STARTING AND OPERATING137
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operating limits, the powertrain controller will
modify the transmission shift schedule and expand
the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due
to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in
danger of overheating, the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light may illuminate and the
transmission may operate differently until the
transmission cools down.
NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a
steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic) during hot
weather. In these conditions, torque converter slip
can impose a significant additional heat load on
the cooling system. Downshifting the transmission
to the lowest possible gear (when climbing a
grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL (when stopped in
heavy traffic) can help to reduce this excess heat
generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation
may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm-up time of the
engine and transmission to achieve maximum
efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid is
warm Ú page 139. On trucks with AS66RC or AS69RC transmission,
FIFTH and SIXTH gears may be inhibited briefly on
cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and during very cold
temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below), operation
may briefly be limited to third gear only. During this
condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate
under heavily loaded conditions may be reduced.
In all cases, normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
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 remains in THIRD gear
regardless of which forward gear is selected. If an
AS66RC/AS69RC equipped truck enters
Transmission Limp Home Mode at highway
speeds, it will initially engage FIFTH gear, until the
vehicle slows to a speed where THIRD gear can be
engaged. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Transmission Limp
Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 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, authorized
dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The ERS shift control allows the driver to limit the
highest available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission
gear limit to FOURTH gear, the transmission will
not shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through
the lower gears normally.
4
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 137
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
276SAFETY
Feedback To The Driver
The instrument cluster has an HDC icon and the
HDC switch has an LED icon, which offers feedback
to the driver about the state HDC is in.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will illuminate
and remain on solid when HDC is enabled or
activated. This is the normal operating condition
for HDC.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when the driver
pushes the HDC switch but enable conditions
are not met.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when HDC
disables due to excess speed.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash when
HDC deactivates due to overheated brakes. The
flashing will stop and HDC will activate again
once the brakes have cooled sufficiently.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a
complete stop while on an incline. If the driver
releases the brake while stopped on an incline,
HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for a
short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will
release brake pressure and the vehicle will roll
down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order for
HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The parking brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed.
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward
gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the trans -
mission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission, if the
clutch is pressed, HSA will remain active.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:
If disabling HSA using your instrument cluster
display, see Ú page 89 for further information.
If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, see
Úpage 199 for further information.
WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending hills.
The driver must remain attentive to the driving
conditions and is responsible for maintaining a
safe vehicle speed.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement. It
is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the vehicle
under all road conditions. Your complete
attention is always required while driving to
maintain safe control of your vehicle. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 276
322SAFETY
TRANSPORTING PETS
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm
your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about
and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during
panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if
equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts.
CONNECTED VEHICLES
Privacy of any wireless and wired communications
cannot be assured. Third parties may unlawfully
intercept information and private communications
without your consent. For further information, refer
to “Data Collection & Privacy” in your Uconnect
Owner’s Manual Supplement or “Onboard
Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity”
Úpage 111.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
I
NSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking
for cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, or if you
have questions regarding seat belt or retractor
conditions, take your vehicle to an authorized FCA
dealer or authorized FCA Certified Collision Care
Program facility for inspection.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag Warning Light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is first placed in
ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer
as soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light
will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with
the Air Bag System has been detected. It will stay
on until the fault is removed. If the light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving, have an
authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately
Ú page 288.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the
windshield. See an authorized dealer for service if
your defroster is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.
Only use a floor mat that does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator, brake or clutch
pedals. Only use a floor mat that is securely
attached using the floor mat fasteners so it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe
operation of your vehicle in other ways.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and
seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.
WARNING!WARNING!
It is not possible to know or to predict all of the
possible outcomes if your vehicle’s systems are
breached. It may be possible that vehicle
systems, including safety related systems, could
be impaired or a loss of vehicle control could
occur that may result in an accident involving
serious injury or death.
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 322
SAFETY323
(Continued)
(Continued)
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or
other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall.
Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect
sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check the
lug nuts/bolt torque for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to interfere
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals and
cause a loss of vehicle control. To prevent
SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor
mat using the floor mat fasteners. DO
NOT install your floor mat upside down
or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING
FLOOR MAT FROM THE VEHICLE
before installing any other floor mat.
NEVER install or stack an additional
floor mat on top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that cannot
be properly attached and secured to your
vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be replaced,
only use a FCA approved floor mat for the
specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for interfer -
ence, with the vehicle properly parked with the
engine off, fully depress the accelerator, the
brake, and the clutch pedal (if present) to
check for interference. If your floor mat inter -
feres with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat from
the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide
into the driver’s side floor area when the
vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor mat
(e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects could
change the position of the floor mat and may
cause interference with the accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING!
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet to
the floor and check the floor mat fasteners are
secure to the vehicle carpet. Fully depress
each pedal to check for interference with the
accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals then
re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap and
water to clean your floor mats. After cleaning,
always check your floor mat has been properly
installed and is secured to your vehicle using
the floor mat fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING!
