STARTING AND OPERATING123
(Continued)
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
Ú
page 125. Some models will display both the
selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.
Electronic Transmission Gear Selector
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.
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.
4
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123
124STARTING AND OPERATING
(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.
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.
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.
WARNING!
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.
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.
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124
STARTING AND OPERATING127
(Continued)
the brake pedal to move the gear selector out of
PARK Ú
page 122. Pull the gear selector toward
you when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when
shifting out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides
a precise shift schedule. 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 shift positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pushing the ERS (“-”/”+”) 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 130. Some models will display
both the selected gear limit, and the actual current
gear, while in ERS mode.
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,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear
selector out of 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.
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 gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans
-
mission is in PARK 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.
4
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127
128STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, pull the gear selector
toward you and move it all the way counterclock-
wise until it stops.
Release the gear selector and make sure it is
fully seated in the PARK gate.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
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. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK
if you must exit the vehicle.
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.
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, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key
fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key
removal) position (or, with Keyless Enter ‘n
Go™, when the ignition is in the OFF position),
the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
When leaving 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 transmission 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 a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, and also press the brake
pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.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 Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 325.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 185.
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128
132STARTING AND OPERATING
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to
ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builder’s
Guide by accessing https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html and
choosing the appropriate links.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a
manually shifted transfer case or an electronically
shifted transfer case.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (8-SPEED TRANSMISSION) —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronically shifted transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), which is located on the instrument
panel.
Four-Position Transfer Case
This electronically shifted transfer case provides
four positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
N (Neutral)
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads. 4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages
four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear
wheels to spin at the same speed. This provides
additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces
only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides
low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque
(increased torque over 4WD High) to the front
wheels, allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral)
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 185.
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132
162STARTING AND OPERATING
ParkSense Camera View
NOTE:
Front tires will display on the image when the
tires are turned.
Due to wide angle cameras in mirrors, the image
will appear distorted.
Top View will show which doors are open.
Open front doors will cancel the outside image.
Top View Plus Rear View This is the default view of the system in
REVERSE and is always paired with the
Top View of the vehicle with optional
active guidelines for the projected path
when enabled.
Rear Cross Path View
Pressing the Rear Cross Path soft key will
give the driver a wider angle view of the Rear View. The Top View will be disabled when this
is selected.
Top View Plus Front View
The Front View will show you what is
immediately in front of the vehicle and is
always paired with the Top View of the
vehicle.
Front Cross Path View Pressing the Front Cross Path soft key
will give the driver a wider angle view of
the Front View. The Top View will be
disabled when this is selected.
Backup Camera View Pressing the Backup Camera soft key will
provide a full screen rear view with Zoom
View.NOTE:If the Rear View Camera view was selected through
the Surround View Camera menu, exiting out of the
Rear View screen will return to the Surround View
menu. If the Back Up Camera was manually acti -
vated through the Controls menu of the Uconnect
system, exiting out of the display screen will return
to the Controls menu.
Cargo Camera
Pressing the Cargo Camera soft key will
provide a full screen view of the cargo
area.
NOTE:If the Cargo Camera view was selected through the
Surround View screen, exiting out of the Cargo
Camera screen will return to the Surround View
screen. If the Cargo Camera was manually acti -
vated through the Controls menu of the Uconnect
display, exiting out of the display screen will return
to the Controls menu.
Trailer Reverse Guidance
Pressing the Trailer Reverse Guidance
soft key will provide a full screen view of
the cargo area and trailer.
Pressing the Left & Right Tow Mirror Split
Screen View button within the Trailer
Reverse Guidance screen will display a
split screen to allow the driver to see both
sides of the trailer at the same time. This view
allows the driver to pan left/right to better frame
the trailer in the image.
NOTE:Trailer Reverse Guidance can only be selected
through the Surround View screen; exiting out of
the Trailer Reverse Guidance screen will return to
the Surround View screen.
Zoom View
When the Rear View image is being displayed, and
the vehicle speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h) while
in any gear, Zoom View is available. By pressing the
“magnifying glass” icon in the upper left of the
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162
STARTING AND OPERATING167
Right View Pressing the Right View soft button will
give the driver a wider angle view of the
right side trailer camera and is paired
with the Top View of the trailer.
Full Screen Camera View
To display a full screen image of the Trailer
Surround View mounted cameras, select one of
the following options from the Trailer Cameras
screen: Trailer Left, Trailer Right, Trailer Front,
Trailer Rear. Exiting out of the full screen view will
return the system to the previous screen.
NOTE:If the Trailer Surround Camera was selected
through the More Cameras menu, an option to
return to the More Cameras menu will display. If
the Trailer Surround Camera was manually acti-
vated through the Controls menu of the Uconnect
system, exiting out of the display screen will return
to the Controls menu.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Pressing the Trailer Reverse Guidance
soft key will provide a split screen view of
the cargo area and trailer, and provides
the option to pan left or right. For more
information, see Ú page 161. Deactivation
The system is deactivated in the following
conditions if it was activated
automatically:
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned on), the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to
10 seconds, unless the vehicle speed exceeds
8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted into
PARK or the ignition is placed in the OFF posi -
tion. There is a touchscreen button “X” to
disable the display of the camera image.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with camera delay turned off), the Trailer
Surround View Camera mode is exited and the
last known screen appears again.
The system is deactivated in the following
conditions if it was activated manually from the
Uconnect controls menu via the Trailer Surround
Camera soft button:
The "X" button on the display is pressed
Vehicle is shifted into PARK
Ignition is placed in the OFF position
Vehicle speed is over 8 mph (13 km/h) for
10 seconds
NOTE:If the Trailer Surround Camera is activated
manually, and the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE,
deactivation methods for automatic activation are
assumed.
The camera delay system is turned off manually
through the Uconnect system Ú page 191.
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance
builds up on the camera lenses, clean the
lenses, rinse with water, and dry with a soft
cloth. Do not cover the lenses.
If a malfunction with the system has occurred,
see an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the Trailer Surround View Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, obstructions, or blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for the safety of
your surroundings and must continue to pay
attention while backing up. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
4
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 167
182STARTING AND OPERATING
When activated the feature will enable all of the
exterior lights sequentially for up to five minutes
allowing time to walk around and verify
functionality. The following exterior lights will
remain on for the entirety of the sequence:
Park/Running Lamps
Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)
License Lamp
Signature Lamp (if equipped)
Low Beams
Fog Lamps (if equipped)
Daytime Running Lamps
During this time the following lights will sequence,
each activating for three seconds:
1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)
2. Left turn signal
3. Right turn signal
4. Reverse Lamps
5. High Beam
This light check sequence will continue for a total
of five minutes. The sequence will only activate if the following
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow
Package
Vehicle is in PARK
Vehicle is not in motion
Ignition in ACC or RUN
Remote start is inactive
Brakes are not applied
Left turn signal is not applied
Right turn signal not applied
Hazard switch is not applied
The sequence will cancel if any of the following
conditions occur:
Brakes are applied
Vehicle is shifted from PARK
Vehicle is no longer stationary
Left turn signal activated from stalk
Right turn signal is activated from stalk
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument cluster
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding
your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the ERS shift
control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating.
22_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 182