engine RAM 1500 2023 Service Manual

124STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the Electric Park Brake
(EPB) system that will engage the parking brake
automatically if the vehicle is left unsecured while the
ignition is in ON/RUN.
The parking brake will automatically engage if all of the
following conditions are met:
The vehicle is at a standstill.
 There is no attempt to press the brake pedal and accel -
erator pedal.
 The seat belt is unbuckled.
 The driver door is open.
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing the EPB
switch while the driver door is open. Once manually
bypassed, SafeHold will be enabled again once the vehicle
reaches 12 mph (20 km/h) or the ignition is turned to the
OFF position and back to ON again.
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
You should only enter Brake Service mode during
brake service. When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for
you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear
caliper bore. With the Electric Park Brake (EPB) system,
this can only be done after retracting the EPB actuator.
Fortunately, actuator retraction can be done easily by
entering the Brake Service mode through the Uconnect
Settings in your vehicle. This menu-based system will
guide you through the steps necessary to retract the EPB
actuator in order to perform rear brake service.
Service Mode has requirements that must be met in order
to be activated:

The vehicle must be at a standstill.
 The parking brake must be unapplied.
 The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Service Mode, the EPB Warning Light will flash
continuously while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
When brake service work is complete, the following steps
must be followed to reset the park brake system to normal
operation:
 Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
 Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
 Apply the EPB Switch.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have
the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
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
movement 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 trans -
mission 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
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly 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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

STARTING AND OPERATING125
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Rotary Shifter — If Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic
gear selector located on the instrument panel. The
transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both above
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector. You must
press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of
PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once
(such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear selector
to the appropriate detent. Select the DRIVE range for
normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator
will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in 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 position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, 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 seri -
ously 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 position.
A child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 125

126STARTING AND OPERATING

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions. Manual downshifts can be
made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pushing the GEAR “-”/GEAR “+” switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest
available transmission gear, and will display that gear limit
in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.

Ú
page 128. Some
models will display both the selected gear limit, and the
actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

Console Shifter — If Equipped

The transmission gear range is displayed both beside the
gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear
range, push the lock button on the gear selector and move
the selector rearward or forward. To shift the transmission
out of PARK (P), the engine must be running and the brake
pedal must be pressed. You must also press the brake pedal to shift from NEUTRAL
(N) into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the DRIVE range for
normal driving.

NOTE:

The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
 In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indi -
cator will blink continuously until the selector is
returned to the proper position, or the requested shift
can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and SPORT (S) (AutoStick) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward
(+) while in the SPORT (AutoStick) position (beside the
DRIVE position), or tapping the paddle shifters (+/-) (if
equipped), will manually select the transmission gear, and
will display the current gear in the instrument cluster
Úpage 129.

Gear Selector

NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it
is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the
DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear
(1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move
the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE position) for
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe -
cially important when the engine is cold.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 126

STARTING AND OPERATING127
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case
is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the engine off.
 Remove the key fob from the vehicle. The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:

Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not
blinking.
 With the 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. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL
mode or use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control to select a lower gear range
Úpage 128. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified
depending on engine and transmission temperature as
well as vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
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.
For Recreational Towing
Úpage 187.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 330.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127

128STARTING AND OPERATING
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all.
Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the transmission may
not re-engage if the engine is turned off and restarted.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
A message in the instrument cluster will inform the driver
of the more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message indicates
the transmission may not re-engage after engine
shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at an authorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not,
shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that
you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, an authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
If Equipped
The ERS shift control allows the driver to limit the highest
available gear when the transmission is in DRIVE and ERS
mode is not active. For example, if you set the
transmission gear limit to FOURTH gear, the transmission
will hold that gear and not shift above FOURTH gear, but
will shift through the lower gears normally.
NOTE:ERS will only upshift during a FIRST to SECOND gear shift
when in 4WD LOW. All other ranges will hold the gear.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the transmission gear selector is in
DRIVE, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the “-” button
(on the steering wheel) will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as
the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the “-”
or “+” button will change the top available gear.

