2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 4WD

ignition key must be in the ON position with the engine
either running or off. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the ACC position.
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation the selected
position indicator light will flash and the original posi-
tion indicator light will remain ON. At this time, reduce
speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
2WD or 4WD LOCK,4WD LOW
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With engine running, slow vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch
on manual transmissions).
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
The ESP system has multiple operating modes depend-
ing on vehicle type: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) or Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD). 4WD vehicles may be equippedwith either a four-mode position (2WD/Neutral/4HI/
4LO) transfer case or a five-mode position (2WD/
AUTO/Neutral/4H/4LO) transfer case. If you have a
4WD vehicle, and want to determine which transfer case
is on your vehicle and how to operate it, refer to the
ªFour Wheel Drive Operatingº in Section 5.
All 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD,
AUTO or 4HI Modes can choose the following ESP
operating modes:
ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD/
AUTO/4HI Modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the
vehicle is started, or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4LO or Neutral, back to 4HI or AUTO, the
ESP system will be in this mode. This mode should be
used for almost all driving situations. ESP should only be
turned to ªPartial Offº or ªESP Offº for specific reasons
as noted below.
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

ESP Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the
9ESP OFFº switch. When in9Partial Off9mode, the TCS
portion of ESP, except for the ªlimited slipº feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESP function normally. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand,
or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP
would normally allow is required to gain traction. To
turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the9ESP OFFº
switch. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº mode of
operation.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº mode isovercome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ªESP Control Switchº. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
All 4WD vehicles in Auto and 4HI Modes can also
choose the following ESP operating mode. This is
the only ESP operating mode in 4LO:
Full Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESP stability
features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. This mode is entered by depressing and
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer's instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicleÐnot to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.NOTE:The transfer case must be in the neutral position,
and the transmission must be in PARK (automatic trans-
mission), or in gear (manual transmission) to tow a 4WD
vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and
the opposite end on a towing dolly.
2±Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 mi (25
km).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 439
6