2016 Ram 1500 Power wagon

▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) Display
Messages...........................556
▫Operation...........................556
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS
ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED.................557
▫Description..........................557
▫Air Suspension Modes..................561
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Driver Infromation Display (DID) Display
Messages...........................562
▫Operation...........................563
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)............564STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY........................567
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY...............................569
▫Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics.......................569
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........572
▫Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points).............................573
▫Hill Climbing........................576
▫Driving Through Water.................579
▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving.........581
▫Vehicle Recovery......................582
▫After Driving Off-Road.................586
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STARTING AND OPERATING 471

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL.............587
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........588
▫Acceleration.........................588
▫Traction............................589
DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............589
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................589
▫Shallow Standing Water.................590
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS...............591
▫After Driving Off-Road.................591
WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY —
(IF EQUIPPED)........................593
▫Things To Know Before Using Your Winch. . . .593
▫Understanding The Features Of Your Winch . . .595▫Winch Accessories....................597
▫Operating Your Winch..................598
▫Rigging Techniques....................611
POWER STEERING.....................613
▫Electric Power Steering — 1500 Models.....613
▫Hydraulic Power Steering — 2500/3500
Models............................614
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED..................616
PARKING BRAKE......................616
BRAKE SYSTEM.......................618
▫Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)..................618
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM. . . .619
472 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illumi-
nated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/
Exit mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h).
If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator
lamp 4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is
achieved at which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
•Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Tire/Jack Mode – indicator lamps 3 and 6 will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
•Wheel Alignment Mode – indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is dis-
abled 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.
CAUTION!
•Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced
(Continued)
564 STARTING AND OPERATING

STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting
stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front
suspension travel in off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an
increased ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm)
in the front and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
advantage to increasing ride height is the positive effect
it has on approach/departure and break over angles.
This system is controlled by the electronic control sway
bar switch located on the instrument panel.
1 — On Road2 — Off Road
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 567

WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to On-Road
mode, vehicle stability is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving
faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of
control of the vehicle, which could result in serious
injury or death. Contact your local service center for
assistance.
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capabilities.
These off-road capabilities will allow you to explore
those wilderness trails where few travel, providing a
source of exciting and satisfying recreation. Before you
venture out, you should contact your local governmentalagency to determine the designated off-road vehicle
(ORV) trails or recreation areas. You should always tread
lightly and only use established roads, trails or ORV
recreational areas. The National Forest Service, Bureau of
Land Management or local Department of Natural Re-
sources are a wealth of information and usually have
maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline components
of the truck including the fuel tank, transfer case and
steering damper. In addition, this vehicle is equipped
with boxed cross members and fore/aft rails. This addi-
tional protection allows the vehicle to be utilized in
severe off-road situations that would be considered im-
passable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)
The ramp travel index is the distance, in inches, that you
can drive your vehicle with one wheel on a 20-degree
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STARTING AND OPERATING 569

WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY — (IF
EQUIPPED)
Things To Know Before Using Your Winch
General Winch Information
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric vehicle recovery
winch. This winch uses the electrical power from the
vehicle charging system to power a motor that winds
wire rope into the winch drum via planetary gear reduc-
tion. By nature, a winch is capable of generating very
high forces and should be used with care. Do not operate
the winch without reading and understanding the com-
plete winch owner’s manual.
Tensioning The Wire Rope
The winch rope must be properly tensioned before use.
Follow the instructions below to tension the rope:
1. Un-spool the wire rope leaving five wraps of rope on
the winch drum.
2. Attach the hook to a suitable anchor point.
CAUTION!
Be certain the anchor will withstand the load re-
quired to tension the wire rope.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 593

WARNING!(Continued)
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by
an authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the
brakes will still function. However, you will experience a
substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This
will be evident by increased pedal travel during applica-
tion, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
activation of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS
Warning Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
618 STARTING AND OPERATING

Please follow the table below for proper tire size, chain
type, and axle recommendations:
Vehicle Axle Recommendations Tire Sizes Chain Class
1500 Models Rear Only P265/70R17 S Class
2500 Models Rear Only LT245/70R17E
LT265/70R18E
LT275/70R18EU Class
2500 Power Wagon
ModelsRear Only LT285/70R17D U Class
3500 (Single Rear Wheel)
ModelsRear Only LT265/70R18E
LT275/70R18EU Class
3500 (Dual Rear Wheel)
ModelsFront/Rear LT235/80R17E U Class
660 STARTING AND OPERATING