2022 RAM 1500 lock

STARTING AND OPERATING149
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely
stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp.
If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off,
contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate
the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp
is no longer illuminated, the engine can be
operated, but should be taken to an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
NOTE:Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is
in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Some important observations are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected
110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not
been running for long periods of time and should
be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under
-20°F (-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the
hood on the passenger side of the vehicle next to
the engine coolant reservoir.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings,
shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so
could result in immediate and severe engine
damage.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
4

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149

STARTING AND OPERATING151
(Continued)
The parking brake switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel
(below the headlamp switch).

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on the
switch momentarily. You may hear a slight sound
from the back of the vehicle while the parking
brake engages. Once the park brake is fully
engaged, the BRAKE telltale light in the instrument
cluster and an indicator on the switch will
illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal while
you apply the parking brake, you may notice a
small amount of brake pedal movement. The
parking brake can be applied even when the
ignition switch is OFF but the BRAKE telltale light
will not illuminate, however, it can only be released
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:The EPB fault light will illuminate if the EPB switch
is held for longer than 20 seconds in either the
released or applied position. The light will extin -
guish upon releasing the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the
parking brake will automatically engage whenever
the transmission is placed into PARK. If your foot is
on the brake pedal, you may notice a small amount
of brake pedal movement while the parking brake
is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when
the ignition is ON, the transmission is in DRIVE or
REVERSE, the driver seat belt is buckled, and an
attempt is made to drive away.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition
switch must be in the ON/RUN position. Put your
foot on the brake pedal, then push the parking
brake switch down momentarily. You may hear a
slight whirring sound from the back of the vehicle
while the parking brake disengages. You may also
notice a small amount of movement in the brake
pedal. Once the parking brake is fully disengaged,
the BRAKE telltale light in the instrument cluster
and the LED indicator on the switch will extinguish.NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply
the parking brake before placing the gear selector
in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission
locking mechanism may make it difficult to move
the gear selector out of PARK.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury
or damage.
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the
key fob from the ignition and lock your 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 gear
selector.
4

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 151

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 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!

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

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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172STARTING AND OPERATING
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 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2, and
1 will be illuminated.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 4,
3, and 2 will be illuminated.
Aero Height– Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be illu -
minated.
Entry/Exit – Indicator lamp 4 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 3
will flash and indicator lamp 4 will remain solid
until Entry/Exit is achieved at which point indi -
cator lamp 3 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 through the Uconnect
settings.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle or disabling through the
Uconnect settings.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2, 3,
and 4 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle or
disabling through the Uconnect settings.
AXLE LOCK SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically
locking rear differential. When engaged, this
differential locks the axle shafts forcing the wheels
to spin at an equal rate. The locking of the rear
differential should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one
wheel is likely to not be in contact with the ground.
It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the
differentials locked on pavement due to the
reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.

AXLE LOCK Button
The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE
LOCK button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle
should be unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear axle, the
indicator light will flash until the axle is locked.
After the lock command has been successfully
executed, the light will remain on solid.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be engaged
up to 40 mph (64 km/h) and will remain engaged
throughout the 4WD LOW speed range.
CAUTION!
Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is
reduced and damage to the drivetrain may
occur when the axle is locked on hard
surfaced roads.
Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is
stuck and the tires are spinning. You can
damage drivetrain components. Lock the rear
axle before attempting situations or navi
-
gating terrain, which could possibly cause the
vehicle to become stuck.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 172

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.
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