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FF/TUNE/RW Press FF (Fast Forward) and the CD player will begin to fast forward until FF is released. The RW ( Reverse) button works in a similar manner. Random Play — SET / RND Press the RND button while the CD is playing to activate Random Play. This feature plays the tracks on the disc in random order to provide an interesting change of pace. Press the SEEK button to move to the next randomly selected track. Press TUNE FF to fast forward through the tracks. Press the FF button a second time to stop the fast forward feature. If TUNE RW is pressed, the current track will reverse to the beginning of the track and begin playing. Press the SET / RND button a second time to stop Random Play.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PTY (Program Type) Button Pressing this button once will turn on the PTY mode for 5 seconds. If no action is taken during the 5 second time out the PTY icon will turn off. Pressing the PTY button within 5 seconds will allow the program format type to be selected. Many radio stations do not currently broad- cast PTY information. Toggle the PTY button to select the following format types:
Program Type
Radio Display
Adult Hits Classical Classic Rock College Country Emergency Emergency Test Information Jazz
Adlt Hit Classicl Cls Rock College Country ALERT! Test Inform Jazz
Program Type
Foreign Language News Nostalgia Oldies Personality Public Rhythm and Blues Religious Music Religious Talk Rock Soft Soft Rock Soft Rhythm and Blues Sports Talk Top 40
WeatherRadio Display
Language News Nostalga Oldies Persnlty Public R & B Rel Musc Rel Talk Rock Soft Soft Rck Soft R&B Sports Talk Top 40
WeatherBy pressing the SEEK button when the PTY icon is displayed, the radio will be tuned to the next frequency station with the same selected PTY name. The PTY function only operates when in the FM mode. The radio display will flash “SEEK” and the selected PTY program type when searching for the next PTY station. If no station is found with the selected PTY program type, the radio will return to the last station. If a preset button is activated while in the PTY (Program Type) mode, the PTY mode will be exited and the radio will tune to the preset station. By pressing the SCAN button when the PTY icon is displayed, the radio will stop at every PTY station on the band and list each corresponding program type in the radio display. Time Press the TIME button to change the display from elapsed CD playing time to time of day.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF EQUIPPED The remote sound system controls are located on the rear surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to access the switches.
The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the switch will decrease the volume. The center button of the right hand control will allow you to change the mode. The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a push button in the center. The function of the left hand control is different depending on which mode you are in. The following describes the left hand control operation in each mode. Radio Operation Pressing the top of the left side switch will SEEK up for the next listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch will SEEK down for the next listenable station. The button located in the center of the left hand control will tune to the next pre-set station that you have programmed in the radio pre-set push-buttons.
Tape Player Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next selection on the cassette. Pressing the bottom of the switch once will go to the beginning of the current selection or to the beginning of the previous selection if it is within the first 5 seconds of the current selection. If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the second selection, three times, it will play the third, etc. The button in the center of the left hand switch has no function in this mode. CD Player Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once will go to the beginning of the current track or to the beginning of the previous track if it is within one second after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the second track, three times, it will play the third, etc. The button in the center of the left hand switch has no function in this mode.
CASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE To keep the cassette tapes and player in good condition, take the following precautions: 1. Do not use cassette tapes longer than C-90; otherwise, sound quality and tape durability will be greatly dimin- ished. 2. Keep the cassette tape in its case to protect from slackness and dust when it is not in use. 3. Keep the cassette tape away from direct sunlight, heat and magnetic fields such as the radio speakers. 4. Before inserting a tape, make sure that the label is adhering flatly to the cassette.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
5. A loose tape should be corrected before use. To rewind a loose tape, insert the eraser end of a pencil into the tape drive gear and twist the pencil in the required directions. Maintain your cassette tape player. The head and capstan shaft in the cassette player can pick up dirt or tape deposits each time a cassette is played. The result of deposits on the capstan shaft may cause the tape to wrap around and become lodged in the tape transport. The other adverse condition is low or “muddy” sound from one or both channels, as if the treble tone control were turned all the way down. To prevent this, you should periodically clean the head with a commercially available WET cleaning cassette. As preventive maintenance, clean the head about every 30 hours of use. If you wait until the head becomes very dirty (noticeably poor sound), it may not be possible to remove all deposits with a simple WET cleaning cassette.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the following precautions: 1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the surface. 2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth, wiping from center to edge. 3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch- ing the disc. 4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners, or antistatic sprays. 5. Store the disc in its case after playing. 6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight. 7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become too high.
