2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab differential

▫Transfer Case Position Indicator Light...... 297
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped....... 298
▫Shifting Procedure................... 302
Limited-Slip Differential................. 304
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 305
▫Acceleration........................ 305
▫Traction........................... 305
Driving Through Water................. 306
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 306
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 306
Power Steering....................... 308
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 309Parking Brake........................ 310
Brake System........................ 312
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System....... 313
Tire Safety Information................. 315
▫Tire Markings....................... 315
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 318
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions......... 319
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 320
Tires — General Information............. 324
▫Tire Pressure....................... 324
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 325
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 330
276 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. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slipperysurfaces, 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.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (if equipped).
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 of 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 boosterpack. 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!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen.
It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
392 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 REQUIREany
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431

Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 422
Inspection.......................... 425
Points to Remember.................. 426
Pressure Cap........................ 424
Radiator Cap....................... 424
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......422,454
Cupholders............................ 172
Customer Assistance..................... 477
Data Recorder, Event...................... 64
Daytime Running Lights................... 153
Dealer Service.......................... 409
Defroster, Rear Window................... 180
Defroster, Windshield................ 80,265,271
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 155
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 304
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................ 433
Power Steering...................... 309Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 399
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 425
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water...................... 306
Dual Rear Wheels.....................340,388
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 180
Electrical Power Outlets................... 165
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 290
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 160
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 204
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 298
Emergency Brake........................ 310
10
INDEX 489

Fluid Leaks............................. 82
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 433
Brake............................. 428
Power Steering...................... 309
Fluid, Brake........................... 455
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 454
Fog Lights.......................150,202,449
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 380
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 396
Front Axle (Differential)................... 430
Fuel................................. 341
Adding........................... 346
Diesel............................. 454
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................. 347
Filter ............................. 454
Gauge............................ 190
Light ............................. 197Octane Rating....................... 341
Requirements....................... 341
Tank Capacity....................... 453
Fuses................................ 440
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............347,406
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 341
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 342
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 190
Fuel.............................. 190
Oil Pressure........................ 193
Speedometer........................ 191
Tachometer......................... 190
Voltmeter.......................... 198
Gear Ranges........................... 285
Gear Select Lever Override................. 398
General Information.................. 18,25,124
Glass Cleaning.......................... 439
10
INDEX 491

Automatic Headlights................. 148
Brake Warning...................... 198
Bulb Replacement.................446,447
Cap Top Clearance................... 451
Cargo ............................. 152
Center Mounted Stop.................. 449
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)...... 200
Courtesy/Reading.................... 164
Daytime Running.................... 153
Exterior............................ 82
Fog .........................150,202,449
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............. 297
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 380
Headlights......................... 148
High Beam......................154,197
High Beam Indicator.................. 197
High Beam/Low Beam Select............ 154
Illuminated Entry..................... 20
Instrument Cluster................... 190Interior.........................151,164
Lights On Reminder.................. 152
Low Fuel.......................... 197
Oil Pressure........................ 200
Passing............................ 154
Seat Belt Reminder................... 203
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 193
Service.........................446,447
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 193
Transfer Case....................... 297
Turn Signal.................... 82,153,447
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 190
Limited-Slip Differential................304,431
Loading Vehicle......................... 347
Tires .............................. 320
Locks................................. 29
Automatic Door...................... 31
Child Protection...................... 34
Door.............................. 29
494 INDEX

Sliding Rear Window.................. 181
Steering........................308,309
Windows........................... 35
Power Steering Fluid..................... 455
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 53
Programmable Electronic Features............ 218
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Radial Ply Tires......................... 330
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......422,424
Radio Operation........................ 262
Radio, Satellite (Uconnect™ studios).......... 256
Rear Axle (Differential).................430,431
Rear Window Features.................... 180
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 181
Reclining Front Seats..................... 138
Recorder, Event Data...................... 64Recreational Towing...................... 368
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . 371,373
Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N)..................372,376
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 342
Refrigerant............................ 416
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 52
Remote Control
Starting System....................... 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 260
Remote Starting System.................... 26
Replacement Keys........................ 17
Replacement Parts....................... 408
Replacement Tires....................... 334
Reporting Safety Defects................... 480
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........196,212
Restraint, Head......................... 139
Restraints, Child....................... 65,71
10
INDEX 497