2012 RAM CHASSIS CAB differential

▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 292
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 296
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 298
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 299
▫ Acceleration ........................ 299
▫ Traction ........................... 299
 Driving Through Water ................. 300
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 300
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 300
 Power Steering ....................... 302
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 303
 Parking Brake ........................ 304  Brake System ........................ 306
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 307
 Tire Safety Information ................. 309
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 309
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 312
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 313
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 314
 Tires — General Information ............. 318
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 318
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 319
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 324
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 324270 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 slippery 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.298 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 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!Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen.
It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

fill hole on the front axle. The fluid level should be level
with the bottom of the fill hole on the rear axle.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain
the axle fluid. 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.
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.1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 417
Inspection .......................... 420
Points to Remember .................. 422
Pressure Cap ........................ 419
Radiator Cap ....................... 419
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....... 418,450
Cupholders ............................ 172
Customer Assistance ..................... 473
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 63
Daytime Running Lights ................... 153
Dealer Service .......................... 405
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 180
Defroster, Windshield ................ 80,258,264
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 155
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 298
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ................ 428
Power Steering ...................... 303 Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 395
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 420
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 300
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 334,384
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 180
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 165
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 284
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 160
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 203
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 292
Emergency Brake ........................ 304
10 INDEX 485

Fluid Leaks ............................. 81
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................ 428
Brake ............................. 423
Power Steering ...................... 303
Fluid, Brake ........................... 451
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 450
Fog Lights ....................... 150,200,445
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 288
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 376
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 392
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 335
Adding ........................... 340
Diesel ............................. 450
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 341
Filter ............................. 450
Gauge ............................ 189
Light ............................. 196 Octane Rating ....................... 335
Requirements ....................... 335
Tank Capacity ....................... 449
Fuses ................................ 435
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 341,402
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................. 189
Fuel .............................. 189
Oil Pressure ........................ 192
Speedometer ........................ 190
Tachometer ......................... 189
Voltmeter .......................... 196
Gear Ranges ........................... 279
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 394
General Information .................. 18,26,123
Glass Cleaning .......................... 435
10 INDEX 487

Automatic Headlights ................. 148
Brake Warning ...................... 197
Bulb Replacement ................. 442,443
Cap Top Clearance ................... 447
Cargo ............................. 152
Center Mounted Stop .................. 445
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ...... 199
Courtesy/Reading .................... 164
Daytime Running .................... 153
Exterior ............................ 81
Fog ......................... 150,200,445
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............. 291
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 376
Headlights ......................... 148
High Beam ...................... 154,196
High Beam Indicator .................. 196
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 154
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 189 Interior ......................... 150,164
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel .......................... 196
Oil Pressure ........................ 198
Passing ............................ 154
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 202
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 192
Service ......................... 442,443
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 192
Transfer Case ....................... 291
Turn Signal .................... 81,153,443
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 189
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 298,426
Loading Vehicle ......................... 342
Tires .............................. 314
Locks ................................. 30
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 30490 INDEX

Sliding Rear Window .................. 181
Steering ........................ 302,303
Windows ........................... 34
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 451
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 216
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 324
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ....... 417,419
Radio Operation ........................ 255
Rear Axle (Differential) ................. 425,426
Rear Window Features .................... 180
Rear Window, Sliding ..................... 181
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 137
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 63
Recreational Towing ...................... 365
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . 368,370 Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N) .................. 369,373
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 336
Refrigerant ............................ 412
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 51
Remote Control
Starting System ....................... 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 253
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 404
Replacement Tires ....................... 328
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 476
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ........... 194,210
Restraint, Head ......................... 138
Restraints, Child ....................... 64,70
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 38
Rotation, Tires .......................... 333
10 INDEX 493