2020 Ram 1500 ECO mode

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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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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STARTING AND OPERATING 319
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of being able to adjust
vehicle height by the push of a switch.Air Suspension Switch 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 posi-
tion of the suspension and is meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 inch (26 mm)) – This position should be the primary posi -
tion 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 height selector switch up 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 vehicle will be automatically
lowered to NRH. Off-Road 1 may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
6 — Height Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 321
33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes below15 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/Exitchange will be cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the height selector switch up 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 instrument cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your key fob for
easier entry/loading. Refer to “Keys” in “Getting To Know
Your Vehicle” for further information. The system requires that the ignition be in the 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 oncoming
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.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to
be disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor
-
mation.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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326 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 thevehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h).
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard posi-
tion of the suspension and is meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 inch
(26 mm)) – This position is intended for off-roading use
only where maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the height selector switch up 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 automatically
lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster display message
will be shown when this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. •
Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
0.6 inches (15 mm)) – This position provides improved
aerodynamics 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 speed
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:
Speed thresholds for raising the vehicle only apply if Auto -
matic Aero Mode is enabled.
To enter Aero Mode manually push the height selector
switch down once from NRH at any vehicle speed. To
return to NRH push the height selector switch up once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/h). CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 327
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings on your Uconnect Radio.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
3 inches (73 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 height
selector switch down twice 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
height selector switch up twice 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
instrument cluster display message will be shown when
this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. The system requires that the ignition be in the 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 oncoming
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.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
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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.
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