steering DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......275
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............276
mAxle Locker System.....................276
mStabilizer/Sway Bar System...............279
mPower Wagon ± Safe Off-Road Driving.......281
NOff-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics.......................281
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........286
NCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points).............................288
NHill Climbing........................291
NDriving Through Water.................294
NAiring Down For Off-Road Driving........296
NVehicle Recovery......................297NAfter Driving Off-Road.................301
mWinch Usage ± If Equipped...............302
NThings To Know Before Using Your Winch . . . 302
NUnderstanding The Features Of Your Winch . . 304
NWinch Accessories.....................306
NOperating Your Winch..................307
NRigging Techniques....................318
mParking Brake.........................321
mBrake System..........................322
NBrake Noise.........................323
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ±
If Equipped.........................323
mPower Steering........................325
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
²Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on 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 when your right foot is firmly on
the brake pedal.
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
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rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK position, the
rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR position, the
front and rear axles are locked.
NOTE:Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the 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.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO by
following the procedure in Four Wheel Drive Operation,
located in this section of the manual. Move the axle
locker switch position to REAR LOCK 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 position, drive the vehicle in a
turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
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 an accident and you may be seriously injured.
To lock the front axle move the axle locker switch to
FRONT/REAR while travelingless than 3 MPH (5
KM/H). The indicator light will be solid when the front
axle is locked.
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NOTE:The rear axle must be locked before the front
axle will lock.
To unlock the front axle move the axle locker switch to
REAR LOCK. The FRONT/REAR 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 move the axle locker switch to
AXLE UNLOCK. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.Stabilizer/Sway Bar System
Power Wagon vehicles are equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows
greater front suspension travel in off-road situations.
This system is controlled by the electronic control sway
bar switch located on the instrument panel.
Electronic Control Sway Bar Switch
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5

water 30 inches deep at a maximum speed of 5 mph, both
with an entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches. Water may intrude
into the interior of the vehicle at greater depths.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta-
neous 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. Control-
ling 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 obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
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5

CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher powerrange. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and
down hills, with improved control and less effort. Also,
use 4L (Low range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get
heavy loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4H
(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 accelerate 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.
²Snow± In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a
low gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low) if
necessary. Don't shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow
to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than
a
1¤4turn quickly back and forth, while still applying
throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh9bite9
and help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine rpm's or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
²Mud± Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get through.
You should use 4L (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
1¤4turn quickly back and forth for
additional traction. Mud holes pose an increasedthreat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting
stuck. As a good practice before entering any mud
hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if there are
any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely
recovered if stuck.
²Sand± Soft sand is very difficult to travel through
with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots
in a trail maintain your vehicle's momentum and do
not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is to use the
appropriate tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoid-
ing abrupt maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle's
momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft
sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a
minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire
surface area. Reduced tire pressure will drastically
improve your traction and handling, while driving on
the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal
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air pressure before driving on pavement or other hard
surfaces. Be sure you have a way to air the tires back
up prior to reducing the pressure.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce
your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers.
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)
While driving off road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different
types of obstacles. Before proceeding review the path
ahead to determine the correct approach and your ability
to safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong.Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicle
forward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of
your vehicle.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle
or determine the correct path. Determining the correct
path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting
many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you
over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
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CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
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 confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You
should always climb hills straight up and down. Never
attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
²Before 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, branchesor other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover
the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything
looks good and you feel confident, then change trans-
mission into a lower gear, shift the transfer case into 4L
(Low) and proceed with caution. You should use first
gear and 4L (Low) for very steep hills.
²Driving Up Hill± Once you have determined your
ability to proceed and have shifted into the appropri-
ate 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
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5

CAUTION!
Pulling the vehicle off an obstacle, without first
clearing the object, may result in additional under-
body damage.
²Rock Cycling Your Vehicle± Rock cycling your ve-
hicle is one of the easiest, fastest and most commonly
used methods. This simply involves shifting your
vehicle from drive to reverse, while applying throttle
after each shift. During this process, for additional
traction, try turning your steering wheel quickly back
and forth no more than a
1¤4turn. If you are stuck in
mud, sand, or snow try spinning your tires during this
process to clean the debris from the tread and improve
the traction. You want to create a rocking motion with
the vehicle. This helps build vehicle momentum,
which hopefully gets you out. Remember to ease offand on the accelerator before and after the shift. If after
a few rock cycles your vehicle is not free, stop and try
another method of recovery. Continuous rock cycling
will only cause unnecessary damage to your vehicle
and the environment.
CAUTION!
Damage can occur when spinning your tires at an
excessive high speed. Do not spin your tires faster
than an indicated 35 mph
²Using The Tow Hooks With A Tow Strap±Tow
straps are a quick and easy way to recover your
vehicle from minor situations if you have a secondary
vehicle which is not stuck. The tow hooks on your
vehicle are designed to take the abusive force gener-
ated during vehicle recovery. Do not use the bumper
or any other vehicle component as an attachment
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