RAM 1500 Owner's Manual page 404

402 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 shift control (refer to
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation 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.
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 (-22°F [-30°C] or below), transmission operation
may be modified depending 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
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. Limp Home Mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service
without damaging the transmission.