2016 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab trailer

Screen Setup
Push and release theUPorDOWNar-
row button until the Screen Setup display icon
is highlighted in the DID. Push and release the RIGHT
arrow button to enter the Screen Setup sub-
menu. The Screen Setup feature allows you to change
what information is displayed in the instrument cluster
as well as the location that information is displayed.
Settings Options
1 Upper Left
•None
• Compass
• Outside Temp.
• Time
• Range to Empty
• Average MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trip A
• Trip B
• Trailer Trip
• Trailer Brake Gain4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185

SettingsOptions
2 Upper Right
•None
• Compass
• Outside Temp. (Default)
• Time
• Range to Empty
• Average MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trip A
• Trip B
• Trailer Trip
• Trailer Brake Gain
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SettingsOptions
3 Lower Left
•None (Default)
• Compass
• Outside Temp.
• Time
• Range to Empty
• Average MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trailer Brake Gain
4 Lower Right•None (Default)
• Compass
• Outside Temp.
• Time
• Range to Empty
• Average MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trailer Brake Gain
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187

SettingsOptions
5 Upper Gauge
•None (Default)
• Trans Temp.
• Oil Temp.
• Oil Life
• Fuel Filter Life (HD diesel only)
• Battery Voltage (diesel & CNG only)
• Exhaust Brake (HD diesel only)
• Turbo Boost (HD diesel only)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trailer Brake Gain
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SettingsOptions
6 Lower Gauge
•None (Default)
• Trans Temp.
• Oil Temp.
• Oil Life
• Fuel Filter Life (HD diesel only)
• Battery Voltage (diesel & CNG only)
• Exhaust Brake (HD diesel only)
• Turbo Boost (HD diesel only)
• Current MPG (not available for CNG models)
• Trailer Brake Gain
7 Odometer•000
• 000.0
8 Restore Defaults•Cancel
• OK
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189

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.If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep
grade, or in stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In
these conditions, torque converter slip can impose a
significant additional heat load on the cooling system.
Downshifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to reduce this
excess heat generation.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
• 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 occurs,
press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the po-
tential for transmission overheating or failure due to exces-
sive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode, trans-
mission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will
automatically downshift (for engine braking) when the
throttle is closed and/or during steady braking maneuvers.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully pressed to start the vehicle.Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
This transmission has a “creeper” first gear which should
be used to start from a standing position when carrying
a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can
result from starting in second or third gear with a loaded
vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in second
gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip a
gear.
NOTE:
When loaded, pulling a trailer or on a grade, the
truck should always start in first gear and not skip gears.
Shift Pattern
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 235