clutch Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 Owner's Manual

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
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 (antifreeze) arewarm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 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 transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when
cold. This is normal. Pressing the “TOW/HAUL”
switch when the transmission is sufficiently warm will
demonstrate 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 into
the 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.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

2H or 4H⇔4L
With 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.
•Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle
completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due
to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
•Do not attempt to shift into or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster is used to alert the driver that the front
axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If 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.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

High Speed.......................... 312
Inflation Pressures ..................... 308
Life of Tires .......................... 314
Load Capacity ..................... 303,304
Quality Grading ....................... 454
Radial .............................. 313
Replacement ......................... 315
Rotation ............................ 319
Safety ........................... 297,307
Sizes ............................... 299
Snow Tires ........................... 319
Spinning ............................ 313
Steel Carcass Ply ...................... 310
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 314
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 364
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 334
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 276
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 375
Towing ............................... 330 24-Hour Towing Assistance
............... 102
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 376
Guide .............................. 334
Recreational .......................... 347
Weight .............................. 334
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 288
Trailer Towing .......................... 330
Cooling System Tips .................... 344
Hitches ............................. 333
Minimum Requirements ................. 335
Mirrors .............................. 86
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 334
Wiring .............................. 342
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 334
Trailer Weight .......................... 334
Transfer Case ........................... 405
Electronically Shifted ................... 280
Fluid ............................... 428
472 INDEX