differential RAM CHASSIS CAB 2011 Owners Manual

▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 278
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 282
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 284
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 285
 Driving Through Water ................. 285
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 286
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 286
 Power Steering ....................... 288
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 289
 Parking Brake ........................ 289
 Brake System ........................ 292
▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........... 292 ▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 292
 Tire Safety Information ................. 294
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 294
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 298
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 299
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 300
 Tires — General Information ............. 304
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 304
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 305
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 309
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 309
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 310
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 310260 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
• If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, then the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator light
is ON, until all requirements have been met.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, the shift will not take place and no position
indicator lights will be on or flashing.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of the
driving effort to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.
WARNING!On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differential
never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Disc Wheels Type Nut Stud Size Torque Ft Lbs Torque Newton Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (if equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result. JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and
precautions.366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident
while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on
concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip differential. Transfer Case
Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for proper maintenance
intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401

Points to Remember .................... 396
Pressure Cap ......................... 395
Radiator Cap ......................... 395
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... 393,423
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 152
Cupholders ............................ 162
Customer Assistance ..................... 445
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights ................... 145
Dealer Service .......................... 380
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 171
Defroster, Windshield ................ 74,250,255
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 147
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 284
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ................. 403
Power Steering ........................ 289 Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 396
Door Locks ............................. 29
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 285
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 316,363
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 171
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 157
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 268
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 152
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 192
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 278
Emergency Brake ........................ 289
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 370
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 356
Jump Starting ......................... 366
10 INDEX 457

Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................. 403
Brake .............................. 398
Power Steering ........................ 289
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 423
Fog Lights ....................... 142,190,418
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 274
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 356
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 370
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 400
Fuel ................................. 317
Adding ............................. 322
Diesel .............................. 423
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 323
Filter ............................... 423
Gauge .............................. 179
Light ............................... 186
Octane Rating ........................ 317
Requirements ......................... 317 Tank Capacity ........................ 422
Fuses ................................ 410
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 323,378
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 317
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 318
Gauges
Coolant Temperature ................... 179
Fuel ............................... 179
Oil Pressure .......................... 182
Speedometer ......................... 180
Tachometer .......................... 179
Voltmeter ............................ 186
Gear Ranges ........................... 270
General Information .................. 18,25,118
Glass Cleaning .......................... 409
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 170
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 327
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 326
10 INDEX 459

Cargo .............................. 144
Center Mounted Stop ................... 419
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 189
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 155
Daytime Running ...................... 145
Exterior .............................. 76
Fog .......................... 142,190,418
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 278
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 356
Headlights ........................... 141
High Beam ........................ 146,186
High Beam Indicator .................... 186
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 146
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster ..................... 179
Interior .......................... 143,155
Lights On Reminder .................... 144
Low Fuel ............................ 186
Oil Pressure .......................... 188 Passing ............................. 146
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 191
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 182
Service ........................... 415,416
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 182
Transfer Case ......................... 278
Turn Signal ...................... 76,145,416
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 179
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 284,401
Loading Vehicle ......................... 324
Tires ............................... 300
Locks ................................. 29
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 388
Lug Nuts ........................... 361,363462 INDEX

Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 309
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ....... 393,395
Radio Operation ........................ 247
Radio, Satellite (Uconnect™ studios) .......... 240
Rear Axle (Differential) ................. 400,401
Rear Window Features .................... 171
Rear Window, Sliding ..................... 172
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 124
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 59
Recreational Towing ...................... 344
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .... 346,349
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . 348,352
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 318
Refrigerant ............................ 388
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 48 Remote Control
Starting System ........................ 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 245
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 380
Replacement Tires ....................... 311
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 448
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ........... 184,199
Restraint, Head ......................... 126
Restraints, Child ....................... 60,65
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 37
Rotation, Tires .......................... 315
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 73
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 76
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 448
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 73
10 INDEX 465