2020 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab manual transmission

STARTING AND OPERATING291
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until the
shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the
N (Neutral) button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the N (Neutral) button is
released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired posi -
tion.
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold the
transfer case N (Neutral) button until the
N (Neutral) indicator light turns off. After
the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,
release the N (Neutral) button. After the
N (Neutral) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indi -
cated by the selector switch.
With electronic shift transfer case with push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the N (Neutral) indi -
cator light turns off and the desired posi -
tion indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral),
turning the engine off is not required, but may
be helpful to avoid gear clash. With 8-speed
automatic transmission, the engine must
remain running, since turning the engine off will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the trans -
mission must be in NEUTRAL for the transfer
case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic trans- mission into PARK. On 8-speed transmis -
sions the shifter will automatically select
PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY323

Engaging The Access Port

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION
To push or tow the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available.
Manual Park Release Cover
Manual Park Release Pull Strap

WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake before activating the
Manual Park Release. In addition, you should
be seated in the driver’s seat with your foot
firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual
Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll
away if it is not secured by the parking brake,
or by proper connection to a tow vehicle.
Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury
or death for those in or around the vehicle.
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326IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in the “Starting And Operating” section.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to “Manual Park
Release” or “Gear Selector Override” in this
section for instructions on shifting the auto
-
matic transmission out of PARK for towing.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (6–speed
transmission)
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance (8–speed
transmission) See instructions in “Recreational Towing” under
“Starting And Operating”

• Auto Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed ALL
BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY327
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels OFF the ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (with the rear wheels on the ground)
under the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer
to “Manual Park Release” in this section for
instructions on shifting the 8–speed trans -
mission to NEUTRAL when the engine is off.
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission,
or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmis -
sion. If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km) for
6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for
8–speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the front wheels
raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or
(when using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer
to hold the front wheels in the straight position)
with rear wheels raised and the front wheels ON
the ground.
Four-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing with all
wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods
are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one
end of vehicle raised and the opposite end on a
towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, with ALL wheels
on the ground), IF the transfer case is in
NEUTRAL and the transmission is in PARK.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information and detailed
instructions.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine and/
or transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if
the remaining wheels are on the ground).
Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a front or rear
wheel lift is used when towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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505
B-Pillar Location
....................................379Brake Assist System...............................121Brake Control System.............................121Brake Fluid...................................367, 409Brake System............................... 367, 397Fluid Check.......................................367Master Cylinder.................................367Parking............................................204Warning Light....................................109Brake/Transmission Interlock...................206Bulb Replacement.................................300Bulbs, Light.................................. 182, 300
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights........................305Camera...............................................258Camera, AUX................................ 261, 267Camera, Rear............................... 258, 261Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).......405Capacities, Fluid....................................405Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)............................... 343, 348Power Steering..................................229Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................365Car Washes..........................................394Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180, 401Cargo Light.............................................47Cellular Phone......................................483Center High Mounted Stop Light................304Center Seat Storage Compartment..............73
Changing A Flat Tire............................... 314Charge Air Cooler................................... 366Chart, Tire Sizing................................... 376Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light)119Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.............. 180Checks, Safety...................................... 180Child Restraint...................................... 160Child RestraintsBooster Seats................................... 164Child Seat Installation................. 172, 174How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 171Infant And Child Restraints................... 162Locating The LATCH Anchorages............ 169Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 165Older Children And Child Restraints........ 163Seating Positions............................... 165Clean Air Gasoline................................. 399CleaningWheels............................................ 389Climate Control....................................... 51Automatic.......................................... 55Manual.............................................. 52Cold Weather Operation.......................... 187Compact Spare Tire............................... 387Contract, Service................................... 501Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 365Cooling System..................................... 363Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 364Coolant Level............................ 363, 366
Cooling Capacity................................ 405Disposal Of Used Coolant.................... 365Drain, Flush, And Refill........................ 364Inspection........................................ 366Points To Remember.......................... 366Pressure Cap.................................... 365Radiator Cap.................................... 365Selection Of Coolant(Antifreeze)................... 364, 407, 410Corrosion Protection.............................. 393Cruise Control (Speed Control)......... 230, 232Cruise Light......................................... 117Cupholders............................................ 77Customer Assistance............................. 500Cybersecurity....................................... 414
D
Daytime Running Lights............................ 45Dealer Service...................................... 347Defroster, Rear Window............................ 52Defroster, Windshield....................... 52, 181Delay (Intermittent) Wipers........................ 50Diagnostic System, Onboard.................... 118Diesel Exhaust Brake............................. 203Diesel Fuel.......................................... 402Diesel Fuel Requirements....................... 402Bulk Storage Of................................. 269Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming................ 358Differential, Limited Slip......................... 228
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510
Rain Sensitive Wiper System
......................51Rear Axle (Differential).................... 370, 371Rear Camera........................................261Rear ParkSense System.................. 246, 250Rear Window, Sliding................................66Recreational Towing...............................288Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....290Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N)....................................291Reformulated Gasoline...........................399Refrigerant...................................351, 352Release, Hood........................................66Reminder, Seat Belt...............................142Remote Keyless Entry...............................13Panic Alarm........................................14Programming Additional Key Fobs...... 16, 23Remote Start (Diesel)...............................20Remote Start (Gasoline)............................18Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode.........................19Uconnect Customer ProgrammableFeatures....................... 424, 440, 459Uconnect Settings.............. 424, 440, 459Replacement Bulbs................................300Replacement Keys...................................23Replacement Tires.................................385Reporting Safety Defects.........................502Resetting Perform Service Indicator...........335Restraints, Child....................................160Restraints, Head......................................36
Rotation, Tires...................................... 391
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle.................... 180Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.................. 182Safety Defects, Reporting........................ 502Safety Information, Tire........................... 374Safety Tips........................................... 180Safety, Exhaust Gas............................... 180Schedule, Maintenance.......................... 329Seat BeltAutomatic Locking Retractor (ALR)......... 149Seat Belt Reminder................................ 108Seat Belts.................................... 142, 180Adjustable Shoulder Belt..................... 146Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage.... 146Adjustable Upper Shoulder BeltAnchorage.................................... 146Child Restraints................................. 160Extender.......................................... 148Front Seat................................ 142, 145Inspection........................................ 180Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation................ 145Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting............... 146Operating Instructions......................... 145Pregnant Women............................... 149Reminder......................................... 142Seat Belt Extender............................. 148Seat Belt Reminder............................ 142Untwisting Procedure.......................... 146
Seat Belts Maintenance.......................... 395Seats............................................. 30, 31Adjustment.................................. 30, 31Easy Entry.......................................... 33Folding Floor...................................... 76Head Restraints.................................. 36Memory............................................. 32Power............................................... 31Rear Folding....................................... 30Tilting............................................... 30Security Alarm................................ 24, 110Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)....... 407, 410Sentry KeyKey Programming................................ 23Sentry Key (Immobilizer)........................... 22Sentry Key Replacement........................... 23Service Assistance................................ 500Service Contract................................... 501Service Manuals................................... 503Shift Lever Override............................... 322Shifting............................................... 205Automatic Transmission.............. 207, 213Transfer Case................................... 227Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)................. 290Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N)............................ 291Signals, Turn.......................... 47, 117, 182Siri..................................................... 495Sliding Rear Window, Power....................... 66

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