2019 Ram 3500 power steering

322 STARTING AND OPERATING
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to “Four
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. Push the REAR LOCK button 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 necessary 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.
To lock the front axle; push the FRONT/REAR LOCK button
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; push the REAR LOCK button. The
FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the
axle is unlocked.
NOTE:
The axle lockers could be torque locked due to side to side
loads on the axle. Driving slowly while turning the steering
wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or driving in
REVERSE for a short distance may be required to release the
torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE UNLOCK button.
The REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear
axle is unlocked.
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting
stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front
suspension travel in off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an increased
ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm) in the front
and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major advantage to
increasing ride height is the positive effect it has on
approach/departure and break over angles.
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.

324 STARTING AND OPERATING
and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment
may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or
rocked from side to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; push the SWAY BAR button
again.
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capabilities. These
off-road capabilities will allow you to explore those wilder-
ness trails where few travel, providing a source of exciting
and satisfying recreation. Before you venture out, you
should contact your local governmental agency to determine
the designated off-road vehicle (ORV) trails or recreation areas. You should always tread lightly and only use estab
-
lished roads, trails or ORV recreational areas.
The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
or local Department of Natural Resources are a wealth of
information and usually have maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline components of
the truck including the fuel tank, transfer case and steering
damper. In addition, this vehicle is equipped with boxed
cross members and fore/aft rails. This additional protection
allows the vehicle to be utilized in severe off-road situations
that would be considered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)
The ramp travel index is the distance, in inches, that you can
drive your vehicle with one wheel on a 20-degree ramp
without lifting any other wheel off the ground. This distance
up the ramp divided by the wheelbase of the vehicle and
multiplied by 1,000 is the RTI. This vehicle has an RTI of 510,
which means you can articulate one front wheel 26 inches (66
cm) in the air while the other three wheels remain in contact
with the ground.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to On-Road
mode, vehicle stability is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster
than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control of the
vehicle, which could result in serious injury or death.
Contact your local service center for assistance.

STARTING AND OPERATING 325
Water Fording Characteristics
Water fording characteristic is the vehicle's ability to cross a
body of still water, where the powertrain and drivetrain are
safe from water ingestion. This vehicle has high water
fording characteristics with the ability to cross a pool of
water, without stopping, 24 inches (60 cm) deep at a
maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a pool of water
30 inches (76 cm) deep at a maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/
h), both with an entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simultaneous
use of the brake and throttle (two footed driving). When
climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects, using light
brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from
jerking or lurching. This technique is also used when you
need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline.The Basics Of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.
You should be familiar with the terrain and area before
proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:
hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and
ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle's
steering, handling and traction. Controlling your vehicle is
one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always keep
a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good
driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or
braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed
limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use your
own good judgment on what is safe and what isn't. When on
a trail you should always be looking ahead for surface obsta
-
cles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan your future
driving route while remembering what you are currently
driving over.
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm). Water may
intrude into the interior of the vehicle at greater depths.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road
situation.
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326 STARTING AND OPERATING
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4LO (Low Range) for addi-
tional traction or to improve handling and control on slip -
pery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low range
will allow the engine to operate in a higher power range.
This will allow you to idle over obstacles and down hills,
with improved control and less effort. Also, use 4LO (Low
Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get heavy loads
rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4HI (High Range)
traction will not do the job.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in snow,
mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to steering,
acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you should accel -
erate slowly, leave greater stopping distances and avoid
abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a slow constant
steady pace. The key is to maintain the vehicle's momentum. •
Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control and trac -
tion at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear
and shift the transfer case to 4LO (Low Range) if necessary.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼ turn quickly
back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow
the tires to get a fresh "bite" and help maintain your
momentum.
• Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around
the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should
use 4LO (Low Range) with a gear low enough to maintain
your momentum without shifting. If you start to slow to a
stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼
turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPMs or vehicle speeds because engine braking
may cause skidding and loss of control.

STARTING AND OPERATING 329
Getting High Centered
If you get hung up or high centered on an object, get out of
the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung up
on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the best
direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on what you are
in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a few rocks
under the tires so the weight is off of the high point when
you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the vehicle
or winching the vehicle off the object.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle's limitations. Hills
can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to climb
and should not be attempted. You should always feel confi -
dent with the vehicle and your abilities. You should always
climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a
hill on an angle. •
Before Climbing A Steep Hill – As you approach a hill
consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep.
Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the
trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other
side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or other obstacles on
the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something
goes wrong? If everything looks good and you feel confi -
dent, then change transmission into a lower gear, shift the
transfer case into 4LO (Low) and proceed with caution.
You should use first gear and 4LO (Low Range) for very
steep hills.
• Driving Up Hill – Once you have determined your ability
to proceed and have shifted into the appropriate gear, line
your vehicle up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate
with an easy constant throttle and apply more power as
you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep
grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose
control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the
throttle slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground.
As you approach the crest of the hill ease off the throttle
and slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip
as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a fresh "bite" into the surface and will usually
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
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336 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. Checktires, 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 suspension.
Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values spec -
ified 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.
• 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.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 413
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of the
load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping link
that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction asso-
ciated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC) recog -
nizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies individual
wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to attempt to
eliminate the trailer sway. Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other
connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the
most popular on the market today and they are commonly
used to tow small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control, thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi
-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes positively
to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and
a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom -
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be
required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/
loading to comply with GAWR requirements.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 439
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. Checktires, 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 suspension.
Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values spec -
ified 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.
• 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.
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.
5