Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual

3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key fob to
the LOCK position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.

5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.

If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high

gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.

Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift
lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering
column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK
(Column Shift Only).

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift

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STARTING AND OPERATING

lever left (-) or right (+), or toggle the switch on the
column shift lever down (-) or up (+) to select the desired
top gear. For example, if the driver shifts the transmission
into 3 (third gear), the transmission will never shift above
third gear, but can shift down to 2 (second gear) or 1 (first
gear), when needed.

On vehicles equipped with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, use of
ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an additional
underdrive gear which is not normally used during
through-gear accelerations. This additional gear im-
proves vehicle performance and cooling capability when
towing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode, first

Column Shift Lever

Console Shift Lever

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317

through third gear are underdrive gears, and fourth gear
is direct drive. ERS fifth gear (Overdrive) is the same as
the normal fourth gear.

When in the DRIVE position in first through fourth gear,
the first tap down (-), will display the ERS designation for
the current gear (the transmission will not downshift).
For example, if you are in DRIVE and are in third (direct)
gear, when you tap the shift lever/switch one time in the
(-) direction, the display will show 4 (ERS 4 is direct gear).
Another tap down (-) will shift the transmission down to
ERS 3 (the added underdrive gear). When in the DRIVE
position in fifth gear, the first tap down (-) will downshift
the transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the same as
normal fourth gear). Another tap down (-) will shift the
transmission down to ERS 4 (direct gear).

To exit ERS mode, press and hold the shift lever/switch
in the (+) position until “D” is once again highlighted in
the instrument cluster display.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.

Screen Display

Actual Gear(s)
Allowed

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-5

* Applies to vehicles equipped with 4.7L and 5.7L
engines only.

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), hold the shift lever/switch
in the (-) position continuously while braking. The trans-
mission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can
best be slowed down.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever in the PARK position. On four-wheel drive vehicles,
be sure that the transfer case is in a DRIVE position.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever back and forth without first
pulling it toward you after you have set it in
PARK. Make sure it is in PARK before leaving the
vehicle.

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and when
your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

319

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the transmission into PARK, remove
the key fob from the ignition, and apply the
parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from
the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK
position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement. Furthermore, you should never leave
unattended children inside a vehicle.

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL
This range is for when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.

DRIVE
This range provides all forward gears, including third
gear direct and fourth or fifth gear overdrive (Refer to
Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and
highway driving.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:

• the shift lever is in DRIVE;
• the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal

operating temperature;

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph

(48 km/h);

• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
• transmission

has

reached

normal

operating

temperature.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-

peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for

operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.

If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve

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321

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in the TOW/HAUL mode, fifth gear is dis-
abled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.

Shifts into Overdrive (fourth gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic

closed-throttle downshifts to third gear are performed
(for improved braking) when driving conditions warrant.

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the button must be pressed 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 automati-
cally 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
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.

TOW/HAUL Switch

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

• The torque converter clutch will not engage until the

transmission fluid and engine coolant (antifreeze) are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of
driving]. Because the engine speed is higher when the
torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as
if the transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when
cold. This is normal. Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch
when the transmission is sufficiently warm will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of Overdrive.

• If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the

first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.

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. Refer to the operating instructions for your
transfer case, located in this section for further informa-
tion.

Manually Shifted Transfer Case – If Equipped
The transfer case provides four mode positions.

• Two-wheel drive high range (2H)
• Four-wheel drive high range (4H)
• Neutral (N)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4L)

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as dry, hard surfaced roads.

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323

When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together and force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to the desired positions. 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 drive-
shafts 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 NEUTRAL
positions.

When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H 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 transfer case.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.

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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be

experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-
tures.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2H
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.

4H
Four-Wheel Drive 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 - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

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

STARTING AND OPERATING

325

and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted Transfer
Case

⇔ 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 accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.

2H or 4H

⇔ 4L

With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

• Pausing in transfer case NEUTRAL in vehicles

equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL, hold foot on brake, and
turn the engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.

• Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle

completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due
to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).

• Do not attempt to shift into or from 4L while the

transmission is in gear.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster is used to alert the driver that the front
axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.

Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:

• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)

Transfer Case Switch (Four-Position)

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327

• Neutral (NEUTRAL)

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 LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this
section for specific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected

by pressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and
4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate
the current and desired transfer case selection. When you
select a different transfer case position, the indicator
lights will do the following:

If All Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.

If One Or More Shift Conditions Are Not Met:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.

3. The transfer case will not shift.

NOTE:

Before retrying a selection, make certain that all

the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the

⬙Shifting Procedure⬙ for your transfer

case, located in this section.

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.

WARNING!

Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

329

When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD LOCK 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 in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.

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.

WARNING!

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together 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 locks the front and rear
driveshafts together 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 - This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

Shifting Procedure

NOTE:

• If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The position indicator light for the previous
position will remain ON and the newly selected posi-
tion indicator light will continue to flash until all the
requirements for the selected position have been met.
To retry a shift: return the control knob back to the
original position, make certain all shift requirements
have been met, wait five seconds and try the shift
again.

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current position indicator
light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.

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Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual - part 20