2014 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab differential

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Four-Position
Switch) — If Equipped .................316
▫ Shifting Procedure .....................320
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL .............322
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........323
▫ Acceleration ........................ .323
▫ Traction ........................... .323
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............324
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................324
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................324
 POWER STEERING .....................326
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............327
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .328
BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .330
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ........331
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist ..................332
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .333
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............333
▫
Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped . .334
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped .......334
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) —
If Equipped ........................ .338
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................341
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped . . .343
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............344
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .344
290 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 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.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
(Continued)
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s), and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS functions similarly to a
limited-slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in
the “Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward trac-
tion.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver in
launching a vehicle on an incline. HSA will maintain the
level of brake pressure the driver inputs for a short
duration once the driver takes his foot off of the brake
pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this
short duration, the system will release brake pressure
and the vehicle will roll down the incline. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of
throttle applied.
334 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 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.
Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 431

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 differen-
tial.
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 473

Defroster, Rear Window.....................192
Defroster, Windshield ......................112
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................162
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................322
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................475
Power Steering ........................ .327
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................438
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................466
Door Locks Door Locks ............................35
KeyFob...............................35
Remote ...............................35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................35
Door Locks, Automatic ......................37
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .324Dual Rear Wheels
........................ .371
Electrical Power Outlets .....................176
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................192
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .............316
Electronic Brake Control System ...............333
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................333
Traction Control System ...................334
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................308
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........169
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............338
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......212
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .212
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Setup
Menu ............................... .212
EVIC Messages ........................ .212
Emergency Brake ........................ .328
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................435
10
INDEX 529

Fluid Leaks.............................114
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................475
Brake ............................... .469
Power Steering ........................ .327
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........504
Fog Lights ............................. .155
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................420
Four Wheel Drive .........................311
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................435
Front Axle (Differential) .....................471
Fuel .................................. .380
Adding ............................. .385
Additives ............................ .383
Clean Air ............................ .381
Ethanol ............................. .382
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................386
Filter ............................... .504
Gasoline ............................. .380Materials Added
....................... .383
Methanol ............................ .382
Octane Rating ......................... .380
Requirements ......................... .380
Tank Capacity ......................... .503
Fuses ................................. .484
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................386
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .381
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .380
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................381
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .205
Tachometer ........................... .200
Gear Ranges ............................ .301
Gear Select Lever Override ..................437
General Information ...................... .380
Glass Cleaning .......................... .482
Gr

ocery Bag Retainer ...................... .191
10
INDEX 531

Alarm.............................. .205
Anti-Lock ............................ .200
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... .332
Automatic Headlights ....................151
Brake Assist Warning ....................341
Brake Warning ........................ .202
Bulb Replacement ...................... .495
Cap Top Clearance ..................... .501
Cargo .............................. .159
Center Mounted Stop ....................499
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........200
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .157
Daytime Running ...................... .152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....341
Exterior ..............................114
Fog ................................ .155
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................315
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................420
Headlights ........................... .151High Beam
........................... .161
High Beam Indicator .....................204
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............161
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .200
Interior ............................. .156
Oil Pressure .......................... .205
Passing ............................. .161
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .204
Security Alarm ........................ .205
Service .............................. .495
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............206
Traction Control ....................... .341
Transfer Case ......................... .315
Turn Signal ............................114
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......200
Limited-Slip Differential ....................322
Loading

Vehicle ......................... .387
Tires ............................... .351
534 INDEX