2022 RAM 1500 instrument cluster

STARTING AND OPERATING155
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 continuously 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-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 positions. Manual
downshifts can be made using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pushing 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. Úpage 158. Some models will display
both the selected gear limit, and the actual current
gear, while in ERS mode.
Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

Console Shifter — If Equipped
The transmission gear range is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument
cluster. To select a gear range, push the lock
button on the gear selector and move the selector
rearward or forward. To shift the transmission out
of PARK (P), the engine must be running and the
brake pedal must be pressed. You must also press
the brake pedal to shift from NEUTRAL (N) into
DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the DRIVE
range for normal driving.
NOTE:

The transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condi -
tion, and precision shifts will develop within a
few hundred miles (kilometers).

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.
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 provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and SPORT (S) (AutoStick)
shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using
the AutoStick shift control. Toggling the gear
selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the
SPORT (AutoStick) position (beside the DRIVE
position), or tapping the paddle shifters (+/-)
(if equipped), will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the
instrument cluster Ú page 159.
4

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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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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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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 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.
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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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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.

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