehicle or while pulling a trailer
where the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, which could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.The system will only work if the intended direction of the
vehicle and vehicle gear match. For example, if the
intended direction is forward up a hill and the vehicle is
in DRIVE and the activation criteria are met, HSA will
activate.
The system will work in REVERSE and all forward gears,
and will not activate if the vehicle is placed in
NEUTRAL.
Towing and Hauling with HSA
The HSA system does not know if your vehicle is loaded or
towing a trailer unless the TOW/HAUL switch, located on
the center stack, is selected. When activated, the “TOW/
HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument
cluster. For more information on the TOW/HAUL mode,
refer to “When To Use TOW/HAUL” under
Automatic
Transmission” in this section. In order to accommodate the
extra weight entailed under towing and hauling conditions
and to increase driver comfort while launching on a hill,
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