2022 RAM 1500 trailer

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.

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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
4

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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166STARTING AND OPERATING
Aero Height (Lowers the vehicle approximately
0.6 inch [15 mm]) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle.
The vehicle will automatically enter Automatic
Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the
vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The
vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the
vehicle speed remains between 30 mph
(48 km/h) and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater
than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed falls
below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero mode will be disabled if a
trailer is detected to prevent shifting loads.
Speed thresholds for raising/lowering the
vehicle automatically at higher speeds only
apply if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled in
your Uconnect Radio settings.
To enter Aero Height manually push the height
selector switch down once from NRH at any
vehicle speed. To return to NRH push the height
selector switch up once while vehicle speed is
less than 56 mph (90 km/h).
NOTE:Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings in the instrument cluster display
Ú page 114 or through your Uconnect Radio (if
equipped) Ú page 234.
Entry/Exit Height (Lowers the vehicle approxi -
mately 2 inches [51 mm]) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and exit
as well as lowering the vehicle for easier loading
and unloading of cargo. To enter Entry/Exit
Mode, push the height selector switch down
once from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle
speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the
vehicle height will begin to lower. If the vehicle
speed remains between 15 mph (24 km/h) and
25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds,
or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the Entry/Exit change will be canceled. To return
to Normal Height Mode, push the height
selector switch up once while in Entry/Exit or
drive the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h).
NOTE:Entry/Exit Height may be achieved using the
Remote Lowering feature on your key fob for easier
entry/loading Ú page 19. The system requires that the ignition be in the ON/
RUN position or the engine running for all user
requested changes. When lowering the vehicle, all
of the doors must be closed. If a door is opened at
any time while the vehicle is lowering, the change
will not be completed until the open door(s) is
closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern
which keeps the headlights from incorrectly
shining into oncoming traffic. When raising the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first
and then the front. When lowering the vehicle, the
front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that
the air suspension system operates briefly; this is
normal. The system is correcting the position of the
vehicle to ensure a proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled Ú
page 114.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT Height, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance
required for certain areas and vehicle damage
may occur.

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170STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Automatic Aero mode will be disabled if a
trailer is detected to prevent shifting loads.
Speed thresholds for raising or lowering the
vehicle only apply if Automatic Aero Mode is
enabled through vehicle settings on your
Uconnect Radio.
To enter Aero Height manually push the
height selector switch down once from NRH
at any vehicle speed. To return to NRH push
the height selector switch up once while
vehicle speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/
h).
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio.
Entry/Exit Height (Lowers the vehicle approxi -
mately 3 inches [73 mm]) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and exit
as well as lowering the vehicle for easier loading
and unloading of cargo. To enter Entry/Exit
Mode, push the height selector switch down
twice from the NRH while the vehicle speed is
below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle
speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the
vehicle height will begin to lower. If the vehicle
speed remains between 15 mph (24 km/h) and
25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds,
or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the Entry/Exit change will be canceled. To return to Normal Height Mode, push the height
selector switch up twice while in Entry/Exit or
drive the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/
Exit Height may not be available due to vehicle
payload, an instrument cluster display message
will be shown when this occurs Ú
page 114.
The system requires that the ignition be in the ON/
RUN position or the engine running for all user
requested changes. When lowering the vehicle, all
of the doors must be closed. If a door is opened at
any time while the vehicle is lowering, the change
will not be completed until the open door(s) is
closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern
which keeps the headlights from incorrectly
shining into oncoming traffic. When raising the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first
and then the front. When lowering the vehicle, the
front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that
the air suspension system operates briefly; this is
normal. The system is correcting the position of the
vehicle to ensure a proper appearance. To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled Ú
page 234.
NOTE:Default Ride Height:
Select Aero Height or Normal Ride Height as the
default for all vehicle speeds and operation.
This is the selected height that the suspension
will level for speed changes (e.g. raising from
Entry/Exit Height at speed, lowering from Off
Road Height at speed, etc.).
Default ride height can be changed by manually
adjusting the Air Suspension switch to Normal
Ride Height or Aero Ride Height and staying in
the selected height for 2.5 seconds. It will be
stored as the default ride height and the height
will be maintained until a new default ride
height is selected.
If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done
through the radio Ú page 234.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT Height, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance
required for certain areas and vehicle damage
may occur.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid
personal injury or damage to the system, see an
authorized dealer for service.

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178STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in
the OFF position, erases the set speed from
memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while
traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not designed
to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function
performs differently
Ú page 176.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a
radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or acceleration (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled)
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the feature selected
Ú page 480.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a conve -
nience system. It is not a substitute for active
driver involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic,
and weather conditions, vehicle speed,
distance to the vehicle ahead; and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road condi -
tions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe control
of your vehicle. Failure to follow these warn -
ings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.
The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming
vehicles, and stationary objects (e.g., a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a
disabled vehicle).
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather
conditions into account, and may be
limited upon adverse sight distance condi -
tions.
Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
Will bring your vehicle to a complete stop
while following a vehicle ahead and hold
your vehicle for approximately three
minutes in the stop position. If the vehicle
ahead does not start moving within three
minutes the parking brake will be acti -
vated, and the ACC system will be
cancelled.
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction 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!

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 178

180STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again.
At this time, the system will turn off and the
instrument cluster display will show “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
To Set A Desired ACC Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push
the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button and
release. The instrument cluster display will show
the set speed.
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without
ACC enabled. To change between the different
modes, push the ACC on/off button which turns
the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise Control off. Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off
button will result in turning on (changing to) Fixed
Speed Cruise Control mode.
If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is
below
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed will default to
20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below
20 mph (32 km/h).
If either system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be
the current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can
cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate
beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the
message “ACC DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display
in the instrument cluster display.
If you continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed while ACC is enabled, the system will not
control the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will only be
determined by the position of the accelerator
pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed
Speed Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
The Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) activates
The trailer brake is applied manually (if
equipped)
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates
The vehicle parking brake is applied
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
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 a collision. Always leave the system off
when you are not using it.
WARNING!
In the Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode, the
system will not react to vehicles ahead. In
addition, the proximity warning does not activate
and no alarm will sound even if you are too close
to the vehicle ahead since neither the presence
of the vehicle ahead nor the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance is detected. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. Always be aware which mode is selected.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180

STARTING AND OPERATING185
TOWING A TRAILER
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that
is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle
merging in from a side lane. There may not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset
vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel,
which can cause your vehicle to brake or
accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may increase or decrease the vehicle
speed for stability, with no vehicle ahead detected.
Once the vehicle is out of the curve, the system will
resume your original set speed. This is a part of
normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on
hills. ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane
depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic
conditions, and the steepness of the hill.
ACC Hill Example

LANE CHANGING
ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely
in the lane in which you are traveling. In the lane
changing example below, ACC has not yet detected
the vehicle changing lanes and it may not detect
the vehicle until it's too late for the ACC system to
take action. ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is
completely in the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the lane-changing vehicle. Always be
attentive and ready to apply the brakes if
necessary.
Lane Changing Example

4

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