differential DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2004 3.G Owners Manual

NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................217
NShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................219
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............220
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................221
NShifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................225
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......228
mParking Brake.........................229
mBrake System..........................230
N3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only........231
NBrake Noise.........................231NRear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System Ð RWAL.....................231
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System Ð If Equipped..................232
mPower Steering........................234
mTire Safety Information...................234
NTire Markings........................234
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........238
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........239
mTiresÐGeneral Information................243
NTire Pressure.........................243
NTire Inflation Pressures.................244
NRadial-Ply Tires......................247
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........247
200 STARTING AND OPERATING

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL Ð 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 per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery 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
slippery 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 application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, 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.
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 sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
towing. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way and pushing or towing a
vehicle equipped with a manual transmission may over-
heat and damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed
or towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
312 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Mopartlimited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Recommended
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type. The Mopartlimited slip additive should be added
to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Ram 2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
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.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4º (6.4
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle
is on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

Climate Control......................... 185
Clock................................ 151
Clutch............................... 349
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 350
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 184
Compact Disc Player..................158,164
Compact Spare Tire...................... 247
Compass.............................. 117
Compass Calibration..................... 117
Compass Variance....................... 118
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 114
Console, Overhead....................... 113
Contract, Service........................ 406
Converter, Catalytic...................... 266
Cooling System......................... 344
Coolant Capacity...................... 379
Coolant Level......................... 344
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 347
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 345Inspection........................... 344
Radiator Cap......................344,347
Selection of Coolant...............346,379,381
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Cruise Control.......................... 109
Cup Holder............................ 128
Customer Assistance..................... 404
Daytime Running Lights................... 102
Dealer Service.......................... 326
Defroster, Rear Window..............78,191,195
Defroster, Windshield..................186,189
Delay Wipers........................... 105
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 228
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 352
Power Steering........................ 339
Disc Brakes............................ 348
416 INDEX

Courtesy/Reading..................... 113
Cruise.............................. 147
Daytime Running...................... 102
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 375
Fog .............................102,378
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 220
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 294
Headlights........................... 101
High Beam........................104,144
High Beam Indicator.................... 144
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 104
Instrument Cluster..................... 143
Intensity Control....................... 100
Interior...........................99,113
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
Low Washer Fluid..................... 150
Passing............................. 104
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 145
Service.............................. 366Side Marker.......................... 377
Transfer Case......................... 220
Transmission Warning................150,279
Turn Signal..................103,144,366,370
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 143
Limited-Slip Differential................228,351
Loading Vehicle......................... 267
Tires ............................... 239
Locks................................. 16
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 16
Ignition.............................. 14
Keys................................ 11
Power Door........................... 17
Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 59
Lubricants............................. 356
Lubrication, Body....................... 341
Lug Nuts............................. 307
INDEX 421
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