2019 Ram 2500 differential

6
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .............................................. 290
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 291
Tip Start Feature ......................................................... 291
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition................................. 291
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ......................................................................... 292

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C) ..... 296

After Starting................................................................ 296
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .............. 297
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 297
 PARKING BRAKE ........................................................... 298
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................... 299
Ignition Park Interlock ................................................ 301
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ........... 301
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .................... 301
 ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ............................... 308
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED .................................................................... 309
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — If Equipped ................................................... 309
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped ..... 314 
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED .....................................................................317
Description.................................................................... 317
Air Suspension Modes ................................................318
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ......................320
Operation ......................................................................320
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)....................................320
 STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY ................................................................................322
 SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY .................................................................................324
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ............................................................324
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand .............................326
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)............................................................................327
Hill Climbing................................................................329
Driving Through Water ..............................................331
Airing Down For Off-Road Driving .........................332
Vehicle Recovery .........................................................333
After Driving Off-Road...............................................336
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ....................................337

200 SAFETY
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 addi -
tional 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), func -
tions 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
power 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 applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in counteracting
the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine 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 appro
-
priate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less than appro -
priate for the steering wheel position.

320 STARTING AND OPERATING
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error has
been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal oper-
ation does not resume.
Operation
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) button once
while at Normal Ride Height (NRH), will lower the vehicle
to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) and will illuminate the
LED.
NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until vehicle Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) has been achieved and the LED will
turn on.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again will raise
the vehicle to Normal Ride Height (NRH). NOTE:
The LED will continuously blink until Normal Ride Height
(NRH) has been achieved and the LED will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated.
Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or dese -
lecting the mode via the interface.
• Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or by
deselecting the mode via the interface.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps will be illu -
minated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by driving
the vehicle, or by deselecting the mode via the interface.
• Bed Lowering Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi -
nated. Bed Lowering Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle, or deselecting the mode via the interface.
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

STARTING AND OPERATING 321
(Continued)
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.Axle Lock Selector 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 traction 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.
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 andthe tires are spinning. You can damage drivetrain
components. Lock the rear axle before attempting situ -
ations or navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck. CAUTION!
(Continued)
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 337
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 slip -
pery 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 appli -
cation of the parking brake may be necessary to gain
maximum traction. 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 side
-
ways 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 the winch rope
onto 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.
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.
5

530 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” 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 REQUIRE 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.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
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” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 531
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking loca-
tions. 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.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire
Loading. Tire Markings
Tire Markings
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may
result.
1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades7

681
Differential, Limited Slip ....................................................... 337
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................................................... 495
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............................................. 525
Do Not Disturb ........................................................................ 668
Door Ajar.................................................................................. 183
Door Ajar Light ....................................................................... 183
Door Locks Automatic ............................................................................... 39
Doors........................................................................................... 33
Drag And Drop Menu ............................................................ 575
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .............................................................. 40
Driving Off-Pavement....................................................................... 324Off-Road ............................................................................... 324
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water ..... 437

Dual Rear Wheels ........................................................... 554, 565 E
Electric Brake Control System ............................................... 196 Anti-Lock Brake System ..................................................... 195
Electronic Roll Mitigation .......................................... 200, 204
Electrical Power Outlets......................................................... 124
Electronic Range Select (ERS)................................................ 307
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ........................................ 200
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ......................... 182
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .................................... 309 Emergency Braking.................................................................298
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ..............................................494Hazard Warning Flasher ....................................................440
Jump Starting .......................................................................488
Emission Control System Maintenance ...............................193
Engine .......................................................................................504 Air Cleaner ...........................................................................509
Block Heater .........................................................................297
Break-In Recommendations...............................................297Compartment Identification ..............................................504Coolant (Antifreeze)............................................................ 572
Exhaust Gas Caution................................................... 286, 570Fails To Start.........................................................................295
Flooded, Starting .................................................................295
Fuel Requirements ......................................................567, 571
Jump Starting .......................................................................488Oil ..........................................................................507, 571, 572
Oil Filler Cap ................................................................504, 508
Oil Filter ................................................................................509Oil Reset ................................................................................167Oil Selection .................................................................507, 571
Oil Synthetic .........................................................................508
Overheating..........................................................................493
Starting..................................................................................292
Engine Oil Viscosity................................................................508
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