2019 Ram 3500 transfer case

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

10
DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 506
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 507
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 509
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 509
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 511
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 516
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 517
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 517
Exhaust System ........................................................... 520
Cooling System ........................................................... 522
Brake System ............................................................... 527
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 528
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 529
Transfer Case ............................................................... 530
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 531 
TIRES ..................................................................................531
Tire Safety Information ............................................531
Tires — General Information ...................................541
Tire Types .....................................................................547
Spare Tires — If Equipped .....................................548
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................551
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 552
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............................553
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................555
Treadwear .....................................................................556
Traction Grades............................................................ 556
Temperature Grades ................................................... 556
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................557
 BODYWORK ......................................................................557
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................557
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................558
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 558
 INTERIORS .......................................................................561
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................561
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................562
Leather Parts.................................................................563
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................563

13
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting your new
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and
perform tasks that are not intended for conventional
passenger vehicles. It handles and maneuvers differently
from many passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road, so
take time to become familiar with your vehicle. If equipped,
the two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving or
use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel drive
vehicle. Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Owner’s Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle
controls, particularly those used for braking, steering, trans -
mission, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills will
improve with experience. When driving off-road, or
working the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect the
vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics. Always
observe federal, state, provincial and local laws wherever
you drive. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips” in “Starting and Oper
-
ating” for further information.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assistance
of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supple -
mented by Warranty Information, and customer oriented
documents. In the attached Warranty Booklet you will find a
description of the services that FCA offers to its customers,
the Warranty Certificate and the details of the terms and
conditions for maintaining its validity. Please take the time
to read all of these publications carefully before driving your
vehicle for the first time. Following the instructions, recom -
mendations, tips, and important warnings in this manual
will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
This Owner’s Manual describes all versions of this vehicle.
Options and equipment dedicated to specific markets or
versions are not expressly indicated in the text. Therefore,
you should only consider the information which is related to
the trim level, engine, and version that you have purchased.
Any content introduced throughout the Owner’s Informa -
tion, that may or may not be applicable to your vehicle, will
1

190 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— 4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive LOCK mode. The front and rear drivesh -
afts are mechanically locked together, forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information on four-wheel drive
operation and proper use.
— 4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a
greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at
the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on
four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
— 4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive HIGH mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.
— NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the 4WD power transfer case
is in the NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear driveshafts
are disengaged from the powertrain.
Green Indicator Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With Target
Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a target vehicle is
detected.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No Target
Detected Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is
SET and there is no target vehicle detected.
Refer to "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped" in
"Starting And Operating" for further information.

192 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is
ready, but not set. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in
the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then
20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push
the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the
vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also
affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can be
performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.

STARTING AND OPERATING 303
(Continued)
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmis-
sion into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precaution,
turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is
in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the transmis -
sion gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally
and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 309
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a manu-
ally shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted transfer
case. Refer to the operating instructions for your transfer
case, located in this section for further information.
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by the
4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.Four-Position Transfer Case This electronically shifted transfer case provides four mode
positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2WD
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range provides torque
to the front driveshaft (engages four-wheel drive) which
allows front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed. This
provides additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces
only.
5

310 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increased
torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
this section for further information.This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads).
Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD
HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be used to maximize
torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
pushing the desired position on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicleis moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)