2020 RAM CHASSIS CAB steering wheel

158SAFETY
(Continued)
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event,
the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform
the following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (If Equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (If
Equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on
as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System.
Unlock the power door locks.
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circula -
tion Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pump
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to place the igni -
tion to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and
remove the key from the ignition switch to avoid
draining the battery. Carefully check the vehicle
for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on
the ground near the engine compartment and
fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or
damage to the vehicle electrical devices (e.g.
headlights) after an accident, reset the system
by following the procedure described below. If
you have any doubt, contact an authorized
dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident
Response System functions after an event, the
ignition switch must be changed from ignition
START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Carefully
check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the
engine compartment and fuel tank before reset -
ting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify
the components or wiring, including adding
any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper
passenger side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or add aftermarket side steps or
running boards.

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STARTING AND OPERATING207
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
Chassis Cab models (with automatic transmis -
sion) may use either the AS66RC or AS69RC
transmission (which are equipped with a Power
Take-Off (PTO) access cover on the side of the
transmission case).
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
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the Elec
-
tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pushing
the ERS (-/+) switches (on the steering wheel)
while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear limit in the instrument cluster
as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to "Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation" in this section for further infor -
mation. Some models will display both the
selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.
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 transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK, other
-
wise the load on the transmission locking mech -
anism may make it difficult to move the gear
selector out of 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.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING213
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.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instru -
ment panel. The transmission gear range
(PRND) is displayed both above the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector.
You must press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds).
To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such
as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear
selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu
-
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission
adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs,
along with environmental and road conditions.
The transmission electronics are self-cali -
brating; 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 (kilome -
ters).
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 the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the Elec
-
tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pressing
the GEAR-/GEAR+ switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear limit in the instrument cluster
as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor -
mation. Some models will display both the
selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.

Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

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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STARTING AND OPERATING217

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if
possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 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 an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission.
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 (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.
ERS Control

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
GEAR + switch until the gear limit display disap -
pears 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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STARTING AND OPERATING229
POWER STEERING
Hydraulic Power Steering
The standard power steering system will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will provide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is inter -
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will
observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered normal
and do not indicate that there is a problem
with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for a
short amount of time. This is due to the cold,
thick fluid in the steering system. This noise
should be considered normal, and it does not
in any way damage the steering system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should only be checked if a leak is suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the
system is not functioning as anticipated. Check
fluid level when the engine is cold and off. Coor -
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer. If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will
increase the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill.
Use only manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can
damage your power steering components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.5

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230STARTING AND OPERATING
SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
20 mph (32 km/h) for gasoline engines and
25 mph (40 km/h) for diesel engines.
The Speed Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.

Speed Control Buttons

NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed
Control system has been designed to shut down
if multiple speed control functions are operated at the same time. If this occurs, the Speed
Control system can be reactivated by pushing
the Speed Control on/off button and resetting
the desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Speed
Control. The cruise indicator light in the instru
-
ment cluster display will illuminate. To turn the
system off, push the on/off button a second
time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle
has reached the desired speed, push the SET (-)
button and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected
speed. NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pushing the
SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings (if
equipped). Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependent on the
chosen speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric
(km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)

Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in
a 1 mph increase in set speed. Each subse -
quent tap of the button results in an increase
of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
1 — On/Off Button
2 — RES (+)
3 — SET (-)
4 — CANCEL
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could
accidentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose control
and have an accident. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.

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STARTING AND OPERATING233
(Continued)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The speed control buttons (located on the right
side of the steering wheel) operate the ACC
system.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward
Collision Warning System.
Does not always fully recognize complex driving conditions, which can
result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.
Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while following a target vehicle and hold
the vehicle for approximately two
seconds in the stop position. At this
point, there will be an “ACC may cancel
soon” chime and warning to the driver.
When ACC is cancelled, the system will
release the brakes and the driver must
take over braking. The system can be
resumed when the target vehicle drives
off by releasing the brake and pushing
the resume button on the steering
wheel.
WARNING! (Continued)
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway construc -
tion zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or
have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
WARNING! (Continued)
1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button
2 — Distance Button
3 — RES (+)
4 — SET (-)
5 — CANCEL
6 — Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control On/Off
Button
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING239
Trailer Detect — If Equipped
When a trailer is detected, the ACC system auto -
matically defaults to the longest setting (four
bars). The setting can be overridden by pushing
the Distance Button on the steering wheel.
Overtake Aid
When driving with ACC engaged and following a
vehicle, the system will provide an additional
acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist in
passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration
is triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn
signal and will only be active when passing on
the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
In the event that the ACC system brings your
vehicle to a standstill while following a target
vehicle, if the target vehicle starts moving within
two seconds of your vehicle coming to a stand -
still, your vehicle will resume motion without the
need for any driver action. If the target vehicle does not start moving within
two seconds of your vehicle coming to a stand
-
still, then ACC will cancel and the driver must
take over braking. When the target vehicle
drives off, ACC can be resumed by releasing the
brake and pushing the RES (+) button.
NOTE:
After the ACC system holds your vehicle at a
standstill for approximately two seconds, a
chime will sound and an “ACC may cancel soon”
warning will display. The brakes will release
when ACC is cancelled and the driver must take
over braking.

While ACC is holding your vehicle at a
standstill, if the driver seatbelt is unbuckled or
the driver door is opened, the ACC system will
cancel and the brakes will release. Driver
intervention will be required at this moment.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current ACC system settings. The instrument
cluster display is located in the center of the
instrument cluster. The information it displays
depends on ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button (located on the steering wheel) until one
of the following appears in the instrument
cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
WARNING!
When the ACC system is resumed, the driver
must ensure that there are no pedestrians,
vehicles or objects in the path of the vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in
a collision and death or serious personal
injury.
5

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