2009 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL engine

Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either off or running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.NOTE:
•
If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied, prior to attempting the
shift, or if they no longer are being met while the shift
attempt is in process, then the desired “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will flash continuously while
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
•
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights”
to be operable. If the key is not ON, then the shift will
not take place and no “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Lights” will be on or flashing.
•
If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer than
21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
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5

2. The selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Posi-
tion Indicator Light” for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain ON.
If one or more shift conditions are not met:
1. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for the
current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will continue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the transfer case switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the
Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the Owner’s Manual.
The “Service 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the \bService 4WD Warning Light”
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
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NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
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5

•
If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, the current “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will turn OFF, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Light” for the selected position will stop flashing
and remain ON.
2WD⇔4WD LOCKRotate the transfer case switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn-
ing the switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the 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 transfer case will not allow shifts between
2WD and 4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash and
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will
remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning
the wheels to complete the shift.
2WD or 4WD LOCK⇔ 4WD LOWNOTE: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 the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3
to 5 km/h).
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5

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case switch to the
desired position.
4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case switch into the desired posi-
tion.
4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.NOTE:
•
If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will flash continuously while the original
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” is ON, until
all requirements have been met.
•
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights”
to be operable. If the key is not ON then the shift will
not take place and no “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Lights” will be on or flashing.
•
If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer than
21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.The Basics Of Off-Road DrivingYou will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes interrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.When To Use Low RangeWhen driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low Range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

range. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and
down hills, with improved control and less effort. Also,
use 4L (Low Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get
heavy loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4H
(High Range) traction will not do the job.Driving In Snow, Mud And SandThere is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.•
Snow– In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a
low gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low Range)
if necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear than neces-
sary to maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you
start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel
no more than a
14turn quickly back and forth, while
still applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a
fresh bite and help maintain your momentum.CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPMs or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.•
Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get through.
You should use 4L (Low Range) with a gear low
enough to maintain your momentum without shifting.
If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering
wheel no more than a
14turn quickly back and forth
for additional traction. Mud holes pose an increased
threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
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5

freshbite into the surface and will usually provide
enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not
make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a roll over, which may result in
severe injury.•
Driving Down Hill – Before driving down a steep hill
you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe
descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there
obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty of
distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the
vehicle descends too fast? If you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low
Range) with the transmission in 1st gear (manually
select 1st gear on automatic transmissions) and pro-
ceed with caution. Allow engine braking to control the
descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not
allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured.•
Driving Across An Incline
– If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places
more weight on the down hill wheels, which increases
the possibilities of a down hill slide or rollover. Make
294 STARTING AND OPERATING