2014 Ram 1500 4WD

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure WarningLight**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS)Light**
- Air Bag Warning Light**
- Electronic ThrottleControl (ETC) Light
- Engine TemperatureWarning Light
- Transmission TemperatureWarning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction IndicatorLight (MIL)**
- SERV (Service) 4WDIndicator Light
- Low Coolant LevelIndicator Light
(See page 169 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
8

Indicators
- Turn Signal Indicators
- High Beam Indicator
- Park/Headlight ONIndicator*
- Front Fog Light Indicator
- Vehicle Security Indicator*
- TOW/HAUL Indicator*
- 4WD Auto Indicator
- Electronic Stability Control(ESC) Indicator Light*
- Electronic Stability Control(ESC) Off Indicator
- Cargo Lamp On Indicator
- Door Ajar Indicator
- Electronic Speed ControlSet Indicator
- Check Fuel Filler
* If equipped
** Bulb Check with Key On
EVIC Messages
NOTE:
Refer to Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in this guide or your owners
manual for additional information.
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
9

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
FOUR-POSITION/PART TIME TRANSFER CASE
The transfer case provides four mode
positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive high range (4WDLOCK)
• NEUTRAL (N)
•
Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
This transfer case is intended to be driven
in the 2WD position for normal street and
highway conditions, such as dry, hard-
surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can
be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
Shifting between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle stopped or in
motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
Shifting between 2WD or 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
126

FIVE-POSITION/ON-DEMAND TRANSFER CASE
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•
Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD
AUTO)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•
Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two-wheel
drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive
position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle
is not engaged in 2WD.
Shifting Procedure
Shifting between 2WD and 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
Shifting between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made
with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
127

FIVE-POSITION/ON-DEMAND TRANSFER CASE
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•
Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD
AUTO)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•
Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two-wheel
drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive
position (4WD AUTO) for normal street
and highway conditions on dry, hard-
surfaced roads.
Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle
is not engaged in 2WD.
Shifting Procedure
Shifting between 2WD and 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
Shifting between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made
with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
128

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. If the transfer case is in 4WD AUTO (if equipped), press a selector button or rotate the selector switch to shift the transfer case into the 2WD or 4WD LOCK position.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
• With electronic shift transfer case, press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have a small, recessed "N" button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will blink while the
shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N)
light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmis- sion in first gear.
10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go™, press and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine shuts off.
UTILITY
142

- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light
is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to
restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” of your Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
The Air Bag System is designed to be maintenance free.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV
4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive
system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
173

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF the
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max
• 15 miles (24 km) max
distance • Auto Transmission
inPARK
• Manual Trans-
mission in gear
(NOT NEUTRAL)
• Transfer Case in
NEUTRAL
• Tow in FORWARD
direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK
NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL
BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved using
a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around
the front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with
automatic transmission) or 2nd gear and REVERSE (with manual transmission)
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal
pressure that will maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine.
NOTE:
Press the "ESC Off" switch, to place the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
"Partial Off" mode before rocking the vehicle. Once the vehicle has been freed, press
the "ESC Off" switch again to restore "ESC On" mode.
CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least
one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheat-
ing and reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free
a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between DRIVE/2nd and REVERSE,
do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
196