2011 Ram 2500 Front differential

Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position 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 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 the
wheels 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.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
•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 LOCKposition, 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341

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 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.
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 “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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 differentialcomponents. 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) MOPARLimited
Slip Additive or equivalent be added to the gear lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. The
MOPARLimited Slip Additive or equivalent should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made.
2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
542 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Exhaust Gas Caution...................83,440
Exhaust System.......................83,531
Exterior Lighting........................ 123
Exterior Lights.......................... 86
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 526
Engine Oil........................525,571
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 525
Flashers
Turn Signal......................86,128,206
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 500
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 443
Engine Oil........................... 443
Fuel Requirements..................440,442
Maintenance......................... 444
Replacement Parts..................... 443
Starting............................. 443Flooded Engine Starting................... 306
Fluid, Brake........................... 572
Fluid Capacities......................... 569
Fluid Leaks............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Brake.............................. 539
Power Steering........................ 386
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 571
Fog Lights.......................124,221,562
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 177
Four Wheel Drive....................... 323
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 482
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 505
Front Axle (Differential)................... 541
Fuel................................. 435
Adding............................. 444
Conserving........................231,233
Ethanol............................. 437
10
INDEX 607

Phone, Cellular......................... 100
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™)............. 100
Pickup Box............................ 180
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 407
Power
Door Locks........................... 30
Mirrors.............................. 96
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......160,164
Seats............................... 101
Sliding Rear Window................... 177
Steering..........................385,386
Sunroof............................. 157
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 572
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 53
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 51
Programmable Electronic Features............ 238Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Radial Ply Tires......................... 414
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......534,536
Radio Operation........................ 285
Ramp Travel Index....................... 343
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 541
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails............... 191
Rear Park Sense System................... 138
Rear Seat, Folding..................... 110,111
Rear Window Features.................... 176
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 177
Reclining Front Seats..................... 108
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 110
Recorder, Event Data...................... 67
Recreational Towing...................... 471
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....474,476
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . 475,479
614 INDEX