I have the 09 hemi with the colomn shifter with the +- gear selestor on it. I read that this will select the highest gear available and the tranny will not shift above that gear. I don't understand the purpose of this. Can someone explain when you might use this. Also can you shift through the gears like a vehicle with tiptronic? Thanks guys

 

I sometimes shift down to 4 or 3 when going down a long steep grade. This provides better engine breaking.

I also sometimes select 1 when want to creep in 4x4.

 

I think? it is the same as tiptronic.

 

It is for shifting like a manual vehicle but without a clutch. Like what mike2810 said you can use it as an engine brake while towing. Also usefull for racing

 

Going down long inclines.Select 3 and it won't shift above that as a example.

 

it will keep it from shifting up, but going up a hill it will not keep it from downshifting, which is a good thing. You can tow in 4th if you want, going down a steep hill, put her in 3rd, or 2nd for real steep & slow, but you can control the downshift, unlike tow haul which will downshift as soon as it realizes you in 4th and still speeding up without your foot on the gas pedal. Problem there (with tow haul) is it doesn't see the road a head, you might be going down a little hill, or a big one, and maybe you are wanting to gain speed to get a run, or you aren't really speeding up that much. ERS was one thing that sold me on the truck

 

or, people with 3.21s can put it in 4th so it's not hunting for gears, unlike the older shifters that only had 1,2, and drive on a 5 speed. I never drive a newer 3.21 geared Ram, but I had an 06 Chevy ext cab 4x4 5.3 with 3.42s. Thing couldn't make up it's mind at all if it wanted 3rd or 4th at 45 mph.

 

i have the column shifter as well and use it when going down long/steep grades so i don't have to ride the brakes. very useful when towing as well.