2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab differential

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 280
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 285
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 287
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 288
 Driving Through Water ................. 288
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 289
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 289
 Power Steering ....................... 291
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 292
 Parking Brake ........................ 292
 Brake System ........................ 295
▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........... 295▫
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 295
 Tire Safety Information ................. 297
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 297
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 301
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 302
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 303
 Tires — General Information ............. 307
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 307
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 308
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 313
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 313
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 314
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 314
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, then the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position 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, the shift will not take place and no position
indicator lights will be on or flashing.
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. Duringnormal 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 287

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.DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and
precautions.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any
other booster source with a system voltage greater
than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
WARNING!
When temperatures are below the freezing point,
electrolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. Do not
attempt jump-starting because the battery could rup-
ture or explode and cause personal injury. Battery
temperature must be brought above the freezing
point before attempting a jump-start.
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance 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.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evi-
dent while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential
on concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip
differential.
Transfer Case
Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for proper maintenance
intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405

Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 150
Cupholders ............................ 161
Customer Assistance ..................... 449
Daytime Running Lights ................... 143
Dealer Service .......................... 385
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 170
Defroster, Windshield ................75,251,257
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 146
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 287
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 407
Power Steering ........................ 292
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 400
Door Locks ............................. 28
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 288 Dual Rear Wheels
..................... 320,366
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 170
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 156
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 270
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 150
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 194
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 280
Emergency Brake ........................ 292
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 374
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 358
Jump Starting ......................... 370
Tow Hooks .......................... 375
Towing ............................. 376
Emission Control System Maintenance ......383,430
Engine ............................... 381
Air Cleaner .......................... 388
Block Heater ......................... 267
10
INDEX 461

Front Axle (Differential)................... 404
Fuel ................................. 321
Adding ............................. 326
Diesel .............................. 427
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 327
Filter ............................... 427
Gauge .............................. 180
Light ............................... 187
Octane Rating ........................ 321
Requirements ......................... 321
Tank Capacity ........................ 426
Fuses ................................ 414
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............327,382
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 321
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 322
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 180
Fuel ............................... 180 Oil Pressure
.......................... 183
Speedometer ......................... 181
Tachometer .......................... 180
Voltmeter ............................ 187
Gear Ranges ........................... 272
General Information .................. 17,25,116
Glass Cleaning .......................... 413
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 170
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 331
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 330
Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 328
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 87
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 288
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 358
Head Restraints ......................... 124
10
INDEX 463

Hazard Warning Flasher................. 358
Headlights ........................... 139
High Beam ........................ 145,187
High Beam Indicator .................... 187
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 145
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster ..................... 180
Interior .......................... 141,154
Lights On Reminder .................... 143
Low Fuel ............................ 187
Oil Pressure .......................... 189
Passing ............................. 144
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 193
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 183
Service ............................. 420
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 183
Transfer Case ......................... 280
Turn Signal ...................... 75,144,420
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 180Limited-Slip Differential
................287,405
Loading Vehicle ......................... 328
Tires ............................... 303
Locks ................................. 28
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 392
Lug Nuts ........................... 364,366
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 389
Maintenance Procedures ................... 385
Maintenance Schedule .................430,432
Maintenance Schedules .................... 430
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 383
Manual, Service ......................... 453
466 INDEX