2020 Ram 1500 torque

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.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 312

STARTING AND OPERATING 315
This electronically shifted transfer case provides five mode
positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD AUTO)
• Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This range sends
power to the front wheels automatically when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. This range may be used during
varying road conditions.4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range provides torque
to the front driveshaft (engages four-wheel drive) which
allows front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed. This
provides additional traction for loose or slippery road
surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increased
torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
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.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 315

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.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 316

332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning the
steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to
release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is
unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs simi
-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during slip -
pery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery
surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel
on an excessively slippery surface, slight momentary appli -
cation of the parking brake may be necessary to gain
maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide side -
ways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking differential never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 332

334 STARTING AND OPERATING
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save fuel and reduce
emissions. The system will stop the engine automatically
during a vehicle stop if the required conditions are met.
Releasing the brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will auto-
matically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a heavy duty motor
generator and an additional hybrid electric battery to store
energy from vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup
after a stop as well as providing launch torque assist.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal
customer engine start. It will remain in STOP/START NOT
READY until you drive forward with a vehicle speed greater
than 2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will go into
STOP/START READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into an STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE
“Autostop” mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must
Occur:
1. The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A STOP/START READY message will be displayed in the instrument cluster within the Stop/Start section. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission Gear Selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal depressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to the
zero position and the stop/start telltale will illuminate indi -
cating you are in an Autostop. While in an Autostop, the
Climate Controls system may automatically adjust airflow to
maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will be main -
tained upon return to an engine running condition.
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many safety
and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled. In
following situations, the engine will not Autostop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
• Driver’s door is not closed
• The vehicle is on a steep grade
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an acceptable cabin temperature has not been achieved
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 334

STARTING AND OPERATING 391
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LaneSense Operation
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds above 37 mph
(60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h). It uses a forward
looking camera to detect lane markings and measure vehicle
position within the lane boundaries.
When both lane markings are detected and the driver unin -
tentionally drifts out of the lane while no turn signal has been
applied OR the driver departs the lane on the opposite side
of the applied turn signal (if the left turn signal is applied and
the vehicle departs to the right), the LaneSense system
provides a haptic warning in the form of torque applied to
the steering wheel to prompt the driver to remain within the
lane boundaries. The LaneSense system will also provide a
visual warning through the instrument cluster display to
prompt the driver to remain within the lane boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic warning by
applying torque into the steering wheel at any time. When only a single lane marking is detected and the driver
unintentionally drifts across that lane marking (no turn
signal applied), the LaneSense system provides a visual
warning through the instrument cluster display to prompt
the driver to remain within the lane. When only a single lane
marking is detected, a haptic (torque) warning will not be
provided.
NOTE:
When operating conditions have been met, the LaneSense
system will monitor if the driver’s hands are on the steering
wheel and provides an audible and visual warning to the
driver when the driver’s hands are not detected on the
steering wheel. The system will cancel if the driver does not
return their hands to the wheel.
Turning LaneSense On Or Off
The LaneSense button is located on the switch panel
below the Uconnect display.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a 12–inch Uconnect Display
screen, the LaneSense button is located above the display.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 391

394 STARTING AND OPERATING
Left Lane Departure — Both Lane Lines Detected
• When the LaneSense system is ON and both the lane mark -
ings have been detected, the system is "armed" to provide
visual warnings in the instrument cluster display and a
torque warning in the steering wheel if an unintentional
lane departure occurs .The lane lines turn from gray to
white and the LaneSense telltale is solid green.
Lanes Sensed (White Lines) With Green Telltale • When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift situation,
the left lane line turns solid yellow. The LaneSense telltale changes from solid green to solid yellow. At this time
torque is applied to the steering wheel in the opposite
direction of the lane boundary.
For example: If approaching the left side of the lane the
steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Sensed (Solid Yellow Lane Line) With Solid Yellow Telltale
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 394

STARTING AND OPERATING 395
• When the LaneSense system senses the lane has beenapproached and is in a lane departure situation, the left
lane line flashes yellow (on/off). The LaneSense telltale
changes from solid yellow to flashing yellow. At this time
torque is applied to the steering wheel in the opposite
direction of the lane boundary.
For example: If approaching the left side of the lane the
steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Approached (Flashing Yellow Lane Line) With Flashing Yellow Telltale NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with the similar behavior for
a right lane departure.
Changing LaneSense Status
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the intensity of
the torque warning and the warning zone sensitivity (Early/
Medium/Late) that you can configure through the Uconnect
system screen. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
NOTE:

• When enabled the system operates above 37 mph (60 km/h)
and below 112 mph (180 km/h).

• Use of the turn signal suppresses the warnings.
• The system will not apply torque to the steering wheel whenever a safety system engages (Anti-Lock Brakes,
Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control,
Forward Collision Warning, etc.).
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 395