2023 RAM 1500 display

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

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127

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

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

STARTING AND OPERATING135
The vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the
vehicle speed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h)
and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
if the vehicle speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero mode will be disabled if a trailer is
detected to prevent shifting loads.
 Speed thresholds for raising/lowering the vehicle
automatically at higher speeds only apply if
Automatic Aero Mode is enabled in your Uconnect
Radio settings.
To enter Aero Height manually push the height selector
switch down once from NRH at any vehicle speed. To
return to NRH push the height selector switch up once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/h).
NOTE:Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings in the instrument cluster display Úpage 98 or
through your Uconnect Radio (if equipped) Úpage 191.
 Entry/Exit Height (Lowers the vehicle approximately
2 inches [51 mm]) – This position lowers the vehicle
for easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering
the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of cargo.
To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the height selector
switch down once from the NRH while the vehicle
speed is below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle
speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle
height will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for
greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be canceled. To return to Normal Height Mode, push the height
selector switch up once while in Entry/Exit or drive the
vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h).
NOTE:Entry/Exit Height may be achieved using the Remote
Lowering feature on your key fob for easier entry/loading
Úpage 16.
The system requires that the ignition be in the ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle, all of the doors must
be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle
is lowering, the change will not be completed until the
open door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into
oncoming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the
vehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly; this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling
to be disabled
Úpage 98. Default Ride Height:

Select Aero Height or Normal Ride Height as the default
for all vehicle speeds and operation. This is the
selected height that the suspension will level for speed
changes (e.g. raising from Entry/Exit Height at speed,
lowering from Off-Road Height at speed, etc.).
 Default ride height can be changed by manually
adjusting the Air Suspension switch to Normal Ride
Height or Aero Ride Height and staying in the selected
height for 2.5 seconds. It will be stored as the default
ride height and the height will be maintained until a
new default ride height is selected.
NOTE:If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done through
the radio
Úpage 191.
AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect
the system in unique situations. The engine should be
running to change between Air Suspension Modes.
CAUTION!
When in Entry/Exit Height, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
injury or damage to the system, see an authorized
dealer for service.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 135

136STARTING AND OPERATING
Automatic Aero Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension system has
a feature which will put the vehicle into Aero Height
automatically at higher speeds
Úpage 98.
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings in the Uconnect Radio (if equipped)
Úpage 191.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled
Úpage 191.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic
load leveling system
Úpage 191.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled which will put the vehicle into NRH and disable
automatic leveling
Úpage 191.
Protection Strategy
In order to protect the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension
overloaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will
automatically resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See an authorized dealer if system
does not resume.
NOTE:For towing with air suspension Úpage 173.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display Úpage 98.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if normal
operation does not resume.
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 5 will illuminate to show the
current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator lamps
will show a position which the system is working to
achieve. When raising, if multiple indicator lamps are
flashing, the highest flashing indicator lamp is the position
the system is working to achieve.
When lowering, if multiple indicators are flashing, the
lowest solid indicator lamp is the position the system is
working to achieve. Pushing the height selector up once will move the
suspension one position higher from the current position,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e., ignition in ON/RUN
position, engine running, speed below threshold, etc.).
The height selector switch can be pushed up multiple
times, each push will raise the requested level by one
position up to a maximum position of OR2 or the highest
position allowed based on current conditions
(i.e., vehicle speed, etc.).
Pushing the height selector down once will move the
suspension one position lower from the current level,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e., ignition in ON/RUN
position, engine running, doors closed, speed below
threshold, etc.). The height selector switch can be pushed
down multiple times, each push will lower the requested
level by one position down to a minimum of Entry/Exit
Mode or the lowest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e., vehicle speed, etc.).
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and instrument cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user requested changes.

Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 will
be illuminated.
 Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3 and 2 will be
illuminated.
 Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 5, 4 and 3
will be illuminated.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 136

STARTING AND OPERATING137
Aero Height– Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be
illuminated.
 Entry/Exit – Indicator lamp 5 will be illuminated.
Entry/Exit can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h).
If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will flash and indicator
lamp 5 will remain solid until Entry/Exit is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
 Automatic Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be
illuminated.
 Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi -
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle or disabling in the Uconnect settings.
 Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 1 will be illumi -
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle
or disabling in the Uconnect settings.
 Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3, 4, and 5
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled
by driving the vehicle or disabling in the Uconnect
settings.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(OFF-ROAD GROUP) — 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.

Rebel Air Suspension Controls

Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approximately 1 inch
[26 mm]) – This position is intended for off-roading use
only where maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the height selector switch up once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h). While in OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automati -
cally lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be available
due to vehicle payload, an instrument cluster display
message is shown 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 inches [15 mm]) – This position provides improved
aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will
automatically enter Automatic Aero Mode when the
vehicle speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h)
and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds
or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h).
The vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the
vehicle speed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h)
and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
if the vehicle speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:

 Automatic Aero mode will be disabled if a trailer is
detected to prevent shifting loads.
 Speed thresholds for raising or lowering the vehicle
only apply if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect Radio.
 To enter Aero Height manually push the height
selector switch down once from NRH at any vehicle
speed. To return to NRH push the height selector
switch up once while vehicle speed is less than
56 mph (90 km/h).
 Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings on your Uconnect Radio.

1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Aero Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 137