2020 Ram 1500 rear differential

STARTING AND OPERATING 331
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically locking rear
differential. This differential, when engaged, mechanically
lock together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an
equal rate. The locking of the rear differential should only be
engaged 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 Button The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE LOCKER
button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle should be
unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear 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.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be engaged up to
40 mph (64 km/h) and will remain engaged throughout the
4WD LOW speed range.
CAUTION!
• Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and damage to the
drivetrain may occur when the axle is locked on hard
surfaced roads.
• Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck and the 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.
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332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear 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 LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is
unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
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.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking 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 and
result in unintended movement.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 332

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 515
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected. If
gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill hole
(within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front axle and
rear axle.
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
Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential require
that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive be added to
the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specification” for further information. The
Mopar Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle
equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
NOTE:
When refilling a limited slip differential axle which requires
a friction modification additive, the additive should be
added before the gear lubricant to ensure proper additive
fill.
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.
7
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660
Differential, Limited Slip ....................................................... 332
Disable Vehicle Towing ......................................................... 478
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............................................. 509
Do Not Disturb ........................................................................ 646
Door Ajar.......................................................................... 182, 183
Door Ajar Light ............................................................... 182, 183
Door Locks Automatic ............................................................................... 41
Doors........................................................................................... 35
Drag And Drop Menu ............................................................ 557
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .............................................................. 42
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ..................................................................................... 427
Dual Rear Wheels ................................................................... 547 E
Electric Brake Control System ............................................... 199 Anti-Lock Brake System ..................................................... 198
Electronic Roll Mitigation .......................................... 200, 210
Electric Parking Brake ............................................................ 297
Electrical Power Outlets......................................................... 128
Electronic Range Select (ERS)................................................ 309
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control).......................... 337
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ........................................ 201
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ......................... 181 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ............................311, 314
Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ..............................................477Hazard Warning Flasher ....................................................431
Jump Starting .......................................................................472
Emission Control System Maintenance ...............................196
Engine .......................................................................................487 Air Cleaner ...........................................................................494
Block Heater .........................................................................296
Break-In Recommendations...............................................297Compartment .......................................................487, 488, 489Compartment Identification ..............................487, 488, 489Coolant (Antifreeze)............................................................ 554
Exhaust Gas Caution................................................... 286, 552Fails To Start.........................................................................295
Flooded, Starting .................................................................295
Fuel Requirements ......................................................548, 553
Jump Starting .......................................................................472Oil ..........................................................................492, 553, 554
Oil Filler Cap ................................................................487, 493
Oil Filter ................................................................................494Oil Selection .................................................................492, 553
Oil Synthetic .........................................................................493
Overheating..........................................................................475
Starting..................................................................................292
Engine Oil Viscosity................................................................493
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664
Traction Control .................................................................. 204
Turn Signals ........................................... 71, 193, 289, 438, 441
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions .............. 181, 193
Limited-Slip Differential ................................................ 332, 515
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode............................................. 176
Load Shed Battery Saver On ................................................. 176
Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction .................................. 176
Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor ................................... 176
Loading Vehicle ...................................................................... 405 Tires....................................................................................... 521
Locks Automatic Door..................................................................... 41
Child Protection .................................................................... 42
Power Door ............................................................................ 36
Low Tire Pressure System ..................................................... 227
Lubrication, Body ................................................................... 502
Lug Nuts................................................................................... 547
Lug Nuts/Bolts ....................................................................... 546 M
Maintenance..................................................................... 100, 105
Maintenance Free Battery ...................................................... 491
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................... 482
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ...................... 183
Manual Service ................................................................................... 656
Media Hub ............................................................................... 623 Memory Seat ..............................................................................47
Methanol...................................................................................550
Mirrors ........................................................................................59
Electric Powered ....................................................................61
Heated .....................................................................................65
Memory...................................................................................47
Outside....................................................................................61
Rearview ................................................................... 59, 60, 431 Trailer Towing .......................................................................64
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle.....................................................................................15
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..............................................227
Mopar Parts..............................................................................655
MP3 Control ............................................................................. 623
Multi-Function Control Lever .................................................68 N
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................................................297 O
Occupant Restraints ................................................................234
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)......................................548, 549
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ........................................429
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ........................................429
Oil Filter, Change .................................................................... 494
Oil Filter, Selection ..................................................................494
Oil Pressure Light ...................................................................181
Oil, Engine ........................................................................492, 554
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666
R
Radial Ply Tires ....................................................................... 527
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......................... 507, 509
Radio Operation ...................................................................... 626
Rain Sensitive Wiper System................................................... 77
Rear Axle (Differential) .......................................................... 515
Rear Camera ............................................................................ 398
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails................................................ 144
Rear Cross Path ....................................................................... 216
Rear ParkSense System .......................................................... 361
Rear Window, Sliding .............................................................. 97
Reclining Rear Seats ................................................................. 45
Recreational Towing ............................................................... 422 Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .......................... 424
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) ..................... 426
Reformulated Gasoline .......................................................... 549
Refrigerant ............................................................................... 497
Release, Hood .......................................................................... 105
Release, Tailgate ...................................................................... 107
Reminder, Seat Belt................................................................. 236
Remote Keyless Entry .............................................................. 19 Panic Alarm ........................................................................... 20
Programming Additional Key Fobs ............................. 24, 31
Remote Starting Exit Remote Start Mode ....................................................... 29 Uconnect Customer Programmable
Features.................................................................569, 590, 612
Uconnect Settings ................................................569, 590, 612
Replacement Bulbs..................................................................436
Replacement Keys .....................................................................32
Replacement Tires ...................................................................530
Reporting Safety Defects ........................................................655
Restraints, Child ......................................................................265
Restraints, Head ........................................................................54 Rotation, Tires..........................................................................537 S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle .................................................286
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ..............................................289
Safety Defects, Reporting .......................................................655
Safety Information, Tire .........................................................516
Safety Tips ................................................................................285
Safety, Exhaust Gas.................................................................286
Schedule, Maintenance........................................................... 482
Seat Belt Reminder ..................................................................179
Seat Belts ...........................................................................236, 286 Adjustable Shoulder Belt....................................................241
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...........................241
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage...................241
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ................................244
Child Restraints ...................................................................265Energy Management Feature ............................................243
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 666