Dodge 1500 (2012 year). Instruction

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF position. The key fob can only be removed from the
ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position unless the brakes are applied. To move
the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition
switch must be turned to the ON/RUN position (engine
running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

Four–Speed Automatic Transmission
(3.7L Engine) — If Equipped

The shift lever position 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 console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). 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).

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).

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

The transmission shift lever has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Instruction down-
shifts can be made using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (described later in this section). Press-
ing the ERS (-/+) switches (column shift) or moving the
shift lever to the left or right (-/+) (console shift) while in
the DRIVE position will select the highest available
transmission gear, and will display that gear in the
instrument cluster as 4, 3, 2, 1.

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

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381

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.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever clockwise without first pull-
ing it toward you (column shift), or rearward with
the brake pedal released (floor shift), after you
have placed it in PARK. Make sure the transmis-
sion is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 pressing 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 pressing the brake pedal.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, 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.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key
fob in the vehicle. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever 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 shift
lever 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 shift lever into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, pull the column-mounted

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

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383

• Release the shift lever and make sure it is fully seated

in the PARK gate.

• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that

it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

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

NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Set 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.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVE
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 heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature (described below) 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.

If the transmission operating 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, the “Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until
the transmission cools down.

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 the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-20°F [-29°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re-
sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.

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385

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 second gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. 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.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/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.

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Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. For example, if you shift
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down into
second and first gear normally.

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the shift
lever to the left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-) switch
(column shift) will activate ERS mode, display the cur-
rent gear in the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear
as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the
shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) (console shift) or the
ERS (-) or (+) switch (column shift) will change the top
available gear.

Column Shift Lever

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387

To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the shift lever to
the right (+) (console shift) or the ERS (+) switch (column
shift) until “D” is once again displayed in the shift lever
position indicator in 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 an accident
or personal injury.

Screen Display

Actual Gear(s)
Allowed

1-2

1-3

1-4

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), tap the shift lever to the
left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-) switch down (column
shift) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.

Console Shift Lever

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:

• the shift lever 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, and
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;

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 select 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, the transmission will downshift into third gear.

NOTE:

TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive.

TOW/HAUL Switch

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389

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch 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
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 (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. Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
feature, when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of Overdrive.

Six–Speed Automatic Transmission
(4.7L And 5.7L Engine) — 1500 Models Only

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STARTING AND OPERATING

The transmission shift lever has only Park, Reverse,
Neutral, and Drive shift positions. Instruction downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)” in this
section). Pressing the ERS (-/+) switches (column shift)
or moving the shift lever to the left or right (-/+) (console
shift) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest
available transmission gear, and will display that gear in
the instrument cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.

STARTING AND OPERATING

391

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.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

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

(Continued)

392

STARTING AND OPERATING

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, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, 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.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever 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 shift
lever 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 shift lever into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, pull the column-mounted

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

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393

• Release the shift lever and make sure it is fully seated

in the PARK gate.

• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that

it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

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 and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

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

394

STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVE
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) feature, 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 heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature (refer to “Electronic Range Select
(ERS)” in this section) 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.

If the transmission operating 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, the “Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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Dodge 1500 (2012 year). Instruction - part 24