Electronic Range Select (ERS)

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the “+” button
until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument
cluster.1 — Shift Up “+”
2 — Shift Down “–”
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128

STARTING AND OPERATING129
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control of
the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This feature can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.

Paddle Shifters

Operation
In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector (in the
SPORT position), or the paddle shifters, to manually shift
the transmission. To activate AutoStick mode, move the
gear selector into the SPORT (S) position (beside the
DRIVE position), or tap one of the paddle shifters on the
steering wheel. Tapping the “-” shift paddle to enter
AutoStick mode will downshift the transmission to the next
lower gear, while tapping “+” to enter AutoStick mode will
retain the current gear. The current transmission gear will
be displayed in the instrument cluster.
AutoStick mode has the following operational benefits:
The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
 The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift “+” the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
 You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or SECOND gear
(or THIRD gear, in 4WD LOW). Tapping “+” (at a stop)
will allow starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in
SECOND or THIRD gear can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
 If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur. 
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
 Holding the “-” paddle pressed, or holding the gear
selector in the “-” position, will downshift the transmis -
sion to the lowest gear possible at the current speed.
 Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
 The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
NOTE:When Selec-Speed or Hill Descent Control is enabled,
AutoStick is not active.
To disengage AutoStick, return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position, or press and hold the “+” paddle shifter
(and the gear selector is already in DRIVE) until "D" is once
again indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in
or out of AutoStick at any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
1 — “-” Paddle
2 — “+” Paddle
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 129

130STARTING AND OPERATING
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
Select TOW/HAUL mode when driving in conditions such
as: driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy
load, etc. This mode will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting.

TOW/HAUL Switch

The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), located on
the instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
positions:
 Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced
roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
2WD.
 Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) — 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 or slippery road surfaces only.
WARNING!
Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions. The increased engine braking can
cause the rear wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing
around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which
may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal
injury or death.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

STARTING AND OPERATING131
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes
torque (increased torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front
driveshaft; allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional trac -
tion and maximum pulling power for loose or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h)
in this range.
 N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 187.
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions on dry, hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
 The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located in the
center of the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by
using a ballpoint pen or similar object. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position is to be used for recreational
towing only
Úpage 187.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD HIGH
and 4WD LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and
indicate the current and desired transfer case selection.
When you select a different transfer case position, the
indicator lights will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain on. If the transfer case does not shift into the desired position,
one or more of the following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will
remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, a message will
appear on the cluster stating the 4WD shift has
canceled.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, push the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection.
The SERV 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.WARNING!
 You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) 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.
 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
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down
the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or
death.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

132STARTING AND OPERATING
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 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
drivetrain.
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.
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, then the transfer case will
not shift. The position indicator light for the previous
position will remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all the require -
ments for the selected position have been met.
 If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, then the current position indi -
cator light will turn off and the selected position indi -
cator light will flash until the transfer case completes
the shift. When the shift is complete, the position indi -
cator light for the selected position will stop flashing
and remain on.
FIVE-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.

Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — GT Models

This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
positions:
 Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced
roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
2WD.
 Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD AUTO) —
This range sends power to the front wheels automati -
cally when the vehicle senses a loss of traction. This
range may be used during varying road conditions.
 Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) — 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 trac -
tion for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
 Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes
torque (increased torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front
driveshaft; allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional trac -
tion and maximum pulling power for loose or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h)
in this range.
 N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 187.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING133
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
 The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located in the
center of the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by
using a ballpoint pen or similar object. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position is to be used for recreational
towing only
Úpage 187. Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD HIGH,
4WD LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection. When you select a different transfer case
position, the indicator lights will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired position,
one or more of the following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will be a cluster
message stating the 4WD shift has canceled.
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, push the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection.
The SERV 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, 4WD
AUTO or 4WD HIGH 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
drivetrain.
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 or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) 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.
 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
transmission 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.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down
the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or
death.
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