2011 Ram 1500 Rear differential

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 posi-
tion indicator light is ON, until all requirements have
been met.
•The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, then the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM (2500 MODELS ONLY) —
IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front
and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,
mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing thewheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming
stuck. The locking front and rear differentials should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situa-
tions where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with
the ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle
with the differentials locked on pavement due to the
reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.
CAUTION!
•Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced
and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the
axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.
(Continued)
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is
stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR LOCK. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the switch should be left in the AXLE
UNLOCK position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the
front and rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK
position, the rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR
LOCK position, the front and rear axles are locked. NOTE:
Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to
“Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information. Move the axle locker switch
position to REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on when the
rear axle is locked.
NOTE: Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator
light is flashing after placing the switch in the REAR
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
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 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
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
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 frontaxles. The fluid level should be 5/8 in (16 mm) below the
fill hole on 9 1/4 in manufacturer’s rear axles.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4” ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on
the 9.25 in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be
1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 553

Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 547
Cooling System ......................... 544
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 546
Coolant Capacity ..................... 580
Coolant Level .................... 544,548
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 547
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 544
Inspection .......................... 548
Points to Remember .................. 549
Pressure Cap ........................ 547
Radiator Cap ....................... 547
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....545,580,582
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 134
Cupholders ............................ 169
Customer Assistance ..................... 605
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 66
Daytime Running Lights ................... 127
Dealer Service .......................... 531 Defroster, Rear Window
................... 180
Defroster, Windshield ................84,293,299
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 130
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 365
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 556
Power Steering ...................... 391
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 518
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 547
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving Off-Pavement ....................... 347
Off-Road .......................... 347
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 366
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 235
10
INDEX 617

Parking Brake.......................... 392
Passing Light ........................... 128
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 133
Personal Settings ........................ 242
Pets .................................. 81
Pets, Transporting ........................ 81
Phone, Cellular ......................... 101
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 101
Pickup Box ............................ 184
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 411
Power Door Locks ......................... 30
Mirrors ............................ 96
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .....162,167
Seats ............................. 102
Sliding Rear Window .................. 181
Steering ........................ 390,391
Sunroof ........................... 158
Windows ........................... 34 Power Steering Fluid
..................... 583
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 52
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 50
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 242
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 418
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......544,547
Radio Operation ........................ 290
Ramp Travel Index ....................... 347
Rear Axle (Differential) .................... 553
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails ............... 196
Rear Park Sense System ................... 138
Rear Seat, Folding ..................... 111,112
Rear Window Features .................... 180
Rear Window, Sliding ..................... 181
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 109
626 INDEX