2022 RAM 1500 ignition

STARTING AND OPERATING153
(Continued)
(Continued)
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing
the EPB switch while the driver door is open. Once
manually bypassed, SafeHold will be enabled
again once the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20 km/h)
or the ignition is turned to the OFF position and
back to ON again.
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. You should only enter Brake Service
Mode during brake service.
When servicing your rear brakes, it may be
necessary for you or your technician to push the
rear piston into the rear caliper bore. With the
Electric Park Brake (EPB) system, this can only be
done after retracting the EPB actuator.
Fortunately, actuator retraction can be done easily
by entering the Brake Service Mode through the
Uconnect Settings in your vehicle. This
menu-based system will guide you through the
steps necessary to retract the EPB actuator in
order to perform rear brake service.
Service Mode has requirements that must be met
in order to be activated:
The vehicle must be at a standstill.
The parking brake must be unapplied.
The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Service Mode, the EPB fault lamp will flash
continuously while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
When brake service work is complete, the following
steps must be followed to reset the park brake
system to normal operation:
Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
Apply the EPB Switch.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for
which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle
to a competent mechanic.
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!
4

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 153

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.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154

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

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

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

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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168STARTING AND OPERATING
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 5 will illuminate to
show the current position of the vehicle. Flashing
indicator lamps will show a position which the
system is working to achieve. When raising, if
multiple indicator lamps are flashing, the highest
flashing indicator lamp is the position the system is
working to achieve. When lowering, if multiple
indicators are flashing, the lowest solid indicator
lamp is the position the system is working to
achieve. Pushing the height selector up once will move the
suspension one position higher from the current
position, assuming all conditions are met (i.e.,
ignition in ON/RUN position, engine running, speed
below threshold, etc.). The height selector switch
can be pushed up multiple times, each push will
raise the requested level by one position up to a
maximum position of OR2 or the highest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e., vehicle
speed, etc.).
Pushing the height selector down once will move
the suspension one position lower from the current
level, assuming all conditions are met (i.e., ignition
in ON/RUN position, engine running, doors closed,
speed below threshold, etc.). The height selector
switch can be pushed down multiple times, each
push will lower the requested level by one position
down to a minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the
lowest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e., vehicle speed, etc.).
Automatic height changes will occur based on
vehicle speed and the current vehicle height. The
indicator lamps and instrument cluster display
messages will operate the same for automatic
changes and user requested changes.
Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3, 2
and 1 will be illuminated.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3 and
2 will be illuminated.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 5,
4 and 3 will be illuminated.
Aero Height– Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be illu
-
minated.
Entry/Exit – Indicator lamp 5 will be illuminated.
Entry/Exit can be requested up to 33 mph
(53 km/h). If vehicle speed is reduced to, and
kept below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will flash and indicator lamp 5 will remain solid
until Entry/Exit is achieved at which point indi -
cator lamp 4 will turn off.
Automatic Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4
will be illuminated.
Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illu -
minated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving
the vehicle or disabling in the Uconnect settings.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle or disabling in the Uconnect
settings.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3, 4,
and 5 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle or
disabling in the Uconnect settings.

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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.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 170

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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