152STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within
five seconds after starting the engine.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission 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
downshift (for engine braking) when the throttle
is closed and/or during steady braking
maneuvers. 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
operation. 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.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located
in the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped,
it will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.
Connections to the switches are found under
the hood in the connectors attached to the
auxiliary Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of
the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster
display. All switches can now be configured for
setting the switch type operation to latching or
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:
Holding last state conditions are met when
switch type is set to latching and power source
is set to ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builders
Guide by accessing
https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html
and
choosing the appropriate links.
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.
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152
STARTING AND OPERATING153
(Continued)
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with
either a manually shifted transfer case or an
electronically shifted transfer case.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (EIGHT SPEED TRANSMISSION) —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronically shifted transfer case
and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch
(Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.
Four-Position Transfer Case
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD High)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD Low)
N (Neutral)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4WD High
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages
four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear
wheels to spin at the same speed. This provides
additional traction for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. 4WD Low
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes
torque (increased torque over 4WD High) to the
front driveshaft, allowing front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This range provides
additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle Ú
page 214.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (NEUTRAL) position
without first fully engaging the parking brake.
The transfer case N (NEUTRAL) position
disengages both the front and rear drive
shaft from the powertrain, and will allow the
vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in
PARK. The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
4
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 153
156STARTING AND OPERATING
2WD Or 4WD HIGH To 4WD LOW
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4WD Low some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is
not detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle
rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely
stopped. You can use either of the following
procedures:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle
to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear. Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position
and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear.
NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter -
nate Procedure are not satisfied prior to
attempting the shift, then the desired posi -
tion indicator light will flash continuously
while the original position indicator light is
on, until all requirements have been met.
The ignition switch must be in the ON position
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION) — IF
E
QUIPPED
The electronically shifted transfer case is
operated by the four-wheel drive Control Switch
(Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.
Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
N (Neutral)
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156
184STARTING AND OPERATING
TURNING LANESENSE ON OR OFF
The LaneSense button is located on
the switch panel below the Uconnect
display.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a 12–inch
Uconnect Display screen, the LaneSense button
is located above the display.
To turn the LaneSense system on, push the
LaneSense button (LED turns off). A “LaneSense
On” message is shown in the instrument cluster
display.
To turn the LaneSense system off, push the
LaneSense button again (LED turns on).
NOTE:
The LaneSense system will retain the last
system state (on or off) from the last ignition
cycle when the ignition is changed to the
ON/RUN position.
LANESENSE WARNING MESSAGE
The LaneSense system will indicate the current
lane drift condition through the instrument
cluster display.
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane
lines are gray when both of the lane boundaries
have not been detected and the LaneSense
telltale is solid white.
System ON (Gray Lines) With White Telltale
Left Lane Departure — Only Left Lane Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the Lane -
Sense Telltale is solid white when only the
left lane marking has been detected and the
system is ready to provide visual warnings in
the instrument cluster display if an uninten -
tional lane departure occurs on the left side.
When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane depar -
ture situation, the visual warning in the
instrument cluster display will show the left
lane line flashing yellow (on/off). The Lane -
Sense telltale changes from solid white to
flashing yellow.
Lane Crossed (Flashing Yellow Lane Line) With Yellow Telltale
NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar
behavior for a right lane departure when only
the right lane marking has been detected.
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 184
228MULTIMEDIA
steering wheel controls during a call, push the
Voice Recognition button on the steering wheel.
After the beep, say “transfer call”.
UCONNECT SETTINGS
The Uconnect system uses a combination of
buttons on the touchscreen and buttons on the
faceplate located on the center of the instrument
panel. These buttons allow you to access and
change the Customer Programmable Features.
Many features can vary by vehicle.
Buttons on the faceplate are located below
and/or beside the Uconnect system in the
center of the instrument panel. In addition,
there is a Scroll/Enter control knob located on
the right side. Turn the control knob to scroll
through menus and change settings. Push the
center of the control knob one or more times to
select or change a setting.
Your Uconnect system may also have Screen
Off and Mute buttons on the faceplate.
Push the Screen Off button on the faceplate to
turn off the Uconnect screen. Push the button
again or tap the screen to turn the screen on.
Press the Back Arrow button to exit out of a
Menu or certain option on the Uconnect system.
CUSTOMER PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
Uconnect 4C NAV With 12-inch Display Touchscreen
And Faceplate Buttons
For the Uconnect 3 With 5-inch Display, the
Uconnect 4/4C/4C NAV With 8.4-inch Display,
and Uconnect 4C NAV With 12-inch Display
Press the Apps button, then press the
Settings button on the touchscreen to display
the menu setting screen. In this mode the
Uconnect system allows you to access
programmable features.
NOTE:
Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature
settings may vary.
All settings should be changed with the igni
-
tion in the ON/RUN position.
When making a selection, only press one button
at a time to enter the desired menu. Once in the
desired menu, press and release the preferred
setting “option” until a check mark appears
next to the setting, showing that setting has
been selected. Once the setting is complete,
press the X button on the touchscreen to close
out of the settings screen. Pressing the Up or
1 — Uconnect Buttons On The Touchscreen
2 — Uconnect Buttons On The Faceplate
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 228
302SAFETY
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull
downward until the entire seat belt is
extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound.
This indicates the seat belt is now in the
Automatic Locking Mode. How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt
and allow it to retract completely to disengage
the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect
you in a collision. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits
and interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in
that vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if
the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) feature or any other seat belt function
is not working properly when checked
according to the procedures in the Service
Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the
seat belt or children who are using booster
seats. The locked mode is only used to
install rear-facing or forward-facing child
restraints that have a harness for
restraining the child.
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 302
SAFETY303
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags — If Equipped
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch
is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not
inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system even
if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for approximately four to
eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition
switch is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert you if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While the
air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit
-
tently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled.
In this condition the air bags may not be ready to
inflate for your protection. Have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could affect
the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag Warning
Light will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will
stay on until the fault is cleared. In addition, a
single chime will sound to alert you that the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light has come on
and a fault has been detected. If the Redundant
Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately
Ú page 107.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t have
the air bag system to protect you in a collision.
If the light does not come on as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on, stays on
after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
6
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 303
304SAFETY
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder
belts for both the driver and front passenger.
The front air bags are a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver front air bag
is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.
The passenger front air bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment.
The words “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are
embossed on the air bag covers.
Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations
Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag
Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has
multistage driver and front passenger air bags.
This system provides output appropriate to the
severity and type of collision as determined by
the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which
may receive information from the front impact
sensors (if equipped) or other system
components.
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately
during an impact that requires air bag
deployment. A low energy output is used in less
severe collisions. A higher energy output is used
for more severe collisions.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/
or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that
detects whether the driver or front passenger
seat belt is buckled. The seat belt buckle switch
may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced
Front Air Bags.
1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags
2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact Bolsters
WARNING!
Being too close to the steering wheel or
instrument panel during front air bag
deployment could cause serious injury,
including death. Air bags need room to
inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending
your arms to reach the steering wheel or
instrument panel.
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in
that vehicle.
21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 304