2016 Ram 1500 ECO mode

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pushing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. Normal operation is always
the default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode isdesired, the switch must be pushed each time the engine
is started.
WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine
braking 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 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
TOW/HAUL Switch
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the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage, until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally 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 transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive 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 trans-
mission 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 notcause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a manu-
ally shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted transfer
case. Refer to the operating instructions for your transfer
case, located in this section for further information.
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2H)
•Four-wheel drive high range (4H)
•Neutral (N)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4L)
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•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four -
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four -
wheel drive will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is
engaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy
than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the frontand rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by pushing the button located on the lower left hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD,
4LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
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This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD AUTO)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four-
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheeldrive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is en-
gaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy than
the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
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NOTE:The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph
(100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h).
•Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
•Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 in [26 mm])– This position should be the primary
position for all off-road driving until Off Road 2 (OR2)
is needed. A smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while the vehicle speed is below
35 mph (56 km/h). When in the OR1 position, if the
vehicle speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the vehiclewill be automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1
may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
EVIC/DID message will be displayed when this oc-
curs. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
•Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approximately
2 in [51 mm])– This position is intended for off-
roading use only where maximum ground clearance is
required. To enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice
from the NRH position or once from the OR1 position
while vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While
in OR2, if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the vehicle height will be automatically lowered to
OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be available due to vehicle
payload, an EVIC/DID message will be displayed
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when this occurs. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
•If the vehicle is in OFFROAD1 or OFFROAD2 setting,
be aware of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and vehicle dam-
age may occur.
•Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in
[15 mm])– This position provides improved aerody-
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will
automatically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle
will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehiclespeed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph
(56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) when
equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or your Uconnect Radio
when equipped with UConnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately 2
in [51 mm])– This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the
rear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the “Down”
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STARTING AND OPERATING 547

button once from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes
below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will begin
to lower. If the vehicle speed remains between 15 mph
(24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60
seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be cancelled. To
return to Normal Height Mode, push the “Up” button
once while in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over
15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an EVIC/DID mes-
sage will be displayed when this occurs. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your
key fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “A Word About
Your Keys” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.•When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors,
must be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be completed
until the open door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into on-
coming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the
vehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
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NOTE:The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph
(100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h).
•Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
•Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 in
[26 mm])– This position is intended for off-roading
use only where maximum ground clearance is re-
quired. To enter OR, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h). While in OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automati-
cally lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available
due to vehicle payload, an EVIC/DID message will bedisplayed when this occurs. Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver Information
Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
•Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately .6 in
[15 mm])– This position provides improved aerody-
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will
automatically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle
will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehicle
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