Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual

CAUTION!

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.

The following indicator should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into PARK:

• With brake pedal released, look at the transmission

gear position display and verify that it indicates the
PARK position (P).

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must
leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

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CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode
or use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to

⬙Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation⬙ in this

section for further information) to select a lower gear
range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified depend-
ing on engine and transmission temperature as well as
vehicle speed. 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

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493

result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all.
Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the transmission
may not re-engage if the engine is turned off and
restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. A message in the instrument cluster will
inform the driver of the more serious conditions, and
indicate what actions may be necessary.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

NOTE:

In cases where the instrument cluster message

indicates the transmission may not re-engage after en-
gine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at your authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not,

shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. On

vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, push and hold the
ignition switch until the engine turns OFF.

4. Wait approximately 30 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 recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

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If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
Eight-Speed Transmission

The Electronic Range Select (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 4 (fourth gear), the transmis-
sion will not shift above fourth gear (except to prevent
engine overspeed), but will shift through the lower gears
normally.

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the transmission gear selector is in
DRIVE, the transmission will operate automatically, shift-
ing between all available gears. Tapping the GEAR-
switch (on the steering wheel) will activate ERS mode,
display the current gear in the instrument cluster, and set

that gear as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode,
tapping the GEAR- or GEAR+ switch will change the top
available gear.

1 — ERS (-) Switch

2 — ERS (+) Switch

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495

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the GEAR+
switch until the gear limit display disappears from the
instrument cluster.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

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 to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting.

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

TOW/HAUL Switch

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the default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time the engine
is started.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — 1500
Models Only (If Equipped)

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
The gear selector is mounted either on the right side of
the steering column (if equipped) or on the console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission
Shift Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move
the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the gear selector toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK
(column shift only).

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, RE-
VERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual
downshifts can be made using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation). Pressing the ERS (-/+) switches (column shift)
or moving the gear selector to the left or right (-/+)
(console shift) 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. Models

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497

with the Driver Information Display (DID) will display
both the selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine 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 accelerating.
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 leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

NOTE:

On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the

transfer case is in a drive position.

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 diffi-
cult 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!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before leaving the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL

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

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those

in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) posi-
tion, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.

• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking

brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK,
turn the vehicle OFF, remove the key fob from the
ignition and lock your vehicle. If equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go, always make sure the keyless
ignition node is in “OFF” mode, remove the Key
Fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF position, remove the Key Fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

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499

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go) in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the gear selector out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear
selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:

• When shifting into PARK, pull the column-mounted

gear selector toward you and move it all the way
counterclockwise until it stops. For console-mounted
shifter, firmly move the gear selector all the way
forward and to the left until it stops.

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• Release the gear selector and make sure it is fully

seated in the PARK gate.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
Reverse only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

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501

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first and sec-
ond gears, direct third gear and overdrive fourth and
fifth gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.

To access all six available gears, you must use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, described
below.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range

Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation) to select a lower gear range. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear range will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing 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.

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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 im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of both the
torque converter clutch and the top overdrive gear are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to first and

direct gears only. 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 direct gear regardless of which forward gear is se-
lected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging 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.

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503

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch 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 recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
Six-Speed Transmission (1500 Models Only)

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
can improve vehicle performance and cooling capability
when towing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode,
gears 1 though 3 are underdrive gears, and ERS 4 is direct
drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive gears) are the same as the
normal fourth and fifth gears.

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the DRIVE

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position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the ERS (-)
switch (column shift) or tapping the gear selector to the
left (-) (console shift) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as
the top available gear. For example, if you are in DRIVE
and are in third (direct) gear, when you tap the gear
selector/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). Once in ERS mode, tapping (-) or (+)
will change the top available gear.

Column Gear Selector

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505

To exit ERS mode, simply hold the gear selector to the
right (+) (console shift) or press and hold the ERS (+)
switch (column shift) until the gear limit display disap-
pears from the instrument cluster.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
gear selector to the left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-)
switch down (column shift). The transmission will shift
to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.

CAUTION!

When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the

Console Gear Selector

506

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CAUTION! (Continued)

engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.

Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
• the gear selector is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-

perature,

• the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached an ad-

equate temperature,

• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,

• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated, and
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.

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, push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.

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Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual - part 31