2020 Ram 1500 key

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
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 303

STARTING AND OPERATING 305
in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “Electronic
Range Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further
information. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.Electronic Transmission Gear Selector
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially
important when the engine is cold. PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmis
-
sion into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precaution,
turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is
in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 305

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)
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 306

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.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 321

324 STARTING AND OPERATING
The indicator lamps 1 through 5 will illuminate to show the
current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator lamps will
show a position which the system is working to achieve.
When raising, if multiple indicator lamps are flashing, the
highest flashing indicator lamp is the position the system is
working to achieve. When lowering, if multiple indicators
are flashing, the lowest solid indicator lamp is the position
the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector up once will move the suspen-
sion one position higher from the current position, assuming
all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, speed below threshold, etc). The height selector
switch can be pushed up multiple times, each push will raise
the requested level by one position up to a maximum posi -
tion of OR2 or the highest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector down once will move the suspen -
sion one position lower from the current level, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, doors closed, speed below threshold, etc). The
height selector switch can be pushed down multiple times,
each push will lower the requested level by one position
down to a minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest posi -
tion allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed,
etc.) Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle speed
and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps and
instrument cluster display messages will operate the same
for automatic changes and user requested changes.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR2.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3 and 2 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 5, 4 and 3 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 5 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit mode
can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed
is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator
lamp 4 will flash and indicator lamp 5 will remain solid
until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point indicator
lamp 4 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 324

330 STARTING AND OPERATING
The indicator lamps 1 through 4 will illuminate to show the
current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator lamps will
show a position which the system is working to achieve.
When raising or lowering, the flashing indicator lamp is the
position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up once will move the
suspension one position higher from the current position,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN posi-
tion, engine running, speed below threshold, etc). The height
selector switch can be pushed up multiple times, each push
will raise the requested level by one position up to a
maximum position of OR or the highest position allowed
based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector switch down once will move the
suspension one position lower from the current level,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN posi -
tion, engine running, doors closed, speed below threshold,
etc). The height selector switch can be pushed down multiple
times, each push will lower the requested level by one posi -
tion down to a minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest
position allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle
speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle speed
and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps and instrument cluster display messages will operate the same
for automatic changes and user requested changes.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2, and 1 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, and 2 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 4 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit mode
can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed
is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator
lamp 3 will flash and indicator lamp 4 will remain solid
until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point indicator
lamp 3 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will be illumi -
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2, 3, and 4 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 330

336 STARTING AND OPERATING
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While
In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the transmission
will be placed in PARK if:
• The driver door is open and brake pedal released.
• The driver door is open and the driver seat belt isunbuckled.
• The engine hood has been opened.
• A STOP/START system error present.
The engine may then be restarted by moving the transmis -
sion shift selector out of PARK (e.g. to DRIVE) or, in some
cases, only by a KEY START. The instrument cluster will
display a SHIFT OUT OF PARK message, or a STOP/START
KEY START REQUIRED message, to indicate which action is
required.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.To Manually Turn Off The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gear selector). The light on the switch will illuminate.
STOP/START OFF Switch
2. The STOP/START OFF message will appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
3. At the next vehicle stop (after turning off the STOP/ START system) the engine will not be stopped.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 336

STARTING AND OPERATING 337
4. If the STOP/START system is manually turned off, theengine can be started and stopped by cycling the ignition
switch or pressing the STOP/START switch again.
5. The STOP/START system will reset itself back to an ON condition every time the key is turned off and back on.
To Manually Turn On The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gearselector module).
2. The light on the switch will turn off.
System Malfunction
If there is a malfunction in the STOP/START system, the
system will not shut down the engine. A “SERVICE STOP/
START SYSTEM” message will appear in the instrument
cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor -
mation.
The system will need to be checked by your authorized
dealer.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — SET (+)/Accel
3 — On/Off
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 337