2023 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING127
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. 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. 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 128. 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.
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!
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
Úpage 187.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 330.
4

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128STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

Electronic Range Select (ERS)

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the “+” button
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128

STARTING AND OPERATING129
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 transmission 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
overspeed, 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 transmis -
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
 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.
1 — “-” Paddle
2 — “+” Paddle
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.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 129

130STARTING AND OPERATING
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

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 driveshaft (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.
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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

STARTING AND OPERATING131
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 trac -
tion 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
Úpage 187.
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions 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
Úpage 187.
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.
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.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 indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

132STARTING AND OPERATING
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 indicator 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 indi -
cator light will turn off and the selected position indi -
cator light will flash until the transfer case completes
the shift. When the shift is complete, the position indi -
cator 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
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — GT Models

This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
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 Automatic High Range (4WD AUTO) —
This range sends power to the front wheels automati -
cally when the vehicle senses a loss of traction. This
range may be used during varying road conditions.
 Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) — 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 trac -
tion 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 trac -
tion 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
Úpage 187.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING133
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions 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
Úpage 187. 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.
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 indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is
properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 133

134STARTING AND OPERATING
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 indicator 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.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
DESCRIPTION
The air suspension system provides full-time load-leveling
capability along with the benefit of being able to adjust
vehicle height by using the toggle switch.

Air Suspension Switch

Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approximately
2 inches [51 mm]) – This position is intended for
off-road use only where maximum ground clearance is
required. To enter OR2, push the height selector switch
up twice from the NRH position or once from the OR1
position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h). While in OR2, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automati -
cally lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be available
due to vehicle payload, an instrument cluster message
is displayed when this occurs
Úpage 98. 
Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approximately
1 inch [26 mm]) – This position should be the primary
position for all off-road driving until Off-Road 2 (OR2) is
needed. A smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the height selector switch up
once from the NRH position while the vehicle speed is
below 35 mph (56 km/h). When in the OR1 position, if the vehicle speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
if the vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the
vehicle will be automatically lowered to NRH.
Off-Road 1 may not be available due to vehicle
payload, an instrument cluster message is displayed
when this occurs
Úpage 98.
 Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard posi -
tion of the suspension and is meant for normal driving.
 Aero Height (Lowers the vehicle approximately 0.6 inch
[15 mm]) – This position provides improved aerody -
namics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will auto -
matically 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).
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Aero Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road 1 or Off-Road 2 setting, be
aware of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and vehicle
damage may occur.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 134