transmission RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 Service Manual

142STARTING AND OPERATING
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
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator 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, the current posi -
tion indicator light will turn off, the selected
position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is complete, the position indicator light for
the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.

2WD TO 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the four-wheel drive
control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts
between two-wheel drive and 4WD HIGH 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 turning the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
switch must be in the ON/RUN position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position.
NOTE:The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation,
the selected position indicator light will flash and
the original position indicator light will remain on.
At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift.
2WD OR 4WD HIGH TO 4WD LOW
NOTE:
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. You
can 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, push the desired position on the transfer case control switch. 4. After the desired position indicator light is on
(not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter -
nate 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/RUN posi -
tion for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 142

STARTING AND OPERATING143
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (6-SPEED TRANSMISSION) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The electronically shifted transfer case is operated
by the four-wheel drive Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), which is located on the instrument
panel.

Four-Position/Part-Time Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case provides
four positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
N (Neutral) For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides
low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to
the front wheels, forcing the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This range provides
additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be
used for flat towing behind another vehicle
Ú
page 194. This electronically shifted transfer case is designed
to be driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD)
for normal street and highway conditions on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the transfer
case 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be
used to maximize torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the
four-wheel drive Control Switch to the desired
position.
For specific shifting instructions Ú
page 144.
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.
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 shafts 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.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143

STARTING AND OPERATING145
If all the requirements to select a new transfer
case position have been met, the current posi -
tion indicator light will turn OFF, the selected
position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is complete, the position indicator light for
the selected position will stop flashing and
remain ON.
2WD TO 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the four-wheel drive
control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts
between two-wheel drive and 4WD HIGH 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 turning the
control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
switch must be in the ON/RUN position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position.
NOTE:The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation,
the selected position indicator light will flash and
the original position indicator light will remain on.
At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift.
2WD OR 4WD HIGH TO 4WD LOW
NOTE:
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. You
can 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, push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Push the desired position on the transfer case control switch.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter -
nate 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/RUN posi -
tion for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
MANUALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
The transfer case provides four positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2H)
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4H)
N (Neutral)
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4L)
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

146STARTING AND OPERATING
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range
locks the front and rear driveshafts together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be
used for flat towing behind another vehicle
Ú page 194.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks
the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
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
driveshafts together and force the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by simply moving the gear selector
to the desired positions once the appropriate
speed and gear requirements are met
Ú page 144. 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
instrument 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 N (Neutral) positions on some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the
two-wheel drive 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 drivetrain.
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.
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.
NOTE:Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be expe -
rienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold
temperatures.
Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted
Transfer Case
2H TO 4H
Shifting 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 accelerator pedal after
completing the shift. Apply a constant force when
shifting the transfer case lever.
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 shafts 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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 146

STARTING AND OPERATING147
2H OR 4H TO 4L
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise
may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detri -
mental to the vehicle or occupants.
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 N (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
your foot on the brake, and turn the engine OFF.
Complete the range shift to the desired position.

Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty
may occur due to the mating teeth not being prop -
erly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
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 out of 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.
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 performs
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. Care should be taken to avoid sudden
accelerations when both rear wheels are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both rear wheels
to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide sideways on
the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and the
AS66RC/AS69RC automatic 6-speed, will allow for
an aftermarket upfit with a transmission driven
PTO. The customer will have the ability to operate
the PTO in either a “stationary”, “mobile” or
“remote” mode. The vehicles will be factory set to
the “stationary” mode. To select a different mode,
or to change any other PTO setting, you will need to
enter the commercial vehicle menu on the
instrument cluster screen. Details of the PTO
selection modes and further PTO information is
available at the Ram Truck Body Builder’s web site:
https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-commercial/
body-builders-guide.html
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.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 147

150STARTING AND OPERATING
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally. When
the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the
set speed.
USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or
gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES
button and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC
(cancel) button, or normal brake pressure while
slowing the vehicle will deactivate the Cruise
Control system without erasing the set speed from
memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the
Cruise Control system without erasing the set
speed from memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
Stability event occurs
Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
Engine overspeed occurs
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in
the OFF position, erases the set speed from
memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while
traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not designed
to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function
performs differently Ú page 149.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a
radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or acceleration (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled)
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the feature selected
Ú page 427.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 150

152STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC
display activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster display will read “ACC
Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster
display will read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following condi -
tions:
When in 4WD Low
When the brakes are applied
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is below the minimum
speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low
speeds
When there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity
When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Full Off
mode is active
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again.
At this time, the system will turn off and the
instrument cluster display will show “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
To Set A Desired ACC Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push
the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button and
release. The instrument cluster display will show
the set speed.
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without
ACC enabled. To change between the different
modes, push the ACC on/off button which turns
the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise Control off.
Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it to
go faster than you want. You could lose control
and have a collision. Always leave the system off
when you are not using it.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

STARTING AND OPERATING167
following conditions occur: The vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted
into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the
OFF position, or the user presses the touchscreen
X button to exit out of the camera video display.
Whenever the Rear View Camera image is
activated through the Back Up Camera button in
the Controls menu, and the vehicle speed is
greater than, or equal to, 8 mph (13 km/h), a
display timer for the image is initiated. The image
will continue to be displayed until the display timer
exceeds 10 seconds.
NOTE:
If the vehicle speed remains below 8 mph
(13 km/h), the Rear View Camera image will be
displayed continuously until deactivated via the
touchscreen X button, the transmission is
shifted into PARK, or the ignition is placed in the
OFF position.
The touchscreen X button to disable display of
the camera image is made available ONLY when
the vehicle is not in REVERSE. Cargo Camera Icons — If Equipped
If equipped with a Cargo Camera, a touchscreen
button is made available to indicate the current
active Camera image being displayed whenever
the Rear View Camera image is displayed.
If equipped with a Cargo Camera, a touchscreen
button to switch the display to Cargo Camera
image is made available whenever the Rear View
Camera image is displayed.
A touchscreen X button to disable display of the
camera image is made available when the vehicle
is not in REVERSE gear.
When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on
the Back Up Camera image to illustrate the width
of the vehicle and its projected back up path based
on the steering wheel position. The active
guidelines will show separate zones that will help
indicate the distance to the rear of the vehicle. These settings can be adjusted within Uconnect
Settings Ú
page 199.
A dashed center line overlay indicates the center of
the vehicle to assist with parking or aligning to a
hitch/receiver. The following table shows the
approximate distances for each zone:
Back Up Camera Touchscreen
Button
Cargo Camera Touchscreen Button
AUX Camera Touchscreen Button
Zones
Distance To The Rear
Of The Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft
(30 cm - 2m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater
(2 m or greater)
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, obstructions, or blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for the safety of
your surroundings and must continue to pay
attention while backing up. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING187
(Continued)
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
For the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú
page 389.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
WARNING!
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your
brake system and cause it to fail. You might
not have brakes when you need them and
could have an accident.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 187

192STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding
your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the ERS shift
control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating.

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing."
Ú
page 344.

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor
-
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½
inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow
plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

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