If you experience difficulty in playing a particu- NOTE: lar disc, it may be damaged, oversized, or have theft protection encoding. Try a known good disc before considering disc player service.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES Under certain conditions, the operation of a cellular phone in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy perfor- mance from your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repo- sitioning of the antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS The controls for the heating and ventilation system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired interior conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
Heater Only — Fleet Vehicles
The mode control (at the right of the control panel) can be set in any of the following positions:
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system allows you to operate at intermediate positions between the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden- tified by the small dots. Panel
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel.
Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when the outside air contains smoke or odors. This feature allows for recircu- lation of interior air only. Air flows through the panel outlets in this mode.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel and at the floor.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the floor and defroster outlets.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield through the defroster outlets located at the base of the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the edge of each side of the instrument panel. Blower Control
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control panel
The rotary knob on the left of the the blower control. Turn the knob clockwise to one of the four positions to obtain the blower speed you desire. To turn the blower off, turn the knob to the far left position.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the control panel controls the temperature of the inte- rior air. You can choose your degree of comfort by rotating the knob. The coldest tem- perature setting is to the ex- treme left (blue region) and the warmest setting is to the extreme right (red region) of the rotation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
Air Conditioning—If Equipped
Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning, set the fan control at any speed and press the snowflake button located at the right of the control panel. Conditioned air will be directed through the outlets selected by the mode control. A light in the
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time to turn the air condition- ing off. Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
The mode control (at the right of the control panel) can be set in any of the following positions:
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system allows you to operate at intermediate positions between the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden- tified by the small dots.
Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when the outside air contains smoke, odors, high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired. This feature allows for recir- culation of interior air only. Air flows through the panel outlets in this mode.
NOTE: Selecting a “Recirculation Mode” mode does not necessarily consume more fuel than normal A/C mode. Panel
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel and at the floor.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out- lets located under the instrument panel.
Blower Control
Floor
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the floor and defroster outlets, and the air conditioning may be on.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield through the defroster outlets located at the base of the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the edge of each side of the instrument panel, and the air conditioning may be on.
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control panel
The rotary knob on the left of the the blower control. Turn the knob clockwise to one of the four positions to obtain the blower speed you desire. To turn the blower off, turn the knob to the far left position.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the control panel controls the temperature of the inte- rior air. You can choose your degree of comfort by rotating the knob. The coldest tem- perature setting is to the ex- treme left (blue region) and the warmest setting is to the extreme right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation The cab is designed with features to promote outside air circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These are air exhausters that provide the means for regular exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro- vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use. To remove frost from the side windows, it is best to use the full defrost mode. NOTE: When you turn off the engine you may hear a hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of a problem with the air conditioning system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated side view mirrors are activated by pressing the heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel, with the ignition On. Turning Off the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated side view mirrors feature. These features also turn off after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed. To reactivate, simply press the button again. Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature Control — If Equipped With the Dual Zone Temperature Control System, each front seat occupant can independently control the tem- perature of air coming from the outlets on their side of the vehicle.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Air Conditioning Operation To turn on the Air Conditioning, set the fan control at any speed and press the snowflake button located on the control panel. Conditioned air will be directed through the outlets selected by the mode control. A light in the
snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time to turn the air condition- ing off. A/C Pushbutton
With the fan control in the ON posi- tion, pushing the A/C button turns on the air conditioning compressor. An indicator light on the button shows that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Conditioned air is now directed through the mode outlets selected. Pushing the button a second time turns the compressor OFF.
Recirculation Pushbutton
Pushing the Recirculation button al- lows interior air to recirculate continu- ously in any position except defrost and defrost/floor mode for rapid cool down of interior. See “Fast Cooldown” later in this section.
the
Mode Control
The mode control allows you to choose from several patterns of air distribution.
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden- tified by the small dots and give an even blend of both modes. Panel
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct the airflow. Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the instru- ment panel and those located on the floor.
NOTE: There is a difference in temperature between the upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool conditions. Heat
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out- lets located under the instrument panel.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the floor and defroster outlets.
