2020 Ram 1500 warning

STARTING AND OPERATING 303
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the driver
avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing the
transmission in PARK. This system also locks the transmis-
sion in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition is
OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the vehicle.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those
in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is
in the OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• 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 transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
5
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306 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the transmis -
sion gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally
and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those
in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is
in the OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• 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 transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have
properly engaged the transmission into the PARK position:

• Look at the transmission gear position display and verifythat it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not blinking.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake and
shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
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.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage
the drivetrain.
• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
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 “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309
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, an 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. Electronic Range Select (ERS)
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the GEAR+ switch
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
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.
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310 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
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 possibly resulting in
personal injury or death.
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312 STARTING AND OPERATING
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
this section for further information.This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) 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.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD
HIGH 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
pushing the desired position on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HIGH
and 4WD LOW positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
NOTE:
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located in the center of
the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint
pen or similar object. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is
to be used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recre
-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 313
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and
4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate the
current and desired transfer case selection. When you select
a different transfer case position, the indicator lights will do
the following:
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until thetransfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired position,
one or more of the following events may occur:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will be a cluster
message stating the 4WD shift has canceled. NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the neces
-
sary requirements for selecting a new transfer case position
have been met. To retry the selection, push the current posi -
tion, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift
requirements, refer to the "Shifting Procedure" for your
transfer case, located in this section.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic shift
four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly and that
service is required.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to driveline
components.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down
the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or
death.
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316 STARTING AND OPERATING
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four-wheel
drive auto 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
HIGH 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
pushing the desired position on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.

The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HIGH
and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE:
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located in the center of the
4WD Control Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen or
similar object. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used
for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.

WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
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