2009 Ram 1500 differential

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped ...... 333
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 337
 Limited-Slip Differential – If Equipped ...... 339
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 340
 Driving Through Water ................. 341
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 341
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 341
 Driving Off-Road ..................... 343
 Power Steering ....................... 343
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 345
 Parking Brake ........................ 346
 Brake System ........................ 347
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 348
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 349
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 350
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 350
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 351
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 351
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 352
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 356
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 361
 Tire Safety Information ................. 362
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 362
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 366
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 367
 Tires — General Information ............. 371
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 371
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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 control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired 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, the desired position indicator light will flash continuously while the original position indicator light is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
NOTE:
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 339

slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one 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 differential
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.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS 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 functions similarly 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 the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)” in this section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward
traction.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
BAS detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. The system
applies optimum pressure to the brakes in emergency
braking conditions. This can help reduce braking dis-
tances. The BAS complements the ABS. Applying the
brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of BAS, you must apply continuous
braking pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

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
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. 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 startcan be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24-Volt power source.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 433

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly-closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Rear Axle And Four-Wheel Drive Front Driving
Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type,
This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottomof the fill hole for the manufacturer’s C205F HD front
axles. The fluid level should be 5/8 in (16 mm) below the
fill hole on 9 1/4 in manufacturer’s rear axles.
Drain and Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the 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 Differentials This vehicle requires that
4 oz. (118 ml) MOPAR Limited Slip Additive be added
to the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465

Inspection........................... 462
Points to Remember .................... 462
Pressure Cap ......................... 461
Radiator Cap ......................... 461
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......459,488,489
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 160
Cupholders ............................ 189
Customer Assistance ..................... 513
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 67
Daytime Running Lights ................... 151
Dealer Service .......................... 447
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 199
Defroster, Windshield ................84,295,301
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 154
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 339
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 467
Power Steering ........................ 345 Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 462
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 174
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 341
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 251
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 290
E-85 Fuel ............................. 390
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 199
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 183
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 350
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 350
Brake Assist System .................... 351
Electronic Stability Program ............... 356
Traction Control System ................. 351
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 320
10
INDEX 525

Engine Oil Disposal.................... 450
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 85,152,227
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 432
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 393
Engine Oil ........................... 393
Fuel Requirements .................. 390,392
Maintenance ......................... 394
Replacement Parts ..................... 394
Starting ............................. 393
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 310
Fluid, Brake ........................... 490
Fluid Capacities ......................... 488
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 467
Brake .............................. 464
Power Steering ........................ 345 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
.......... 489
Fog Lights ....................... 148,241,483
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 201
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 326
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 420
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 436
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 465
Fuel ................................. 386
Adding ............................. 394
Conserving ........................ 251,252
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 396
Gauge .............................. 227
Light ............................... 234
Octane Rating ...................... 386,489
Requirements ...................... 386,488
Saver Mode ....................... 251,252
Tank Capacity ........................ 488
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 251
10
INDEX 527