2019 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab brake

STARTING AND OPERATING 267
(Continued)
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.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure thosein or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is
in the OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a
vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally
injured. Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

268 STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not blinking.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage
the drivetrain.
• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

STARTING AND OPERATING 273
(Continued)
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.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increasedtorque 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.
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.5

STARTING AND OPERATING 275
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for theselected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions Are
Not Met:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the neces -
sary requirements for selecting a new transfer case position
have been met. To retry the selection, push the current posi -
tion, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift
requirements, refer to the "Shifting Procedure" for your
transfer case, located in this section.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic shift
four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to driveline
components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or 4WD
HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over
-
speed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the drive -
train.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do
not go faster than road conditions permit.WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down
the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or
death.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 279
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do
not go faster than road conditions permit.
NOTE:
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experienced
due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, exces-
sive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures.
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads. Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4H)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Neutral (N)
Neutral — This range disengages the front and rear drivesh
-
afts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear drive shafts 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.
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating the vehicle on
dry pavement. Driveline hardware damage can result.
5

280 STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted Transfer Case
2H To 4H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be
made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the vehicle in motion,
the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing
the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer
case lever.
2H Or 4H To 4L
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise may be
heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental to the
vehicle or occupants.
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is coasting at
2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly
to the desired position. Do not pause in transfer case
NEUTRAL.NOTE:
• Pausing in transfer case NEUTRAL in vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission may require shutting the
engine OFF to avoid gear clash while completing the shift.
If difficulty occurs, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL,
hold your foot on the brake, and turn the engine OFF.
Complete the range shift to the desired mode.
• Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due to
the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned. Several
attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and
shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the
vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting
to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster
than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
• Do not attempt to shift into or out of 4L while the transmis -
sion is in gear.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru-
ment cluster is used to alert the driver that the front axle is
fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.

STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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.
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 instru-
ment 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.
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

282 STARTING AND OPERATING
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
• Transmission in PARK position.
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• No vehicle, or brake faults present.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle providedcircuits.
The instrument cluster will display a "PTO On" message for
five seconds if the above conditions are met. Otherwise, the
instrument cluster will display a message "To Operate PTO
Shift To Park" indicating what operator action should be
taken to engage the PTO mode.
The customer has the choice to operate the PTO by utilizing
the cruise control switches or by utilizing a remote control
(provided by the PTO supplier). To operate the feature using
the cruise control switches, the customer must first activate
the PTO switch which will turn on the PTO. In order to
increase or decrease the engine idle speed, to optimize the
PTO function, the “RESUME/ACCEL” and “DECEL” cruise switches can be used respectively. To disengage PTO opera
-
tion and return to “standard vehicle operation” simply
toggle the PTO switch to the OFF position.
The torque converter clutch (TCC) will automatically engage
at engine speeds above 1,200 RPM (engine speed) in PTO
stationary mode. Once engaged, the TCC will remain
applied and will not disengage until the engine speed falls
below 1,000 RPM. TCC engagement is desirable for certain
types of PTO applications (Automatic Transmission Only).
To operate the PTO via a remote switch, the customer must
make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital for proper
operation that the PTO and remote have been installed
correctly, paying special attention to ensure the vehicle
provided wiring has been connected properly. This is the
responsibility of the installer of the PTO and switches/
remote system. It is the responsibility of the PTO manufac -
turer to ensure that their electrical (switches and remote)
system is compatible with the vehicle’s electrical architecture
and software functionality.
NOTE:
Single set speed can be programmed via the PTO menu on
the instrument cluster display. Further details are available
at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders web site located at rambody-
builder.com