help me understand shifting 65RFE

[mike bavers]

Hello. I am new to modern trucks, so please bear with me. I own '74 chev k10 4wd, '84 M1008 4wd, '79 F250 4wd. I am looking at a 2014 Ram Tradesman 4wd, 5.7l auto, 65RFE. I have never seen a set-up like this, as all my other trucks have direct shifting transfer cases. I was driving it with the seller's mother and didn't have the time to read the owner's manual. While sitting at idle I tried downshifting the trans and could only get it to go from D to 1 by using the (-) on the shift lever. The (+) did not do anything. How is the shifting supposed to work? I thought maybe it only works while driving, but didn't want to take a chance by experimenting. I spent quite a while on the internet trying to get answers, but couldn't get any info on the basics. I guess anyone into Rams already know how to shift the darn thing! Someone please educate me so I can decide if I want to buy it.

 

[Harley Harrold]

IMG_0705

• Harley Harrold
• Oct 30, 2018
• 1

 

[MADDOG]

Pressing the - while stopped takes it to first gear. The transmission will not respond to + button pushes while the truck is stopped unless you press and hold the button, then it will go back to D.

Once the truck is moving, pressing the + button will shift the transmission up.

 

[mike bavers]

OK, just to be sure I fully understand: 1:If stopped, I can only shift to first, or leave it in drive.
2: If I shift to first while stopped and then go, it will stay in first? 3: If I start out in drive, I can then downshift to 5, or 4, etc with (-) and upshift with (+) while moving?

I hate to be such a dummy. I like the old system better.

 

[quietpeen]

OK, just to be sure I fully understand: 1:If stopped, I can only shift to first, or leave it in drive.
2: If I shift to first while stopped and then go, it will stay in first? 3: If I start out in drive, I can then downshift to 5, or 4, etc with (-) and upshift with (+) while moving?

I hate to be such a dummy. I like the old system better.

for the most part that is correct, but it won't stay in first, After a certain rev limit it will automatically shift to 2nd

also welcome to RamForum

 

[mike bavers]

Thank you for the info; much appreciated.