2022 RAM 1500 automatic transmission

158STARTING AND OPERATING
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 all
forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), select
TOW/HAUL mode or use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control to select a lower gear
range Úpage 158. Under these conditions, using
a lower gear range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected
that could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this
mode, the transmission may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may be severely degraded
and the engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after
engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a
desired location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer).

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
transmission 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 authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, an authorized dealer service is
required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
If Equipped
The ERS shift control allows the driver to limit the
highest available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE and ERS mode is not active. For example, if
you set the transmission gear limit to FOURTH
gear, the transmission will hold that gear and not
shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through the
lower gears normally.
NOTE:ERS will only upshift during a FIRST to SECOND
gear shift when in 4WD LOW. All other ranges will
hold the gear.
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 “-” button (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 “-”
or “+” button will change the top available gear.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING159

Electronic Range Select (ERS)

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the “+”
button until the gear limit display disappears from
the instrument cluster.
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving you
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance. This feature can also provide
you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.

Paddle Shifters

Operation
In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector
(in the SPORT position), or the paddle shifters, to
manually shift the transmission. To activate
AutoStick mode, move the gear selector into the
SPORT (S) position (beside the DRIVE position), or
tap one of the paddle shifters on the steering
wheel. Tapping the “-” shift paddle to enter AutoStick mode will downshift the transmission to
the next lower gear, while tapping “+” to enter
AutoStick mode will retain the current gear. The
current transmission gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster.
AutoStick mode has the following operational
benefits:
The transmission will automatically downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift “+” the trans
-
mission as the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear (or THIRD gear, in 4WD LOW).
Tapping “+” (at a stop) will allow starting in
SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND or THIRD
gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too
low of a vehicle speed.
Holding the “-” paddle pressed, or holding the
gear selector in the “-” position, will downshift
the transmission to the lowest gear possible at
the current speed.
1 — Shift Up “+”
2 — Shift Down “–”
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.
1 — “-” Paddle
2 — “+” Paddle
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22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

160STARTING AND OPERATING
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift mode
if a fault or overheat condition is detected.
NOTE:When Selec-Speed or Hill Descent Control is
enabled, AutoStick is not active.
To disengage AutoStick, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position, or press and hold the “+”
paddle shifter (and the gear selector is already in
DRIVE) until "D" is once again indicated in the
instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of
AutoStick at any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
Select TOW/HAUL mode when driving in conditions
such as: driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc. This mode 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 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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), located on the instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING163
(Continued)

Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — GT Models

This electronically shifted transfer case provides
five positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway driving
on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle
in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits
as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD
AUTO) — This range sends power to the front
wheels automatically when the vehicle senses a
loss of traction. This range may be used during
varying road conditions.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive -
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed.
This provides additional traction for loose or
slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — 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 or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
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 228.
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW posi -
tions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located
in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is
pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position is
to be used for recreational towing only
Ú page 228.
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.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
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174STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The system
is automatic with no driver inputs or additional
driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function, included with eTorque
equipped vehicles, is developed to save fuel and
reduce emissions. The system will stop the engine
automatically as the vehicle decelerates at low
speeds if the required conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE
will automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a
heavy-duty motor generator and an additional
hybrid electric battery to store energy from vehicle
deceleration used to expand engine off energy
storage and for engine startup after a stop, as well
as providing engine torque assist when conditions
are met to enable this.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. It will remain in
STOP/START NOT READY until you drive forward
with a vehicle speed greater than 2 mph (3 km/h).
At that time, the system will go into STOP/START
READY and if all other conditions are met, the
system may go into STOP/START AUTOSTOP
ACTIVE Autostop mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster within the
Stop/Start section
Ú
page 114.

