2019 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ECO mode

256 STARTING AND OPERATING
Vehicles With Mechanical Key:
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF (key removal) position. The
key can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the OFF position, and the transmission is locked in
PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF position. If the
vehicle's battery becomes discharged, the key will be
trapped in the ignition even when the gear selector is in
PARK. Recharge the battery to allow key removal.
NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key fob in
the ignition to warn you that this safety feature is inoperable.
The engine can be started and stopped but the key fob cannot
be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. For vehicles
with 8-speed transmission, to shift the transmission out of
PARK, the engine must be running and the brake pedal must
be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicleis stopped or moving at low speeds. For vehicles with
6-speed transmission, to shift the transmission out of PARK,
the ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode (engine running
or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models may use the AS66RC transmission
(which is equipped with a Power Take-Off (PTO) access
cover on the side of the transmission case).
The transmission gear position display (located in the instru-
ment cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. The gear
selector is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector out
of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. Pull the
gear selector toward you when shifting into REVERSE or
PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise
shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-cali
-
brating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci -
sion shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).

STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm up
time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum
efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
On trucks with AS66RC transmission, fifth and sixth gears
may be inhibited briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below), oper -
ation may briefly be limited to third gear only. During this
condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate under
heavily loaded conditions may be reduced. In all cases,
normal operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level. Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains in
third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected. If an
AS66RC equipped truck enters Limp Home Mode at
highway speeds, it will initially engage fifth gear, until the
vehicle slows to a speed where third gear can be engaged.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans
-
mission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5

262 STARTING AND OPERATING
5. Restart the engine.
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 recommend that
you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip -
ment to assess the condition of your transmission.
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 transmis -
sion is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission
gear limit to 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 gear selector is in the DRIVE posi -
tion, the transmission will operate automatically, shifting
between all available gears. Tapping the ERS (-) switch will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in the instru-
ment cluster, and set that gear as the top available gear. Once
in ERS mode, tapping (-) or (+) will change the top available
gear.
Electronic Range Select
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS (+) switch
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.
1 — GEAR + Switch 2 — GEAR – Switch

264 STARTING AND OPERATING
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the firstfew seconds of operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the trans -
mission. This condition is normal and will not cause
damage to the transmission. The torque converter will
refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the poten -
tial for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive
shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode, transmis -
sion upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will automat -
ically downshift (for engine braking) when the throttle is
closed and/or during steady braking maneuvers. TOW/HAUL Switch
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 is desired, the switch
must be pushed each time the engine is started.

STARTING AND OPERATING 269
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control (refer to "Elec-
tronic Range Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for
further information) to select a lower gear range. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing exces -
sive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified depending
on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level. Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the engine may
stall. In some situations, the transmission may not re-engage
if the engine is turned off and restarted. The Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the more serious
conditions, and indicate what actions may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message indicates the
transmission may not re-engage after engine shutdown,
perform this procedure only in a desired location (prefer
-
ably, at an authorized dealer).
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
5

270 STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turnsOFF.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that
you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic equip -
ment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation — Eight-Speed
Transmission
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the transmis -
sion is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission
gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the transmission will not shift above fourth gear (except to prevent engine overspeed), but
will shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the transmission gear selector is in
DRIVE, the transmission will operate automatically, shifting
between all available gears. Tapping the GEAR- switch (on
the steering wheel) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the
top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the GEAR- or
GEAR+ switch will change the top available gear.
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch

STARTING AND OPERATING 271
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the GEAR+ switch
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the poten-
tial for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive
shifting. TOW/HAUL Switch
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 is desired, the switch
must be pushed each time the engine is started.
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.
5

282 STARTING AND OPERATING
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
• Transmission in PARK position.
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• No vehicle, or brake faults present.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle providedcircuits.
The instrument cluster will display a "PTO On" message for
five seconds if the above conditions are met. Otherwise, the
instrument cluster 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 operate 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 be used respectively. To disengage PTO opera
-
tion and return to “standard vehicle operation” simply
toggle the PTO switch to the OFF position.
The torque converter clutch (TCC) will automatically engage
at engine speeds above 1,200 RPM (engine speed) in PTO
stationary mode. Once engaged, the TCC will remain
applied and will not disengage until the engine speed falls
below 1,000 RPM. TCC engagement is desirable for certain
types of PTO applications (Automatic Transmission Only).
To operate the PTO via a remote switch, the customer must
make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital for proper
operation that the PTO and remote have been installed
correctly, paying special attention to ensure the vehicle
provided wiring has been connected properly. This is the
responsibility of the installer of the PTO and switches/
remote system. It is the responsibility of the PTO manufac -
turer to ensure that their electrical (switches and remote)
system is compatible with the vehicle’s electrical architecture
and software functionality.
NOTE:
Single set speed can be programmed via the PTO menu on
the instrument cluster display. Further details are available
at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders web site located at rambody-
builder.com