2020 Ram 2500 ECO mode

STARTING AND OPERATING237
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
GEAR + switch until the gear limit display disap -
pears 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 trans -
mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL
switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
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 opera -
tion. 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.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
Pickup models may use either AS69RC trans -
mission, or the 68RFE transmission (which has
no PTO access cover).
The transmission gear position display (located
in the instrument cluster) indicates the trans -
mission 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 transmis -
sion electronics are self-calibrating; therefore,
the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
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.
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.
5

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240STARTING AND OPERATING
engine may be started in this range. 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 underdrive first, second, and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
and sixth 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, trav
-
eling into strong head winds, or while towing a
heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control refer to “Electronic 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 excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to over -
heating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until
the transmission cools down. 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 addi
-
tional heat load on the cooling system. Down -
shifting 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 opera -
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature 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 transmis -
sion fluid is warm refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section. On
Pickup models with 68RFE transmission, top
overdrive gear is also inhibited until the trans -
mission fluid is warm, and during extremely cold
temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera -
tion may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. On trucks with AS69RC transmis -
sion, fifth and sixth gears may be inhibited
briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240

STARTING AND OPERATING241
during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or
below), operation 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 electroni -
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti -
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear (for 68RFE transmission) or third
gear (for AS69RC transmission) regardless of
which forward gear is selected. If an
AS69RC-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 transmission. In the event of a momentary problem, the trans
-
mission 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. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission 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 transmis -
sion.
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 transmission 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 position, the transmission will
operate automatically, shifting between all
available gears. Tapping the ERS (-) switch 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 ERS (-) or (+) switch will change the top
available gear.

Electronic Range Select
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
5

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242STARTING AND OPERATING
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS
(+) switch until the gear limit display disappears
from the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply push and
hold the ERS (-) switch. The transmission will
shift to the range from which the vehicle can
best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec -
tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans -
mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/
HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed,
and the transmission will automatically down
-
shift (for engine braking) when the throttle is
closed and/or during steady braking maneu -
vers.

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 opera -
tion. 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.
Transmis -
sion Gear
Limit Dis -
play 1 2 3 4 5 6 D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed
1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while
descending steep grades, be careful not to
overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as
needed to prevent engine overspeed.

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250STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster is used to alert the driver
that the front axle is fully engaged and all four
wheels are driving.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride
height system. The main purpose of this system
is to maintain the truck’s rear ride height level.
There are two selectable heights that can be
chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 inch (25 mm) for a level
truck, to be used as required while trailer
towing. It will automatically adjust to maintain
the rear ride height as conditions change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will continue to load level after the
vehicle has been turned off for 10 minutes
without compressor activation. This allows for
easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the
back of the truck by maintaining the ride height.
After 10 minutes you will need to turn the igni -tion to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the
vehicle. If the air suspension system is disabled
using the settings menu (Tire Jack Mode, Trans
-
port Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed Lowering
Mode) the system will remain disabled when
the vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the
settings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode, Alignment
Mode, Transport Mode and Bed Lowering
Mode.
NOTE:
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see your authorized dealer for
service.

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252STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until vehicle
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) has been
achieved and the LED will turn on.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again
will raise the vehicle to Normal Ride Height
(NRH).
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until Normal
Ride Height (NRH) has been achieved and the
LED will turn off.
Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle, or deselecting the mode
via the interface.
Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle, or by deselecting the
mode via the interface.
Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is
disabled by driving the vehicle, or by dese-
lecting the mode via the interface.
Bed Lowering Mode – Telltale on the cluster
will be illuminated. Bed Lowering Mode is
disabled by driving the vehicle, or deselecting
the mode via the interface.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
This vehicle is equipped with electronically
locking front and rear differentials. These differ -
entials, when engaged, mechanically lock
together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to
spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from
becoming stuck. The locking front and rear
differentials should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where
one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the
ground. It is not recommended to drive the
vehicle with the differentials locked on pave -
ment due to the reduced ability to turn and
speed limitations.
Axle Lock Selector

1 — FRONT/REAR LOCK – the front and rear axles
are locked
2 — REAR LOCK – the rear axle is locked
3 — AXLE UNLOCK – the front and rear axles are
unlocked
CAUTION!
Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard
surfaced roads. The ability to steer the
vehicle is reduced and damage to the drive
-
train may occur when the axles are locked
on hard surfaced roads.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 252

STARTING AND OPERATING253
The locking axles are controlled by the axle
locker switch.
Under normal driving conditions, the switch
should be left in the AXLE UNLOCK position.
NOTE:
Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear
axle still provides torque biasing capability for
moderate low traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indi -
cator light will flash until the axle is locked. After
the lock command has been successfully
executed, the light will remain on solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4WD
LOW, 4WD HIGH or 2WD. Refer to “Four Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. Push the REAR LOCK
button while traveling less than 10 mph (16 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on
when the rear axle is locked.
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the
indicator light is flashing after placing the switch
in the REAR LOCK or FRONT/REAR LOCK posi
-
tion, drive the vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel
to expedite the locking action.
To lock the front axle, push the FRONT/REAR
LOCK button while traveling less than 10 mph
(16 km/h) in 4WD LOW. The indicator light will
be solid when the front axle is locked.
NOTE:
The rear axle must be locked before the front
axle will lock. When both the axles are locked, to unlock the
front axle, push the REAR LOCK button while in
4WD LOW. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator
light will go out when the axle is unlocked.
NOTE:
The axle lockers could be torque locked due to
side to side loads on the 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 UNLOCK
button. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system
allows greater front suspension travel in
off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has
an increased ride height of approximately
1.9 inches (48.3 mm) in the front and
1.5 inches (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle
is stuck and the tires are spinning. You can
damage drivetrain components. Lock the
rear axle before attempting situations or
navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not use the locked axle position for normal
driving. A locked front axle is intended for
off-road driving only. Locking the front axle
during on-road driving will reduce the steering
ability. This could cause a collision and you
may be seriously injured.5

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254STARTING AND OPERATING
advantage to increasing ride height is the posi -
tive effect it has on approach/departure and
break over angles.
This system is controlled by the electronic
control sway bar switch located below the
instrument panel.

Sway Bar Disconnect Button

Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the
system. Push the switch again to deactivate the
system. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” (located
in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when
the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indi -
cator Light” will flash during activation transi -
tion, or when activation conditions are not met.
The stabilizer/sway bar should remain in
on-road mode during normal driving conditions. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to
either 4WD HIGH or 4WD LOW and push the
SWAY BAR button to obtain the Off-Road posi
-
tion. Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation” in
“Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash
until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully
disconnected. NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differ
-
ences. This condition is due to driving surface
differences or vehicle loading. In order for the
stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect,
the right and left halves of the bar must be
aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked
from side to side.
To return to the On-Road mode, push the SWAY
BAR button again.WARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive
on hard surfaced roads or at speeds above
18 mph (29 km/h), you may lose control of
the vehicle, which could result in serious
injury or death. The front stabilizer bar
enhances vehicle stability and assists in
maintaining control of the vehicle. The system
monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to
reconnect the stabilizer bar at speeds over
18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a
flashing off road light and solid on road light.
Once vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph
(22 km/h), the system will attempt to return
to the Off-Road mode.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to
On-Road mode, vehicle stability is reduced.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over
18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than
18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control
of the vehicle, which could result in serious
injury or death. Contact your local service
center for assistance.

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