2020 Ram 3500 manual transmission

STARTING AND OPERATING341
Shifting Into (N) NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground, with the engine running.
Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):
With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever into N (Neutral)
With electronic shift transfer case, push
and hold the transfer case N (Neutral)
button. Some models have a small,
recessed “N” button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be
pushed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular
N (Neutral) switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The N
(Neutral) indicator light will blink while
the shift is in progress. The light will stop
blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to N
(Neutral) is complete. After the shift is
completed and the N (Neutral) light stays
on, release the N (Neutral) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, push
and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button
until the engine shuts off.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK. On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will
automatically select PARK when the engine
is turned off.
11. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode, then cycle the ignition to the RUN mode and back
to the OFF mode. Remove the key fob from
the ignition.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.
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 driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to
prevent damage to internal parts.
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342STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
the engine should be started and left running
for a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the
doors closed) at least once every 24 hours. This process allows the air suspension to
adjust the vehicle’s ride height to compen
-
sate for temperature effects.
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. 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 the 8-speed
automatic transmission, the engine must
remain running, since turning the engine OFF
will shift the transmission to PARK (and the
transmission must be in NEUTRAL for the
transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speed
transmissions 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.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.

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378IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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. Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool,
remove the Manual Park Release access
cover, which is just above the parking brake
release handle, below and to the left of the
steering column.

Manual Park Release Panel Cover

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
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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382IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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” in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.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 rear wheels ON the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
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”
Automatic Transmission in
PARK
Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
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 EMERGENCY383
NOTE:
Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission to
NEUTRAL when the engine is OFF.
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmission.
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 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 the 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 (N) 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 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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553
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 210Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 153Body Builders Guide........................................ 12Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 414B-Pillar Location............................................. 433Brake Assist System...................................... 145Brake Control System.................................... 145Brake Fluid.......................................... 421, 463Brake System...................................... 421, 452Fluid Check............................................... 421Master Cylinder......................................... 421Parking...................................................... 231Warning Light............................................ 131Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 235Bulb Replacement......................................... 351Bulbs, Light.......................................... 212, 351
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 357Camera.......................................................... 309Camera, AUX........................................ 311, 318Camera, Rear...................................... 309, 312Camper............................................................ 98Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 460Capacities, Fluid.................................. 459, 460Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)...................................... 396, 402Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 419Car Washes................................................... 448Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 209, 456
Cargo Light....................................................... 52Cellular Phone.............................................. 540Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 356Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 81Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 421Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 430Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 143Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 209Checks, Safety.............................................. 209Child Restraint.............................................. 191Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 194Child Seat Installation..................... 202, 204How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 201Infant And Child Restraints....................... 192Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 199Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 195Older Children And Child Restraints......... 193Seating Positions...................................... 195Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 454CleaningWheels..................................................... 442Climate Control................................................ 57Automatic.................................................... 61Manual........................................................ 57Cold Weather Operation............................... 217Compact Spare Tire...................................... 441Contract, Service.......................................... 549Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 419
Cooling System............................................. 417Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 418Coolant Level................................... 418, 420Cooling Capacity.............................. 459, 460Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 420Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 418Inspection................................................. 420Points To Remember................................ 420Pressure Cap............................................ 419Radiator Cap............................................. 419Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).... 418, 459, 461, 464Corrosion Protection..................................... 447Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 280, 282Cruise Light................................................... 141Cupholders.......................................................86Customer Assistance.................................... 548Cybersecurity................................................ 467
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................49Dealer Service............................................... 401Defroster, Rear Window...................................57Defroster, Windshield............................ 57, 210Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................55Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 142Diesel Exhaust Brake.................................... 232Diesel Fuel.................................................... 456Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 456
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559
Memory
....................................................... 31Power.......................................................... 35Rear Folding................................................ 33Reclining Rear............................................. 34Tilting.......................................................... 33Security Alarm........................................ 25, 132Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 461, 464Sentry Key Key Programming........................................ 24Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 23Sentry Key Replacement................................. 24Service Assistance......................................... 548Service Contract............................................ 549Service Manuals............................................ 551Shift Lever Override....................................... 377Shifting.......................................................... 233Automatic Transmission.................. 235, 239Transfer Case............................................ 255Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)................................... 341Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N)................................... 342Side Steps, Power............................................ 27Signals, Turn..................................51, 141, 212Siri................................................................. 545Sliding Rear Window, Power............................ 71Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................. 443Snow Plow..................................................... 336Snow Tires..................................................... 440Spare Tires.......................................... 441, 442
Spark Plugs................................................... 461Speed ControlAccel/Decel.............................................. 281Cancel...................................................... 281Resume.................................................... 281Speed Control (Cruise Control)............ 280, 282Stabilizer/Sway Bar System.......................... 260Starting....................................... 213, 214, 217Automatic Transmission.................. 213, 217Button......................................................... 17Cold Weather............................................ 217Engine Block Heater........................ 220, 229Engine Fails To Start................................. 216Starting And Operating.................................. 214Starting Procedures............................. 214, 217Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines)........... 217Starting Procedures (Gas Engines)............... 213SteeringTilt Column.................................................. 41Wheel, Heated............................................. 41Wheel, Tilt.................................................... 41Steering Wheel Audio Controls..................... 537Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls........................................................ 537Steps, Power Side............................................ 27Storage............................................................ 81Storage Compartment, Center Seat................. 81Storage, Vehicle......................................68, 447Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 447Sun Roof................................................... 72, 73
Sunglasses Storage.........................................90Sunshade Operation........................................73Sway Control, Trailer..................................... 153Synthetic Engine Oil...................................... 403
T
Tailgate............................................................98Tailgate, Electronic Lowering...........................74Telescoping Steering Column...........................41Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC).............67TiltDown...........................................................35Up................................................................35Tilt Steering Column.........................................41Tip Start............................................... 213, 218Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 433Tire Markings................................................ 429Tire Safety Information.................................. 429Tires.................................. 212, 435, 441, 446Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 439Air Pressure.............................................. 435Chains...................................................... 443Compact Spare......................................... 441Dual................................................. 445, 452General Information........................ 435, 441High Speed............................................... 437
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