RAM 1500 2019, User Manual

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Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to
be in PARK before the ignition can be turned
to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This sys-
tem also locks the transmission in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK
when the ignition is in the ACC mode (even
though the engine will be off). Ensure that
the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.
Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Trans-
mission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must
be running and the brake pedal must be
pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE
when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds.
Eight-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instru-
ment 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 NEU-
TRAL, 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 appro-
priate 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 con-
tinuously 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 be-
tween these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE po-
sitions. Manual downshifts can be made us-
ing the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control. Pressing 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.
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