vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage / disen-
gage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator
pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force
when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H or 4H⇔4L
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift automatic
transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn
engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
NOTE:Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located in
the instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and
stress to steering and suspension components. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
– IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains on 1500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the follow-
ing precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other sus-
pension components, it is important that only chains in good
condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain
before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after
driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, espe-
cially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method of
installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage. Always use
the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer if
different than the speed recommended by the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
5
5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
408 STARTING AND OPERATING
Power...........................343,464
Wheel Lock........................... 15
Wheel, Tilt........................... 173
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 280
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 203
Storage Compartment, Center Seat.........203,204
Storage, Vehicle......................... 497
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 497
Sun Roof.............................. 193
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 375
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 457
System, Navigation...................... 274
System, Remote Starting.................... 24
Tachometer............................ 227
Tailgate............................... 215
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint........64,68,103,107
Tilt Steering Column..................... 173Tip Start.............................. 303
Tire and Loading Information Placard......362,375
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 361
Tire Markings.......................... 358
Tire Safety Information.................... 358
Tires ...........................219,366,547
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 373
Air Pressure.......................... 366
Alignment........................... 374
Chains.............................. 375
Compact Spare........................ 370
Dual............................379,434
General Information.................... 366
High Speed.......................... 368
Inflation Pressures..................... 367
Jacking............................. 427
Life of Tires.......................... 373
Load Capacity.....................362,363
Quality Grading....................... 547
564 INDEX
Fluid............................... 515
Maintenance.......................479,480
Manual.....................302,312,314,479
Shifting..........................306,315
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 186
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 372
Trip Computer.......................... 180
Trip Odometer.......................230,235
Turn Signals...................169,227,499,503
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)............. 126
Underhood Fuses........................ 492
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 547
Universal Transmitter..................... 186
Variance, Compass....................... 185
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 7
Vehicle Loading......................363,389
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7Vehicle Storage......................... 497
Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System).................. 275
Voltmeter............................. 227
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 227
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 545
Washers, Windshield..................172,467
Washing Vehicle......................... 488
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 374
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 489
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care................ 489
Wheel Cover........................... 433
Wheel Mounting........................ 427
Wheel Nut Torque....................432,436
Wind Buffeting.......................33,195
Window Airbag (Side Curtain)............... 95
Window Fogging........................ 294
566 INDEX