engine DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Workshop Manual

the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:•
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Pressing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button,
when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of overdrive.
•
If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter intothe transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPEDFour-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a
manually shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted
transfer case. Refer to the operating instructions for your
transfer case, located in this section.Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/PrecautionsThe transfer case provides four mode positions.•
Two-wheel drive high range (2H)
•
Four-wheel drive high range (4H)
•
Neutral (N)
•
Four-wheel drive low range (4L)
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together and force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to the desired positions. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry,
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is in
four-wheel drive and that the front and rear driveshafts
are locked together. This light will illuminate when the
transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position.
There is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL positions.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed 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 will adversely affect shifting and
can cause damage to the transfer case.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case
2H⇔4HShifting 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 accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H or 4H
⇔4LWith 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 foot on brake, and
turn the engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.
Manual Transfer Case Shifter
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
5

3. When the shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Posi-
tion Indicator Light” for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain ON.
If one or more shift conditions are not met:
1. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for the
current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will continue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make sure that all of
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the Owner’s Manual. The “Service 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
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 function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the
\bService 4WD Warning Light”
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
AUTO or 4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed 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
transfer case.
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!
You or others could be injured 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 driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
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.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

•
If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, the current “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will turn OFF, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is completed, “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain ON.
2WD⇔4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCKRotate the transfer case switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK
can be done with the vehicle stopped or in motion. With
the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after turning the switch. If the vehicle is
stopped, the ignition key must be in the ON position,
with the engine either RUNNING or OFF. This shift
cannot be completed if the key is in the accessory (ACC)
position.
2WD or 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK ⇔4WD LOWNOTE: When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case switch to the
desired position.
4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either off or running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.NOTE:
•
If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied, prior to attempting the
shift, or if they no longer are being met while the shift
attempt is in process, then the desired “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will flash continuously while
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
•
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights”
to be operable. If the key is not ON, then the shift will
not take place and no “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Lights” will be on or flashing.
•
If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer than
21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

2. The selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Posi-
tion Indicator Light” for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain ON.
If one or more shift conditions are not met:
1. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for the
current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will continue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the transfer case switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the
Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the Owner’s Manual.
The “Service 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
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 function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the \bService 4WD Warning Light”
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can 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 LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed 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
transfer case.
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!
You or others could be injured 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 driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

•
If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, the current “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will turn OFF, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Light” for the selected position will stop flashing
and remain ON.
2WD⇔4WD LOCKRotate the transfer case switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn-
ing the switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition key
must be in the ON position with the engine either
running or off. This shift cannot be completed if the key
is in the ACC position. NOTE:
The transfer case will not allow shifts between
2WD and 4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash and
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will
remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning
the wheels to complete the shift.
2WD or 4WD LOCK⇔ 4WD LOWNOTE:When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3
to 5 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5