2023 RAM 1500 wheel

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When
the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Air Suspension Aerodynamic Height
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Aerodynamic
setting.
Air Suspension Normal Height Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Normal setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Off-Road 1
setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Off-Road 2
setting
Úpage 134.
Air Suspension Payload Protection
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate
that the maximum payload may have been
exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved
at its current ride height. Protection mode will
automatically be selected to “protect” the air suspension
system, air suspension adjustment is limited due to
payload.
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the
vehicle is changing to a higher ride height.
Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the
vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.
Cargo Light On Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cargo light is activated by pushing the cargo
light button on the headlight switch.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an
aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you
take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
3

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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Off
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that
Forward Collision Warning is off.
NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the 4WD power
transfer case is in the NEUTRAL mode and the
front and rear driveshafts are disengaged from
the powertrain.
Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle lock has
been activated.
Entry/Exit Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the vehicle is
automatically lowered from ride height position
downward for easy entry and exit of the vehicle
Úpage 134.
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when TOW/
HAUL mode is selected.
Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate
when Trailer Merge Assist has been activated
Úpage 269.
4WD Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive mode, and the front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4WD Low mode. The front and rear
driveshafts are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear
reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the wheels
Úpage 130.
4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4WD High mode. The front and rear
driveshafts are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
Target Indicator Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a
vehicle in front is detected Úpage 145.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
No Target Detected Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when the ACC is SET and
there is no vehicle in front detected
Úpage 145.
ECO Mode Indicator Light
This light will turn on when ECO mode is active.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
front fog lights are on.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL115
LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid
green when both lane markings have been
detected and the system is “armed” and ready
to provide visual and torque warnings if an
unintentional lane departure occurs
Úpage 161.
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding exterior
turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:
 A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
 Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
 If equipped with fog lamps, the fog lamp on the side of
the activated turn signal will also illuminate to provide
additional light when turning.
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light —
If Equipped With Premium Instrument
Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the cruise control is
set Úpage 143.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode
Úpage 141.
4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive auto mode, and the front
axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power is sent
to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction
Úpage 130.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the vehicle
equipped with ACC has been turned on but not
set
Úpage 145.
Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cruise control is ready, but not set Úpage 143.
Selec-Speed Control (SSC) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows when the SSC feature is
turned on. The light will be on solid when SSC is
armed. SSC can only be armed when the
transfer case is in the “4WD Low” position and
the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempting to use the SSC
feature, the SSC indicator light will flash on/off.
3

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122STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Úpage 396.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter -
preted as a problem. Please check your oil level with the
engine oil indicator often during the break-in period. Add
oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers simple
operation, and some additional features that make the
parking brake more convenient and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the
vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is applied. Also,
be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
 Manually, by applying the parking brake switch.
 Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature
in the Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect settings.
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 Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 20 seconds in either the released or
applied position. The light will extinguish 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.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

STARTING AND OPERATING123
(Continued)
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.
If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to
engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
maintain upward pressure on the EPB switch for as long as
engagement is desired. The BRAKE telltale light will
illuminate, and a continuous chime will sound. The rear
stop lamps will also be illuminated automatically while the
vehicle remains in motion.To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, release the switch. If the vehicle is brought to a
complete stop using the parking brake, when the vehicle
reaches approximately 3 mph, (5 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB system, a
yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate. This may be
accompanied by the BRAKE telltale light flashing. In this
event, urgent service of the EPB system is required. Do not
rely on the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake
The Electric Park Brake (EPB) can be programmed to be
applied automatically whenever the vehicle is at a
standstill and the automatic transmission is placed in
PARK. Auto Park Brake is enabled and disabled by
customer selection through the Customer Programmable
Features section of the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 206.
Any single Auto Park Brake application can be bypassed by
pushing the EPB switch to the release position while the
transmission is placed in 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 children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave 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.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged, or
repeated use of the parking brake to slow the vehicle,
may cause serious damage to the brake system.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
4

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126STARTING AND OPERATING

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 128. 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; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, 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 indi -
cator 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.
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
Úpage 129.

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 accelerating. This is espe -
cially important when the engine is cold.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 126

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.

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