6
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 323
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE375
Required Maintenance For Noise Control
Systems
The following maintenance services must be
performed every six months or 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) whichever comes first, to ensure
proper operation of the noise control systems. In
addition, inspection and service should be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire
vehicle will help the effectiveness of the noise
control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and
damaged parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps,
and U-bolts should be tight and in good condition.
Damaged components, burned or blown out
mufflers, burned or rusted out exhaust pipes
should be replaced according to the procedures
and specifications outlined in the appropriate
service manual. Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly
and fit. Make certain that the air cleaner is properly
positioned and that the cover is tight. Check all
hoses leading to the air cleaner for tightness. The
air filter element must also be clean and serviced
according to the instructions outlined in the
Scheduled Maintenance section of this manual.
Tampering With Noise Control System
Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof: (1) the removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other than for purposes
of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any
device or element of design incorporated into any
new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or
while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle after
such device or element of design has been
removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the following:
AIR CLEANER
Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from
the air cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting. EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal of, or rendering inoperative exhaust
system components including the muffler or tail -
pipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Removal of, or rendering inoperative the fan
clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, was designed,
built and equipped to conform at the time it left the
manufacturer's control with all applicable US EPA
Noise Control Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built
and equipped by the manufacturer, and is not
limited to any particular part, component or system
of the vehicle manufactured by the manufacturer.
Defects in design, assembly or in any part,
component or system of the vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at the
time it left the manufacturer's control, caused
noise emissions to exceed Federal standards, are
covered by this warranty for the life of the vehicle.
8
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 375
382SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
F61 –10 Amp RedNH3 Sensor / PM Sensor *
F62 –10 Amp RedA/C Clutch
F63 –20 Amp YellowIgnition Coils / CAPS
F64 –25 Amp ClearFuel Injectors / PCM *
F65 –10 Amp RedRVDMP / MOD BLE *
F66 –10 Amp RedSunroof / USB RR * / RR Mirror/
Passenger Wind SW
F67 –10 Amp RedUCI / TRLR 360 Cam/ Tach *
F68 –10 Amp RedAEB RACAM HTR *
F69 –15 Amp BlueSCR Mod 12 Volt *
F70 –30 Amp GreenFuel Pump Mtr / Fuel Htr RLY
F71 –25 Amp ClearAmp / Act Noise Cnsl
F72 ––Spare
F73 –20 Amp YellowFuel Transfer Pump *
F74 –10 Amp RedBackup Alarm
F75 –10 Amp RedSCR RLY / ATMM *
F76 –10 Amp RedElectronic Stability Control (ESC) *
F77 –10 Amp RedDTCM / TCM / FAD MOD / STOM
F78 –15 Amp BlueECM / PCM / IRCM / AUX Relay
Feed / HRLS
F79 –15 Amp BlueID / Clearance Lt
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
* If Equipped
23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 382
437
Tires
................................... 323, 397, 401, 406Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 399Air Pressure............................................... 397Chains....................................................... 404Changing................................................... 329Compact Spare......................................... 401Dual........................................ 332, 406, 411General Information........................ 397, 401High Speed................................................ 398Inflation Pressure...................................... 397Jacking...................................................... 329Life Of Tires............................................... 399Load Capacity............................................ 394
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)... 107, 280
Quality Grading.......................................... 406Radial........................................................ 398Replacement............................................. 400Rotation.................................................... 405Safety.............................................. 389, 397Sizes.......................................................... 390Snow Tires................................................. 401Spare Tires...................................... 401, 402Spinning.................................................... 399Trailer Towing............................................ 187Tread Wear Indicators............................... 399Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 411
To Open Hood.................................................. 77Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight...................... 186Torque Converter Clutch............................... 139Towing................................................. 181, 339Disabled Vehicle....................................... 339Guide........................................................ 186Recreational............................................. 194Weight...................................................... 186Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 194Traction......................................................... 197Traction Control............................................ 277Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 277Trailer Towing............................................... 181Hitches..................................................... 185Minimum Requirements........................... 186Mirrors......................................................... 42Tips........................................................... 192Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 186Wiring....................................................... 190Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 186Trailer Weight................................................ 186Transfer Case............................................... 374Electronically Shifted....................... 140, 143Fluid......................................................... 421
Transmission................................................. 132Automatic............................... 132, 135, 372Fluid.......................................................... 421Maintenance............................................ 372Shifting..................................................... 130Transporting Pets.......................................... 322Tread Wear Indicators................................... 399Turn Signals.................................. 54, 110, 386
U
Uconnect Phone Call Features
................................. 239Things You Should Know About YourUconnect Phone................................... 242Uconnect Phone............................................ 236Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 241Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 240Bluetooth Communication Link................ 244Call Continuation...................................... 242Call Controls............................................. 240Call Termination....................................... 242Cancel Command..................................... 236
11
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