2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB instrument panel

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 OPERATING139
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.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has
been included in the automatic transmission on
your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter
engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This
may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in the upper gears. When
the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically
disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage,
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant
are warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)
of driving). Because engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is
not shifting properly when cold; this is normal.
Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently
warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will
not cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five seconds
after starting the engine.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located in
the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped, it
will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.
Connections to the switches are found under the
hood in the connectors attached to the auxiliary
Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of
the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster
display. All switches can now be configured for
setting the switch type operation to latching or
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to
ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builder’s
Guide by accessing
https://
www.ramtrucks.com/ram-commercial/
body-builders-guide.html
and choosing the
appropriate links.
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 139

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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING143
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (6-SPEED TRANSMISSION) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The electronically shifted transfer case is operated
by the four-wheel drive Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), which is located on the instrument
panel.

Four-Position/Part-Time 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
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range 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 to
the front wheels, forcing the 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).
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. This electronically shifted transfer case is designed
to be driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD)
for normal street and highway conditions on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the transfer
case 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be
used to maximize torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the
four-wheel drive Control Switch to the desired
position.
For specific shifting instructions Ú
page 144.
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.
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.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143

164STARTING AND OPERATING
warning in the form of torque applied to the
steering wheel, as well as a visual warning in the
instrument cluster display to prompt the driver to
remain within the lane boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic
warning by applying torque to the steering wheel at
any time.
When only a single lane marking is detected and
the driver drifts across that lane marking (no turn
signal applied), the LaneSense system provides a
visual warning through the instrument cluster
display to prompt the driver to remain within the
lane.
When only a single lane marking is detected, a
haptic (torque) warning will not be provided.
NOTE:When operating conditions have been met, the
LaneSense system will monitor if the driver’s
hands are on the steering wheel and provide an
audible and visual warning to the driver if removed.
The system will cancel if the driver does not return
their hands to the wheel.
TURNING LANESENSE ON OR OFF
The LaneSense button is located on the
switch panel below the Uconnect display.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a 12–inch
Uconnect Display screen, the LaneSense button is
located above the display.
To turn the LaneSense system on, push the
LaneSense button (LED turns off). A “LaneSense
On” message is shown in the instrument cluster
display.
To turn the LaneSense system off, push the
LaneSense button again (LED turns on).
NOTE:The LaneSense system will retain the last system
state (on or off) from the last ignition cycle when
the ignition is changed to the ON/RUN position.
LANESENSE WARNING MESSAGE
The LaneSense system will indicate the current
lane drift condition through the instrument cluster
display.
When the LaneSense system is on, the lane lines
are gray when both of the lane boundaries have
not been detected and the LaneSense telltale
is solid white.
System ON (Gray Lines) With White Telltale

Left Lane Departure — Only Left Lane Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, the
LaneSense Telltale is solid white when only
the left lane marking has been detected and the
system is ready to provide visual warnings in the
instrument cluster display if an unintentional
lane departure occurs on the left side.
When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane departure
situation, the visual warning in the instrument
cluster display will show the left lane line
flashing yellow (on/off). The LaneSense telltale
changes from solid white to flashing yellow.

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199
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS
For detailed information about your Uconnect 5/
5 NAV With 8.4-inch Display system or your
Uconnect 5 NAV With 12-inch Display system, refer
to your Uconnect Owner’s Manual Supplement.
NOTE:Uconnect screen images are for illustration
purposes only and may not reflect exact software
for your vehicle.
CYBERSECURITY
Depending on applicability, your vehicle may be
able to send or receive information from a wired or
wireless network. This information allows systems
and features in your vehicle to function properly.
Your vehicle may be equipped with certain security
features to reduce the risk of unauthorized and
unlawful access to vehicle systems and wireless
communications. Vehicle software technology
continues to evolve over time and FCA US LLC,
working with its suppliers, evaluates and takes
appropriate steps as needed. As always, if you
experience unusual behavior, contact an
authorized dealer immediately, Úpage 422, or
refer to your Uconnect Owner’s Manual
Supplement for additional contact information. The risk of unauthorized and unlawful access to
your vehicle systems may still exist, even if the
most recent version of vehicle software (such as
Uconnect software) is installed.
NOTE:To help further improve user experience, features,
stability, etc., and minimize the potential risk of a
security breach, vehicle owners should routinely
check
www.driveuconnect.com (US Residents) or www.driveuconnect.ca (Canadian Residents) to
learn about available Uconnect software updates.
UCONNECT SETTINGS
The Uconnect system uses a combination of
buttons on the touchscreen and buttons on the
faceplate located on the center of the instrument
panel. These buttons allow you to access and
change the Customer Programmable Features.
Many features can vary by vehicle.
Buttons on the faceplate are located below and/or
beside the Uconnect system in the center of the
instrument panel. In addition, there is a SCROLL/
ENTER control knob located on the right side. Turn
the control knob to scroll through menus and
change settings. Push the center of the control
knob one or more times to select or change a
setting.
Your Uconnect system may also have SCREEN OFF
and MUTE buttons on the faceplate.
Push the SCREEN OFF button on the faceplate to
turn off the Uconnect screen. Push the button
again or tap the screen to turn the screen on.
Press the Back Arrow button to exit out of a Menu
or certain option on the Uconnect system.
For the Uconnect 5 systems, push and hold the
Power button on the radio’s faceplate for a
minimum of 15 seconds to reset the radio.
WARNING!
ONLY insert trusted media devices/compo -
nents into your vehicle. Media of unknown
origin could possibly contain malicious soft -
ware, and if installed in your vehicle, it may
increase the possibility for vehicle systems to
be breached.
As always, if you experience unusual vehicle
behavior, contact an authorized dealer imme -
diately.
5

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296SAFETY
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is
automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still
retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child
restraint is installed in a seating position that has
a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old
and under should always be properly restrained in
the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire seat belt is extracted. 3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt
retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
indicates the seat belt is now in the Automatic
Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and
allow it to retract completely to disengage the
Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle
sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others. If
you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in
a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and
interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag
System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags — If Equipped
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious injury
to a child 12 years or younger, including a
child in a rear-facing child restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the
front seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing
child restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle
does not have a rear seat, do not transport a
rear-facing child restraint in that vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the
switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
feature or any other seat belt function is not
working properly when checked according to
the procedures in the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the seat
belt or children who are using booster seats.
The locked mode is only used to install
rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints
that have a harness for restraining the child.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 296

SAFETY297
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN
position. If the ignition switch is in the OFF position
or in the ACC position, the air bag system is not on
and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system
that may deploy the air bag system even if the
battery loses power or it becomes disconnected
prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch is
first in the ON/RUN position. After the self-check,
the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime will
sound to alert you if the light comes on again after
initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could affect
the air bag system. The diagnostics also record the
nature of the malfunction. While the air bag system
is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the igni
-
tion switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the
four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit -
tently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In
this condition the air bags may not be ready to
inflate for your protection. Have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light
is detected, which could affect the
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),
the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
will illuminate on the instrument panel. The
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay on until
the fault is cleared. In addition, a single chime will
sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light has come on and a fault has been
detected. If the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
comes on intermittently or remains on while driving
have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately Ú page 102.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder
belts for both the driver and front passenger. The
front air bags are a supplement to the seat belt
restraint systems. The driver front air bag is
mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger front air bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t have the
air bag system to protect you in a collision. If the
light does not come on as a bulb check when the
ignition is first turned on, stays on after you start
the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have
an authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
6

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