2015 Ram 1500 rear differential

Operation
Pushing the Trailer Mode button once, while at Normal
Ride Height (NRH) will lower the vehicle to trailer level.
NOTE:The LED will continuously blink until vehicle
trailer level that been achieved.
Pushing the Trailer Mode again will raise the vehicle to
Normal Ride Height (NRH).
NOTE:The LED will continuously blink until Normal
Ride Height (NRH) has been achieved.
•Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front
and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,
mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the
wheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming
stuck. The locking front and rear differentials should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situa-
tions where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with
the ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle
with the differentials locked on pavement due to the
reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.
528 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced
and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the
axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.
•Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is
stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR LOCK. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the switch should be left in the AXLE
UNLOCK position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the
front and rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK
position, the rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR
LOCK position, the front and rear axles are locked.
NOTE:Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to
“Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information. Move the axle locker switch
position to REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on when the
rear axle is locked.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 529

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
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 551

when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the rear (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
•Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
•Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
•Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
•Keep tires properly inflated.
•Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) that reduces, but does not eliminate,
the amount of wheel slip across a given axle for im-
proved handling.
552 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
1500 Model rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential require that 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR® Limited
Slip Additive be added to the gear lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information. The MOPAR®
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle
equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
2500/3500 Model axlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:When refilling an axle with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential, (which requires a Limited Slip Additive), the
Limited Slip Additive should be added before the gear
lubricant is added to insure proper additive fill.
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 785

Automatic............................410
Cold Weather Operation....................451
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............397
Compact Spare Tire........................615
Console, Overhead........................212
Contract, Service..........................841
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........778
Cooling System...........................774
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............776
Coolant Capacity.......................819
Coolant Level..........................775
Disposal of Used Coolant.................778
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................775
Inspection............................779
Points to Remember.....................781
Pressure Cap..........................778
Radiator Cap..........................778
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............776
Corrosion Protection.......................790
Cupholders.............................234
Customer Assistance.......................839
Customer Programmable Features.............375
Data Recorder, Event.......................82
Daytime Running Lights....................168
Dealer Service............................754
Defroster, Rear Window.....................245
Defroster, Windshield......................116
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..................179
Differential, Limited-Slip....................551
Dipsticks
Power Steering.........................577
Disabled Vehicle Towing....................740
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................778
Door Locks
Door Locks............................37
Key Fob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3710
INDEX 851

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............294
Traction Control........................591
Transfer Case..........................497
Turn Signal............................118
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......289
Limited-Slip Differential....................551
Loading Vehicle..........................646
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..603
Locks..................................37
Automatic Door.........................40
Child Protection.........................41
Door.................................37
Power Door............................39
Low Tire Pressure System...................626
Lubrication, Body.........................767
Lug Nuts...............................686
Maintenance Free Battery....................764
Maintenance Procedures....................754
Maintenance Schedule......................828
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......752
Manual, Service..........................844
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check.......................785
Lubricant Selection......................824
Memory Seat............................158
Methanol...............................636
Mirrors................................126
Electric Powered........................138
Heated...............................139
Memory..............................158
Outside..............................134
Rearview.............................126
Trailer Towing.........................140
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................626
MOPAR® Parts...........................753
MTBE/ETBE............................636
858 INDEX

Personal Settings..........................324
Pets...................................113
Pets, Transporting.........................113
Pickup Box..............................251
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........604
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)................798
Door Locks............................39
Mirrors..............................138
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)...........227
Seats................................143
Sliding Rear Window....................246
Steering..............................575
Sunroof..............................224
Windows..............................46
Power Steering Fluid.......................824
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts................64
Pretensioners
Seat Belts..............................62
Programmable Electronic Features.............324
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry). . .24
Radial Ply Tires...........................611
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)...........775
Radio Operation..........................398
Radio (Sound Systems).....................394
Rain Sensitive Wiper System.................180
Ramp Travel Index........................533
Rear Axle (Differential).....................784
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails.................266
Rear ParkSense System.....................191
Rear Seat, Folding.........................153
Rear Window Features.....................245
Rear Window, Sliding......................247
Reclining Rear Seats.......................152
Recorder, Event Data.......................82
Recreational Towing.......................673
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)........676
860 INDEX