heating RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 User Guide

•Operate with transfer case in 4L when plowing small
or congested areas where speeds are not likely to
exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in
4H.
•Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4L
range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
•Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has
returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a
practice of stepping on the brake pedal before shifting
the transmission.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
Recreational Towing – 2-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing of 2-Wheel Drive models is not
allowed.Towing with the rear wheels on the ground can
result in severe transmission damage.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12-Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE while ap-
plying slight pressure to the accelerator.In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after
every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:
For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
330 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
7

Change Interval....................... 339
Dipstick ............................. 338
Disposal ............................ 340
Filter ......................... 338,340,378
Identification Logo ..................... 339
Materials Added to ..................... 340
Pressure Gauge ....................... 164
Recommendation ...................... 339
Synthetic ............................ 340
Viscosity ............................ 339
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 336
Operating Precautions .................... 336
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 82
Overdrive ............................. 227
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 227
Overhead Console ....................... 136
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 136
Overheating, Engine ...................... 165 Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
.........4,405
Parking Brake .......................... 254
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 53
Passing Light ........................... 128
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 131
Pets .................................. 72
Pets, Transporting ........................ 72
Phone, Cellular .......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect\3) .............. 86
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 262
Power Door Locks ........................... 28
Mirrors .............................. 83
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 144
Seats ............................... 118
Sliding Rear Window ................. 34,154
Steering .......................... 252,253
Windows ............................. 32
INDEX 419
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