2016 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab differential

▫Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted Transfer
Case ............................. .422
▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light ......423
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped .......423
▫ Shifting Procedure .....................427
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL .............430
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........430
▫ Acceleration ........................ .430
▫ Traction ........................... .431
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............432
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................432
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................432 
POWER STEERING .....................433
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............434
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .435
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .438
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist ..................438
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .438
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . . .439
▫ Brake System Warning Light ..............439
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............439
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ............441
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............442
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................442
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............445
394 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
430 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

bolt circle, tightening the wheel nut opposite to the wheel
nut just previously tightened until final torque is
achieved.
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.
544 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 evident
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.
4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug 592 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CleaningWheels .............................. .599
Climate Control ...................... .344, 355
Automatic ........................... .355
Cold Weather Operation ....................399
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............342
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .474
Console, Overhead ....................... .204
Contract, Service ......................... .638
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........587
Cooling System .......................... .583
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............585
Coolant Capacity ...................... .621
Coolant Level ..................... .583, 588
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................587
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................584
Inspection ........................... .588
Points To Remember .....................588
Pressure Cap ......................... .587Radiator Cap
......................... .587
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........584, 622
Corrosion Protection ...................... .597
Cruise Light ......................... .264, 265
Cupholders ............................ .213
Customer Assistance ...................... .635
Customer Programmable Features .............323
Data Recorder, Event .......................81
Daytime Running Lights ....................160
Dealer Service ........................... .563
Defroster, Rear Window .....................223
Defroster, Windshield ...................116,348
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................171
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................430
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................594
Power Steering ........................ .434
Disabled

Vehicle Towing ....................552
10
INDEX 649

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission ..................594
Brake ............................... .590
Power Steering ........................ .434
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........622
Fog Lights ....................... .163, 257, 617
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................532
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .419
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................549
Front Axle (Differential) .....................591
Fuel .................................. .494
Adding ............................. .498
Additives ............................ .496
Clean Air ............................ .494
Ethanol ............................. .495
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................499
Filter ............................... .622
Gasoline ............................. .494
Light ............................... .254Materials Added
....................... .496
Methanol ............................ .495
Octane Rating ......................... .494
Requirements ......................... .494
Tank Capacity ......................... .621
Fuses ................................. .603
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................499, 560
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .494
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .494
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................494
Gear Ranges ............................ .405
Gear Select Lever Override ..................551
Glass Cleaning .......................... .602
Grocery Bag Retainer ...................... .222
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................503
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................502
Guide,

Body Builders ........................6
652 INDEX

Center Mounted Stop....................618
Courtesy/Reading ................166, 167, 204
Cruise ........................... .264, 265
Daytime Running ...................... .160
Engine Temperature Warning ...............241
Exterior ..............................117
Fog ......................... .163, 257, 617
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................423
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................532
Headlights ........................... .159
High Beam ........................... .169
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............169
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............452
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Interior ....................165, 166, 167, 204
Low Fuel ............................ .254
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........248
Park ............................... .262
Passing ............................. .169Seat Belt Reminder
..................... .236
Security Alarm ........................ .240
Service .......................... .614, 615
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .........252, 484
Traction Control ....................... .449
Transfer Case ......................... .423
Turn Signal ..................117, 168, 263, 615
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .241, 263
Limited-Slip Differential .................430, 592
Loading Vehicle ......................... .500
Tires ............................... .462
Locks ..................................36
Automatic Door .........................38
Child Protection .........................39
Door .................................36
Power Door ............................38
Low Tire Pressure System ...................484
Lubrication, Body ........................ .576
10
INDEX 655