
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................319
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............320
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (5 Position Switch)—
If Equipped.........................321
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................326
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch)—
If Equipped.........................329
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................333
Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......336
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............337Driving Off-Road.......................337
Parking Brake.........................338
Brake System..........................340
▫3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only........340
▫Brake Noise.........................340
▫Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System —
RWAL .............................341
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System —
If Equipped.........................341
Power Steering........................343
Electronic Brake Control System
(ABS/TCS/BAS/Hsa/ERM/ESP) –
If Equipped...........................344
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............344
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer
than 21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with onlyone rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
TCS (Traction Control System) – if equipped with
ESP
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in
either the “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” modes. Refer to “ESP
(Electronic Stability Program)” in this Section of this
manual.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission can-
not be started this way and pushing or towing a vehicle
equipped with a manual transmission may overheat and
damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a greater
risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed or
towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
438 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer’s C205F HD Front
Axles. The fluid level should be 5/8” (16 mm) below on
9 1/4” Manufacturer’s Rear Axles.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the
9.25” Front and 3/4”± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 10.5”
Rear axles. The 11.5” Rear Axle level should be 1/4” ±
1/4” (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Drain and Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or to provide the correct viscosity grade, drain
and refill.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Moparlimited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. The Mopar
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Ram 2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 175
Cup Holder............................ 199
Customer Assistance..................... 542
Data Recorder, Event....................58,97
Daytime Running Lights................... 167
Dealer Service.......................... 453
Defroster, Rear Window................124,209
Defroster, Windshield...............219,285,287
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 171
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 336
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 480
Power Steering........................ 464
Disc Brakes............................ 475
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 472
Door Ajar............................. 236
Door Locks............................. 26Door Opener, Garage..................... 186
Drive Belts............................ 458
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 465
Dual Rear Wheels.....................379,434
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 275
E-85 Fuel............................. 386
Electric Rear Window Defrost............124,209
Electrical Power Outlets................... 196
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 175
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........234,352
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........321,329
Emergency Brake........................ 338
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 442
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 420
Jacking............................. 427
Jump Starting......................... 438
INDEX 553
10

Starting............................. 388
Flooded Engine Starting................... 303
Fluid, Brake........................... 515
Fluid Capacities......................... 512
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 480
Brake............................... 476
Power Steering........................ 464
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 514
Fog Lights.......................168,233,502
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 210
Four Wheel Drive....................... 316
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 420
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 442
Front Axle (Differential)................... 477
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 482
Fuel................................. 380
Adding............................. 384
Filter............................... 459Gauge.............................. 235
Hoses.............................. 474
Octane Rating......................380,514
Requirements......................380,512
System Hoses......................... 474
Tank Capacity........................ 512
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuses................................ 492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............385,450
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 380
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 381
Gauges............................... 227
Coolant Temperature.................... 229
Fuel................................ 235
Oil Pressure.......................... 228
Speedometer......................... 228
Tachometer.......................... 227
INDEX 555
10

Courtesy/Reading..................... 179
Cruise.............................. 236
Daytime Running...................... 167
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 509
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . 234,353
Fog ..........................168,233,502
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 320
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 420
Headlights........................... 166
High Beam........................170,228
High Beam Indicator.................... 228
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 170
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................... 227
Intensity Control....................... 165
Interior..........................165,179
Lights On Reminder.................... 168
Passing............................. 170
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 228Service...........................498,499
Side Marker.......................... 511
Traction Control....................... 353
Transfer Case......................... 320
Transmission Warning................... 235
Turn Signal..................169,227,499,503
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 227
Limited-Slip Differential................336,478
Loading Vehicle......................... 389
Tires ............................... 362
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 29
Door................................ 26
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................64,103
Lubrication, Body....................... 466
558 INDEX