2022 RAM 1500 parking brake

154STARTING AND OPERATING
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in
PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF
position. This helps the driver avoid inadvertently
leaving the vehicle without placing the
transmission in PARK. This system also locks the
transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in
the OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the
ignition is in the ACC position (even though the
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC
position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle
is stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Rotary Shifter — If Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instrument
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.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle,
always come to a complete stop, then apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above
idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

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156STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)

Gear Selector

NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed
forward), it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-)
position (beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick
mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is
displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear
selector to the right (into the DRIVE position) for
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not press 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 acceler
-
ating. 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 hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to 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.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to
guard against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting 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.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!

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STARTING AND OPERATING157
(Continued) The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P),
and is not blinking.
With the brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK. REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle,
always come to a complete stop, then apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis
-
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis -
sion gear selector.
WARNING!
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must start the engine, and
also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 228.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 390.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING161
This electronically shifted transfer case provides
four 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 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.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD
HIGH and 4WD LOW) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. When you select a
different transfer case position, the indicator lights
will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired
position, one or more of the following events may
occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.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.
4

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

162STARTING AND OPERATING
3. If the transfer case will not shift, a message
will appear on the cluster stating the 4WD shift
has canceled.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the
necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection,
push the current position, wait five seconds, and
retry selection.

The SERV 4WD Warning Light monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this light
remains on after engine start-up or illuminates
during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive
system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or 4WD HIGH positions at a given road
speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine and
do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning
and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road
conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, then
the transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator light for the previous position will remain
on and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the require -
ments for the selected position have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new transfer
case position have been met, then the current
position indicator light will turn off and the
selected position indicator light will flash until
the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is complete, the position indicator light for
the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
FIVE-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), which is located on the instrument
panel.

Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake
may allow the vehicle to roll which may cause
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!
4

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164STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD
HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in
the instrument cluster and indicate the current
and desired transfer case selection. When you
select a different transfer case position, the
indicator lights will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired
position, one or more of the following events may
occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will be a
cluster message stating the 4WD shift has
canceled.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry the
selection, push the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection.
The SERV 4WD Warning Light monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this light
remains on after engine start-up or illuminates
during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive
system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the 2WD, 4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH positions at a
given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning
and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road
conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, then
the transfer case will not shift. The position indi
-
cator light for the previous position will remain
on and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the require -
ments for the selected position have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new transfer
case position have been met, then the current
position indicator light will turn off and the
selected position indicator light will flash until
the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is complete, the position indicator light for
the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake
may allow the vehicle to roll which may cause
personal injury or death.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 164

STARTING AND OPERATING173
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and
4WD LOCK/HIGH, the locker can be engaged up to
20 mph (32 km/h). While driving with the locker
engaged, if speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the
locker will automatically disengage, but will
automatically re-engage at 20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the
indicator light is flashing after selecting the rear
axle lock mode, drive the vehicle in a turn or on
loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to
side to side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly
while turning the steering wheel from a left hand
turn to a right hand turn or driving in REVERSE for
a short distance may be required to release the
torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE LOCK
button. The AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out
when the rear axle is unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL —
IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional
traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel,
particularly when there is a difference between the
traction characteristics of the surface under the
right and left rear wheels. During normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs
similarly to a conventional differential. On slippery
surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the
better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful
during slippery driving conditions. With both rear
wheels on a slippery surface, a slight application of
the accelerator will supply maximum traction.
When starting with only one rear wheel on an
excessively slippery surface, slight momentary
application of the parking brake may be necessary
to gain maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden
accelerations when both rear wheels are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both rear wheels
to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide sideways on
the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
POWER STEERING
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions.
If the steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service.
It is likely the vehicle has lost power steering
assistance.
If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions are
safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few
moments until the icon and message turn off
Ú
page 114.
If the steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE
POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates the vehicle needs to be taken to the
dealer for service Ú page 114.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a
limited-slip or locking differential, never run the
engine with one rear wheel off the ground as the
vehicle may drive through the rear wheel
remaining on the ground and result in
unintended movement.
4

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