2. The vehicle must be decelerating and likely coming to a complete stop.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed. The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the stop/start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in an
Autostop. While in an Autostop, the Climate
Controls system may automatically adjust airflow
to maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will
be maintained upon return to an engine running
condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check
many safety and comfort conditions to see if they
are fulfilled. In following situations, the engine will
not Autostop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
Driver’s door is not closed
The vehicle is on a steep grade
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an
acceptable cabin temperature has not been
achieved
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower
speed
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature
Engine or exhaust temperature is too high
The battery is charging

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STARTING AND OPERATING175
The transmission is not in DRIVE
Hood is open
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
TOW/HAUL mode is selected
Accelerator pedal input
Excessive 12 Volt loads
Brake application is adequate to obtain and
maintain a stop
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several
consecutive times in extreme conditions and not
meet all criteria to enable an Autostop state.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed and the transmission will automatically
reengage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:
The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE
to REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC
settings
HVAC is set to full defrost mode
12 Volt demand requires engine restart
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
The emissions system override is present
A Stop/Start system error is present
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park
While In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the
transmission will be placed in PARK if:
The driver door is open and brake pedal
released
The driver door is open and the driver seat belt
is unbuckled
The engine hood has been opened
A Stop/Start system error is present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission shift selector out of PARK (e.g., to
DRIVE) or, in some cases, only by a key start. The
instrument cluster will display a “SHIFT OUT OF
PARK” message, or a “STOP/START KEY START
REQUIRED” message, to indicate which action is
required Ú page 114.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will illuminate.
The “STOP/START OFF” message will appear in the
instrument cluster display and the Autostop mode
will be disabled Ú page 114.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to the
ON position every time the ignition is turned OFF
and back ON.
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING179
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel
operate the Adaptive Cruise Control system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current ACC system settings. The information it
displays depends on ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button 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.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC
display activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster display will read
“ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster
display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following condi -
tions:
When in 4WD Low
When the brakes are applied
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is below the minimum
speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low
speeds
When there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity
When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Full Off
mode is active
1 — Distance Setting Increase
2 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — Distance Setting Decrease
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING219
(Continued)
Instrument Cluster Messages:
“Calibrate Trailer ” will display when a trailer
is not calibrated and the vehicle is at a standstill
while the button is pushed.
“Calibrating Trailer” will display when the trailer
is not calibrated and the vehicle is moving while
the button is pushed.
“To Activate Trailer Steering Shift To P” will
display when the trailer is calibrated success
-
fully, the TRSC activation button is pushed and
the vehicle is not in PARK.
“Trailer Steering Ready, Shift To Reverse” will
display when the button is pushed, trailer is cali -
brated and the vehicle is in PARK.
“Trailer Steering Active” will display after the
driver shifts to REVERSE and indicates the
feature is active.
“Trailer Steering Unavailable” will display if
there is a fault in the system preventing activa -
tion, the driver’s door is open, the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, or the tailgate is open. Other reasons the feature may cancel:
The driver overrides steering by placing hands
on the steering wheel.
Trailer tracking is lost.
If the trailer angle becomes excessive, the
brakes apply bringing the vehicle to a stop and
then applying the parking brake.
Trailer steering button is pushed while active.
Vehicle speed goes over 8 mph (12 km/h).
Driver door is open and seat belt is unbuckled.
Transmission shifted to PARK.
Trailer Memory
The trailer steering system will automatically retain
the calibration of the previous five trailers
connected, so recalibration will not be necessary
when hooking up. The next time the vehicle is
started, place the vehicle in DRIVE and drive a
short distance. The TRSC system can then be
activated.
NOTE:Trailers may look different during day and night
conditions. In such cases, the trailer may need to
recalibrate. Some trailers (such as boat trailers) will need to
recalibrate while loaded and unloaded.
NOTE:
The system may not detect a trailer in low light
conditions. In sunny conditions, the perfor
-
mance may be degraded as shadows pass over
the trailer.
The driver is always responsible for safe opera -
tion of truck and trailer.
The driver is always in control of the truck as
well as the trailer and is responsible for
controlling the throttle and brakes.
The system may not function when the camera
lens is blocked, blurred (covered with water,
snow, ice, dirt, etc) and will not work unless the
tailgate is upright and fully latched.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
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