2018 Ram 1500 Rear differential

▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving ..........371
▫ Vehicle Recovery .......................372
▫ After Driving Off-Road ...................375
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ..............375
 WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY
(IF EQUIPPED) ........................ .376
▫ Things To Know Before Using Your Winch .....376
▫ Understanding The Features Of Your Winch . . . .378
▫ Winch Accessories ..................... .380
▫ Operating Your Winch ...................381
▫ Rigging Techniques .....................391
 POWER STEERING .......................392
▫ Electric Power Steering — 1500 Models .......392
▫ Hydraulic Power Steering —
2500/3500 Models ..................... .393
 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED ....................394
 SPEED CONTROL .......................395 ▫
To Activate .......................... .395
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................396
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................396
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................397
▫ To Resume Speed ..................... .397
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .397
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................398
▫ ParkSense Sensors ..................... .398
▫ ParkSense Warning Display ................398
▫ ParkSense Display ..................... .398
▫ Enabling And

Disabling ParkSense ..........401
▫ Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System. .402
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System .............402
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions .........402
 PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................404
▫ ParkSense Sensors ..................... .404
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 285

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 situations
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 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 possi-
bly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
Axle Lock Selector
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 359

The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions:
•AXLE UNLOCK – the front and rear axles are unlocked
• REAR LOCK – the rear axle is locked
• FRONT/REAR LOCK – the front and rear axles are
locked
Under normal driving conditions, the switch should be left
in the AXLE UNLOCK position.
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 trac-
tion 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. NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be neces-
sary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after placing the switch in the REAR LOCK or
FRONT/REAR LOCK position, drive the vehicle in a turn
or on loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
WARNING!
Do not use the locked axle position for normal driving.
A locked front axle is intended for off-road driving
only. Locking the front axle during on-road driving
will reduce the steering ability. This could cause a
collision and you may be seriously injured.
To lock the front axle; move the axle locker switch to
FRONT/REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The indicator light will be solid when the front
axle is locked.
NOTE: The rear axle must be locked before the front axle
will lock.
To unlock the front axle; move the axle locker switch to
REAR LOCK. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light
will go out when the axle is unlocked.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can
get any problems taken care of right away and have your
vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things
could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar
dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel
imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the
situation.
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
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

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.
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.
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 reduction. 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 complete 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.
376 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
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specification” 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 axles DO 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 Lim-
ited Slip Additive should be added before the gear lubri-
cant is added to insure proper additive fill.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” 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.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 557

Child Restraint............................252
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................256
Child Restraints ........................ .252
Child Seat Installation ..................268, 269
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........266
Infants And Child Restraints ................254
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............262
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......258
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........255
Seating Positions ........................ .257
Cigar Lighter ............................ .137
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .597
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .578
Climate Control ............................86
Manual ................................86
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .294
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................673
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .575
Contract, Service .......................... .678
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............549
Cooling System ............................546
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................548
Coolant Capacity ........................ .603Coolant Level
....................546, 549, 551
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................549
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................547
Inspection ..........................549, 551
Points To Remember ..................... .551
Pressure Cap ............................549
Radiator Cap .......................... .549
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......547, 603, 604
Corrosion Protection ........................584
Cruise Light ............................. .199
Cupholders ...............................132
Customer Assistance ........................676
Customer

Programmable Features ...............633
Daytime Running Lights ......................74
Dealer Service ............................ .527
Defroster, Rear Window .......................86
Defroster, Windshield .....................86, 280
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ....................84
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................200
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................375
Dipsticks Power Steering ..........................394
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................510
684 INDEX

Starting...............................289
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................529, 530
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................529
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........250, 514
Entry System, Illuminated .....................83
Ethanol ............................. .598, 600
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................279, 600
Exhaust System ........................279, 545
Exterior Lighting ............................73
Exterior Lights ..........................73, 281
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .531
Air Conditioning .....................105, 534
Engine Oil ..........................530, 604
Engine Oil Disposal .......................530
Flashers Turn Signal .......................78, 198, 281
Flash-To-Pass ..............................76
Flat Tire Stowage .......................480, 497
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ..........................602
Engine Oil ............................ .601
Fuel Requirements ....................600, 601
Maintenance ............................602 Replacement Parts
........................602
Starting ...............................602
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .293
Fluid, Brake ............................. .607
Fluid Capacities ............................603
Fluid Leaks ...............................282
Fluid Level Checks Brake .................................552
Power Steering ..........................394
Fluids And Lubricants .......................604
Fog Lights ..........................78, 197, 455
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................128
Folding Rear Seat ...........................44
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................447
Four Wheel

Drive ..........................324
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .509
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .556
Fuel ................................... .596
Adding ...............................413
Additives ............................. .597
Clean Air ............................. .597
Ethanol ............................598, 600
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .414
Gasoline ...............................596
Light .................................196
686 INDEX