2013 Ram 1500 console

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
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 place the shift
lever in PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
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 move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever clockwise without first pulling
it toward you (column shift), or rearward with the
brake pedal released (console shift), after you have
placed it in PARK. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 365

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in or
near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go™
(if equipped) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A
child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition switch from the OFF posi-
tion to the ON/RUN position, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift lever
could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, pull the column-mounted
shift lever toward you and move it all the way
counterclockwise until it stops. For console-mounted
shifter, move the shift lever all the way forward and to
the left until it stops.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is nolonger detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation -
Six-Speed Transmission
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. For example, if you shift the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down into
second and first gears normally.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an
additional underdrive gear which is not normally used
during through-gear accelerations. This additional gear
can improve vehicle performance and cooling capability
when towing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode,
gears 1 though 3 are underdrive gears, and ERS 4 is direct
drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive gears) are the same as the
normal fourth and fifth gears.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the ERS (-)
switch (column shift) or tapping the shift lever to the left
(-) (console shift) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and maintain that
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the shift lever to
the right (+) (console shift) or press the ERS (+) switch
(column shift) until “D” is once again displayed in the
shift lever position indicator in 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 an accident
or personal injury.
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
shift lever to the left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-)
switch down (column shift). The transmission will shift
to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Console Shift Lever
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STARTING AND OPERATING 373

▫Jack Instructions (2500, 3500 Series) .........597
▫ To Stow The Flat Or Spare ...............604
▫ Reinstalling The Jack And Tools (2500 And
3500 Series) ......................... .606
▫ Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped . . . .608
▫ Wheel Nuts ........................ .590
 HOISTING .......................... .612
 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ............612
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............613
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................614 
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............616
 EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED . .618
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................618
▫ Column Shifter — If Equipped ............619
▫ Center Console Shifter — If Equipped .......620
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 SPEED
TRANSMISSION (3.6L Engine) .............621
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........622
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models ................625
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models ................626
570 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Center Console Shifter — If Equipped
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove theshift lever override access cover which is located on
the right side of the shift lever.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold the override tab through the access port on the center
console.
6. Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
Shift Lever Override Access Cover
620 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F88 15 Amp
Blue Instrument Panel
Cluster
F90/F91 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet (Rear
seats) Customer Selectable
F93 20 Amp
Yellow Cigar Lighter
F94 10 Amp
Red Shifter / Transfer
Case Module
F95 10 Amp
Red Rear Camera /
Park Assist
F96 10 Amp
Red Rear Seat Heater
SwitchCavity Car- tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F97 25 Amp
Natural Rear Heated Seats
& Heated Steering Wheel – IfEquipped
F98 25 Amp
Natural Front Heated Seats
– If Equipped
F99 10 Amp
Red Climate Control
F101 15 Amp
Blue Electrochromatic
Mirror / Smart
High Beams – If Equipped
F104 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlets (In-
strument Panel/Center Console)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 677

CAUTION!
•When installing the power distribution center cover,
it is important to ensure the cover is properly posi-
tioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may allow
water to get into the power distribution center and
possibly result in an electrical system failure.
• When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If
a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates
a problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
• Disconnect the negative cable from battery. •
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Overhead Console
Lamps TS 212–9
Dome Lamp 7679
For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer for
replacement instructions.
678 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE