2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab differential

6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switchbank below the climate control four times within 20
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 to the OFF mode and then back to ON. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will blink several 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.
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.
5
SAFETY 165

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................. .238
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................238
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .239
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............240
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................241
▫ Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................242
▫ After Starting ......................... .242
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .....242
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .242
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .243
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............245
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................246 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .246
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .247
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .255
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped . .255
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped ........259
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ..............263
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ....................264
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .264
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .265
 POWER STEERING ...................... .266
▫ Hydraulic Power Steering ................266
6

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,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 263

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.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and the
AS66RC automatic six-speed, will allow for an aftermarket
upfit with a transmission driven PTO (power take off). The customer will have the ability to operate the PTO in either
a “stationary” or “mobile” mode. The vehicles will be
factory set to the “stationary” mode. To select “mobile”
mode, you will need to enter the commercial vehicle menu
on the instrument cluster screen and select mobile PTO
mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further PTO
information is available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders
web site:
www.rambodybuilder.com.
AS66RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS66RC) operates at torque
converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be less
than engine speed when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged and will be same as engine speed when the torque
converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
• Transmission in PARK position (vehicles equipped with
automatic transmission.)
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with manual
transmission).
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” 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
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.
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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 391

Child Restraints........................ .204
Child Seat Installation ..................220, 221
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........218
Infants And Child Restraints ................207
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............215
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......211
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........208
Seating Positions ........................ .210
Cigar Lighter ............................ .123
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .428
Cleaning Wheels ................................411
Climate Control ............................80
Manual ................................80
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .242
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................501
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .409
Contract, Service .......................... .506
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............384
Cooling System ........................... .382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................383
Coolant Capacity ........................ .432
Coolant Level ....................... .382, 385
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................385
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................382 Inspection
............................. .385
Points To Remember ..................... .385
Pressure Cap ........................... .384
Radiator Cap .......................... .384
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........382, 433
Corrosion Protection ....................... .417
Cruise Light ............................. .156
Cupholders ...............................118
Customer Assistance ....................... .504
Customer Programmable Features ...............461
Daytime Running Lights ......................69
Dealer Service ............................ .364
Defr

oster, Rear Window .......................80
Defroster, Windshield .....................80, 232
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ....................77
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................156
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................263
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................388
Power Steering ......................... .267
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................350
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................385
Door Ajar ............................... .150
512 INDEX

Exterior Lights......................... .67, 234
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .366
Air Conditioning ..................... .94, 370
Engine Fuel ........................... .433
Engine Oil ......................... .366, 433
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .366
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .73, 155, 234
Flash-To-Pass ..............................70
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .342
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .241
Fluid, Brake ............................. .435
Fluid Capacities ........................... .432
Fluid Leaks .............................. .234
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................388
Brake ................................ .386
Power Steering ......................... .267
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .433
Fog Lights ......................... .72, 154, 326
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................113
Folding Rear Seat ...........................41
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................318 Four Wheel Drive
......................... .255
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .348
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .390
Fuel ................................... .428
Adding .............................. .287
Additives .......................... .288, 428
Clean Air ............................. .428
Ethanol .............................. .429
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .288
Filter ................................ .433
Gasoline .............................. .428
Light ................................ .153
Materials Added ..................... .288, 428
Methanol ............................. .429
Octane

Rating .......................... .428
Requirements .......................... .428
Tank Capacity .......................... .432
Fuses .................................. .329
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............99, 105
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .....................288
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .428
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .428
Gear Ranges ............................. .247
Gear Select Lever Override ....................347
514 INDEX

Passing................................70
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .147
Security Alarm ......................... .148
Service ............................... .323
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........152, 172
Traction Control ........................ .168
Transfer Case .......................... .258
Turn Signal ....................73, 155, 234, 324
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .148, 155
Limited-Slip Differential ..................263, 391
Loading Vehicle ........................... .288
Tires................................. .398
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .145
Battery Saver On ........................ .145
Electrical Load Reduction ...................145
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................145
Locks Automatic Door ..........................39
Child Protection ..........................40
Power Door .............................36
Low Tire Pressure System .....................172
Lubrication, Body ......................... .376
Lug Nuts ............................ .341, 425Maintenance Free Battery
.....................363
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .357
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .150, 157
Manual, Service ........................... .508
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .391
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................41
Memory Seat ........................... .41, 47
Memory Seats And Radio .....................41
Methanol ............................... .429
Mirrors ..................................59
Electric Powered ..........................62
Heated .................................65
Memory ................................47
Outside ................................61
Rearview ........................ .59, 60, 318
Trailer Towing ...........................65
Modifications/Alterations,
Vehicle................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................172
Mopar Parts ............................. .507
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................69
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............284
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................242
12
INDEX 517