2015 Ram 1500 automatic transmission

Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF (key removal) position. The key fob can only be
removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF position, and the transmission is locked in
PARK whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK/OFF
position.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models (with automatic transmission) use
the AS69RC transmission (which is equipped with a
Power Take-Off [PTO] access cover on the side of the
transmission case). Pickup models may use either the
AS69RC transmission, or the 68RFE transmission (which
has no PTO access cover).
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
The shift lever is mounted on the right side of the steering
column. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift
lever out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting into RE-
VERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
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WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and
sixth gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation) to select a lower gear range. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear range will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup.
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If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the
transmission is in DRIVE. For example, if you shift the
transmission into 4 (fourth gear), the transmission will
not shift above fourth gear, but will shift through the
lower gears normally.
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 will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear as the top
available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the ERS (-) or
(+) switch will change the top available gear.To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the ERS (+)
switch until “D” is once again displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Column Shift Lever
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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 a collision or
personal injury.
Screen Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
ERS (-) switch. The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the
engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
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•The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
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 to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is started.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine
braking could cause the rear wheels to slide, and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which could cause an accident possi-
bly resulting in personal injury or death.
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
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage (and 68RFE-
equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear), until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 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 properly when cold. This is normal. Using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion 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 after starting the engine.
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To shift out of REVERSE bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and press the clutch. Shifting out of REVERSE prior
to a complete stop may cause high shift effort.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to five auxiliary switches located in the
lower switch bank of the instrument panel which can be
used to power various electronic devices and PTO
(Power Take Off) – If Equipped. Connections to the
switches are found under the hood in the connectors
attached to the auxiliary Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of the
auxiliary switches via the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID). All
switches can now be configured for ignition or battery
power, saving or not saving state across a key cycle, and
momentary or latching switch operation.For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropri-
ate links.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and either
the AS69RC automatic six-speed or G-56 manual six-
speed transmissions, will allow for an aftermarket upfit
with a transmission driven PTO (power take off). The
customer will have the ability to operate the PTO in
either a “stationary” or “mobile” mode. The vehicles will
be factory set to the “stationary” mode. To select ’mobile
mode’ You will need to enter the commercial vehicle
menu on the EVIC/DID screen and select mobile PTO
mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further
PTO information is available at the Ram Truck Body-
builders web site. www.rambodybuilder.com
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AS69RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS69RC) operates at
torque converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be
less than engine speed when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged and will be same as engine speed when
the torque converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet
the following conditions:
•Be in PARK position (vehicles equipped with auto-
matic transmission.)
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with
manual transmission).
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running. •
No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle
provided circuits.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID) will display a PTO
On message for five seconds if the above conditions are
met. Otherwise, the EVIC/DID will display a message
To Operate PTO Shift To Park indicating what operator
action should be taken to engage the PTO mode.
The customer has the choice to operate the PTO by
utilizing the cruise control switches or by utilizing a
remote control (provided by the PTO supplier). To oper-
ate the feature using the cruise control switches, the
customer must first activate the PTO switch which will
turn on the PTO. In order to increase or decrease the
engine idle speed, to optimize the PTO function, the
“RESUME/ACCEL” and “DECEL” cruise switches can
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