2017 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab differential

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................325
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .325
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................325
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............326
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .326
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or 29°C) . .327
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................327
▫ After Starting ......................... .328
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .....329
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............329
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................330
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .331
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped ........................... .331
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ....................340
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .340
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .341
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .342
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped . .342
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped ........346
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ..............350
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........351
▫ Acceleration .......................... .351
▫ Traction ............................. .351
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............352
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................352
5

2WD Or 4WD LOCK To 4WD LOW
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. You can use
either of the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
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 con-
tinuously 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 performs simi-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 mo-
mentary 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 slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs 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 care-
fully 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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

•If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the instrument cluster
display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing straight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate control four times within twenty
seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slightly more than one-half turn to the right. 8. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then
back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will blink sev-
eral times to confirm HSA is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or
reduce engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD), functions similar 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. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS
and ESC are in a reduced mode.
362 STARTING AND OPERATING

set. All wheel nuts should first be firmly seated against the
wheel. The wheel nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the 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 locations.
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.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It
could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
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, alter-
nator or electrical system may occur.
440 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 main-
tenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining 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 lim-
ited 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.
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 483

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.........79
Infants And Child Restraints .................69
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............76
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........73
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........70
Seating Positions ..........................72
Cigar Lighter ............................ .177
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .402
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .488
Climate Control ........................... .280
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .327
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................278
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .386
Console, Overhead ........................ .163
Contract, Service .......................... .520
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............479
Cooling System ........................... .476
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................478
Coolant Capacity ........................ .507
Coolant Level ....................... .477, 480
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................479
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................477
Inspection ............................. .480
Points To Remember ..................... .480Pressure Cap
........................... .479
Radiator Cap .......................... .479
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........477, 508
Corrosion Protection ....................... .486
Cruise Light .......................... .221, 222
Cupholders .............................. .179
Customer Assistance ....................... .518
Customer Programmable Features ...............259
Daytime Running Lights .....................129
Dealer Service ............................ .456
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .187
Defroster, Windshield ........................94
Delay

(Intermittent) Wipers ...................137
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................350
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Power Steering ......................... .354
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................446
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................479
Do Not Disturb ........................... .319
Door Ajar ............................... .207
Door Ajar Light ........................... .207
526 INDEX

Ethanol................................. .403
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................93, 405
Exhaust System ........................ .93, 475
Exterior Lighting .......................... .128
Exterior Lights .............................96
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .460
Air Conditioning .....................295, 465
Engine Fuel ........................... .508
Engine Oil ......................... .459, 508
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .459
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .96, 135, 220
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .440
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Fluid, Brake ............................. .510
Fluid Capacities ........................... .507
Fluid Leaks ...............................96
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Brake ................................ .481
Power Steering ......................... .354
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............508
Fog Lights ........................... .131, 503Fold Flat Load Floor
....................... .189
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................430
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .342
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .443
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .482
Fuel ................................... .402
Adding .............................. .406
Additives ............................. .404
Clean Air ............................. .402
Ethanol .............................. .403
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .407
Filter ................................ .508
Gasoline .............................. .402
Light ................................ .214
Materials

Added ........................ .404
Methanol ............................. .403
Octane Rating .......................... .402
Requirements .......................... .402
Tank Capacity .......................... .507
Fuses .................................. .492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............164, 171
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................407, 455
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .402
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .402
528 INDEX