2009 Ram 1500 clutch

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 325

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant (antifreeze) are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 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 switch
when the transmission is sufficiently warm will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of Overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to thefluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with a electroni-
cally shifted transfer case. Refer to the operating instruc-
tions for your transfer case, located in this section.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tires ............................84,371,519
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 376
Air Pressure .......................... 371
Chains .............................. 378
General Information .................... 371
High Speed .......................... 374
Inflation Pressures ..................... 372
Life of Tires .......................... 376
Load Capacity ........................ 367
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 381
Pressure Warning Light .................. 237
Quality Grading ....................... 519
Radial .............................. 374
Replacement ......................... 376
Rotation ............................ 379
Safety ........................... 362,371
Sizes ............................... 364
Snow Tires ........................... 379
Spinning ............................ 374 Tread Wear Indicators
................... 375
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 431
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 404
Torque Converter Clutch ................319,325
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 437
Towing ............................... 399
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 114
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 437
Guide .............................. 404
Recreational .......................... 412
Weight .............................. 404
Towing Assistance ....................... 114
Traction .............................. 340
Traction Control ...................... 230,351
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 361
Trailer Towing .......................... 399
Cooling System Tips .................... 411
Hitches ............................. 403
Minimum Requirements ................. 405
10
INDEX 537