2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 4WD

NOTE:The four-wheel drive system will not allow
shifts between 2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the
selected position indicator light will flash and the origi-
nal 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 LOW
NOTE: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. You can use
either of the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
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 a 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

14. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual
transmission in gear (not in Neutral).
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
15. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
16. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
17. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
•The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEUTRAL
from the 4WD AUTO (if equipped) position.
•Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met prior to
pressing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met
during the shift, the NEUTRAL indicator light will
flash continuously until all requirements are met or
until the NEUTRAL button is released.
•The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN 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/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
•A flashing NEUTRAL indicator light indicates that
shift requirements have not been met.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the
transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF
the Ground2WD Models 4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission inNEUTRAL
•30 mphmax(48 km/h)
•15 miles (24 km)maxdistanceSee instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”
•Auto Transmission inPARK
•Manual Transmission in gear (NOT
Neutral)
•Transfer Case inNEUTRAL
•To w i nforwarddirection
Wheel Lift or Dolly
To wFrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399