2017 RAM CHASSIS CAB differential

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS  STARTING PROCEDURES ................ .321
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .321
▫ Automatic Transmission ................. .321
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ............ .322
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .322
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or 29°C) . .323
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................. .323
▫ After Starting ......................... .324
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .... .324
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............. .325
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............... .326
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .327
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .327  POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ................... .336
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .336
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .337
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .338
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped . .338
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped ....... .342
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ............. .346
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ......... .347
▫ Acceleration .......................... .347
▫ Traction ............................. .347
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ............. .348
▫ Flowing/Rising Water .................. .3485

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,
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.346 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precautions
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. 5STARTING AND OPERATING 347

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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-
ing the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition.
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located
in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in (Continued)358 STARTING AND OPERATING

wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off
the ground when tightening to insure wheel centering and
maximum wheel clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to correctly
tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove
and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting
device.
NOTE: When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part of
a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of the
two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to
specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt
holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially
important during the first few hundred miles/kilometers
of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly 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. 6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435

± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the front
axle. The fluid level should be level with the bottom of the
fill hole on the rear axle.
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 Plugs1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

Child Seat Installation .................. .80, 81
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........78
Infants And Child Restraints .................68
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............76
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........73
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........70
Seating Positions ..........................72
Cigar Lighter ............................ .173
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .397
Cleaning
Wheels ............................... .482
Climate Control ........................... .277
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .323
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............... .275
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .381
Console, Overhead ........................ .159
Contract, Service .......................... .514
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............ .473
Cooling System ........................... .471
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ .472
Coolant Capacity ........................ .500
Coolant Level ....................... .471, 474
Disposal Of Used Coolant ................. .474
Drain, Flush, And Refill ................... .472
Inspection ............................. .474 Points To Remember ..................... .474
Pressure Cap ........................... .473
Radiator Cap .......................... .473
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... .472, 501
Corrosion Protection ....................... .480
Cruise Light ....................... .216, 217, 218
Cupholders .............................. .174
Customer Assistance ....................... .512
Customer Programmable Features .............. .255
Daytime Running Lights .................... .126
Dealer Service ............................ .450
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .182
Defr oster , Windshield ........................93
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers .................. .134
Differential, Limited-Slip .................... .346
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ................... .479
Power Steering ......................... .350
Disabled Vehicle Towing .................... .442
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ .474
Do Not Disturb ........................... .314
Door Ajar ............................... .203
Door Ajar Light ........................... .203520 INDEX

Exhaust Gas Caution .................... .91, 400
Exhaust System ........................ .91, 470
Exterior Lighting .......................... .125
Exterior Lights .............................94
Filters
Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Air Conditioning .................... .291, 460
Engine Fuel ........................... .501
Engine Oil ......................... .453, 501
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .453
Flashers
Turn Signal ...................... .94, 132, 216
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .435
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .323
Fluid, Brake ............................. .503
Fluid Capacities ........................... .500
Fluid Leaks ...............................94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................... .479
Brake ................................ .475
Power Steering ......................... .350
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ........... .501
Fog Lights ........................ .128, 212, 496
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .183 Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................... .426
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .338
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .439
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .476
Fuel ................................... .397
Adding .............................. .400
Additives ............................. .399
Clean Air ............................. .397
Ethanol .............................. .397
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .401
Filter ................................ .501
Gasoline .............................. .397
Light ................................ .210
Materials Added ........................ .399
Methanol ............................. .397
Octane Rating .......................... .397
Requirements .......................... .397
Tank Capacity .......................... .500
Fuses .................................. .486
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... .161, 166
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................ .401, 449
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .397
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .397
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .397522 INDEX