2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB manual transmission

132STARTING AND OPERATING
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
I
F EQUIPPED
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instrument
panel. The transmission gear range (PRND) is
displayed both above the gear selector and in the
instrument cluster. To select a gear range, simply
rotate the gear selector. You must press the brake
pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or
NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving at
low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at
once (such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the
gear selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission gear
(for example, driver selects PARK while driving),
the position indicator will blink continuously until
the selector is returned to the proper position, or
the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers). Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions. Manual
downshifts can be made using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pushing the
GEAR “-”/GEAR “+” switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as
1, 2, 3, etc
Úpage 134. 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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING135
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.
6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
I
F EQUIPPED
Chassis Cab models may use either the AS66RC or
AS69RC transmission (which are equipped with a
Power Take Off (PTO) access cover on the side of
the transmission case).
The transmission gear position display (located in
the instrument cluster) indicates the transmission
gear range. The gear selector is mounted on the
right side of the steering column. You must press
the brake pedal to move the gear selector out of PARK Ú
page 131. 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 137. 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.
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.4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 135

140STARTING AND OPERATING
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) — IF
E
QUIPPED
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 194.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 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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 140

STARTING AND OPERATING145
If all the requirements to select a new transfer
case position have been met, the current posi -
tion indicator light will turn OFF, 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.
2WD TO 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the four-wheel drive
control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts
between two-wheel drive and 4WD HIGH can be
done with the vehicle stopped or in motion. With
the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after turning the
control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
switch must be in the ON/RUN position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position.
NOTE:The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation,
the selected position indicator light will flash and
the original position indicator light will remain on.
At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift.
2WD OR 4WD HIGH TO 4WD LOW
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2
to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. You
can use either of the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter -
nate Procedure are not satisfied prior to
attempting the shift, then the desired position
indicator light will flash continuously while the
original position indicator light is on, until all
requirements have been met.
The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN posi -
tion for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
MANUALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
The transfer case provides four positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4H)
N (Neutral)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

146STARTING AND OPERATING
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range
locks the front and rear driveshafts together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.
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 194.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks
the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the
2H position for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L
positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by simply moving the gear selector
to the desired positions once the appropriate
speed and gear requirements are met
Ú page 144. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and
4L positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will alert the driver that the
vehicle is in four-wheel drive and that the front and
rear driveshafts are locked together. This light will
illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into
either the 4H or 4L position. There is no light for the
2H or N (Neutral) positions on some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the
two-wheel drive or 4H 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 will
adversely affect shifting and can cause damage to
the drivetrain.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.
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.
NOTE:Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be expe -
rienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold
temperatures.
Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted
Transfer Case
2H TO 4H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in
motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph
(88 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after
completing the shift. Apply a constant force when
shifting the transfer case lever.
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 shafts 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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 146

192STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing."
Ú
page 344.

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor
-
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½
inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow
plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 192

STARTING AND OPERATING195
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:Both the manual shift and electronically shifted
transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral) for
recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must
be shifted into PARK for recreational towing. Refer
to the following for the proper transfer case N
(Neutral) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because
fluid may leak from the transmission, causing
damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive vehicle.
Towing with only one set of wheels on the
ground (front or rear) will cause severe trans -
mission and/or transfer case damage. Tow
with all four wheels either ON the ground, or
OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer case
must be in N (Neutral). To be certain the
transfer case is fully in N (Neutral), perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into N
(Neutral)”. Internal transmission damage will
result, if the transfer case is not in N (Neutral)
during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK for
recreational towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case, causing
damage to internal parts.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will
be damaged.
CAUTION!
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 195

196STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground, with the engine running. Firmly apply
the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal. 4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
With electronically shifted transfer case,
push and hold the transfer case N (Neutral)
button. Some models have a small,
recessed "N" button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be
pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular N
(Neutral) switch, below the rotary transfer
case control knob. The N (Neutral) indicator
light will blink while the shift is in progress.
The light will stop blinking (stay on solid)
when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
After the shift is completed and the N
(Neutral) light stays on, release the N
(Neutral) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
For vehicles with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, push
and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until
the engine shuts off. 10. Shift the transmission into PARK.
11. Place the ignition in the OFF position, and
remove the key fob.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:With electronically shifted transfer case:
Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that must
be met before pushing the N (Neutral) button,
and must continue to be met until the shift has
been completed. If any of these requirements
are not met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button or are no longer met during the shift, the
N (Neutral) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the N
(Neutral) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is not
in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take
place and no position indicator lights will be on
or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been
met.
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 driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 196