Blower Control
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield and side window demist outlets. NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield.
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control panel
The rotary knob on the left of the the blower control. Turn the knob clockwise to one of the four positions to obtain the blower speed you desire. To turn the blower off, turn the knob to the far left position.
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment. This is accomplished by having separate temperature control slides for both the driver and front passenger. The blue area of the scale indicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates warmer temperatures.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated side view mirrors are activated by pressing the heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel, with the ignition On. Turning Off the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated side view mirrors feature. These features also turn off after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed. To reactivate, simply press the button again. Circulation The cab is designed with features to promote outside air circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These are air exhausters that provide the means for regular exchange of cab air. Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro- vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use. NOTE: When you turn off the engine you may hear a hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of a problem with the air conditioning system. Operating Tips
Fast Cooldown For a fast cooldown, turn the blower fan rotary knob to the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the panel fresh position, press the snowflake button to turn on the air conditioning, and drive with the windows open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been expelled, close the windows and press the Recirculation pushbutton. When a comfortable condition has been
reached, choose a mode position and adjust the tempera- ture control slide and blower speed as necessary to maintain comfort. For high humidity conditions it may be necessary to remain in the Recirculation mode to maintain comfort. Window Fogging Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control, air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort. As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode position on the control. Adjust the temperature control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the defrost mode. Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows. Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging. Summer Operation Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 % concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type. When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi- tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed. NOTE: On models equipped with Diesel engines, the idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling. Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an automatic recirculation system. When the system senses a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort. Winter Operation When operating the system during the winter months, make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc- tions.
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Operating Tips Chart
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
m Ignition/Starter Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
N Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
N Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
N On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
N Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
N ACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
N Manual Transmission Key Release Button . . . . 205
N Key Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
m Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205N Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
N Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
N If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
N Engine Block Heater— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 207
N After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
m Transmission Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
N Automatic Transmission With Overdrive . . . . . 208
N Manual Transmission — 5-Speed . . . . . . . . . . 213
m Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 216200 STARTING AND OPERATING
N Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
N Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — RWAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
N Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . 220N Transfer Case Reminder Light N Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
N Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
m Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped . . . . . . . 228
m Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
m Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
N 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only . . . . . . . . 231
N Brake Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231N Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
m Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
m Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
N Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
N Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 238
N Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 239
m Tires—General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
N Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
N Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
N Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
N Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 247N Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
N Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
N Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
N Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
m Supplemental Tire Pressure Information . . . . . . . 251
m Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
m Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
m Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
N Dual Rear Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
m Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
N Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
N Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
N MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258STARTING AND OPERATING 201
N Sulfur In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
N Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
N Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
N Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
N Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
m Flexible Fuel—(Fleet Vehicles Only) . . . . . . . . . . 262
N E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
N Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
N Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
N Selection Of Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
N Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
N Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
N Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265202 STARTING AND OPERATING
N Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
m Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
m Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
N Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
m Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
N To Maintain Warranty Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . 270
N Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . 272
N Trailer Towing Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . 273
N Trailer Towing — Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
N Connecting Trailer Lighting And ElectricTrailer Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
N Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight . . . . 276
N Trailer Towing Information(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . 277
N Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . 278
N Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing . . . . . . 278
N Automatic Transmission Oil TemperatureWarning Light
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
N Towing With An Automatic Transmission . . . . 279
m Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
N Dodge Ram 1500 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
N Before Plowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
N Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 281
N Over The Road Operation With SnowplowAttached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
N Methods For Removing Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
N Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
N General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284m Recreational Towing — 4–Wheel Drive Vehicles
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
N Recreational Towing Procedure — ManualShift Transfer Case — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 285
N Returning To Normal Operation — Manual
Shift Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
N Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 287
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
N Returning To Normal Operation — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
m Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
m Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
m Equipment Identification Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292204 STARTING AND OPERATING
IGNITION/STARTER SWITCH
LOCK Locks the automatic transmission shift control into the PARK position. It also engages the steering wheel lock (if equipped) when the steering wheel is turned.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be depressed to shift out of Park (P). OFF Unlocks the steering wheel (if equipped with locking wheel) and the automatic transmission shift control with engine off. ON This is the normal running position. START Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition key will return to the ON position for normal driving.
ACC Allows the electrical accessories to be used when the engine is not running. Manual Transmission Key Release Button
To remove the key on vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, turn the key to the Lock position and press the button to remove the ignition key.
STARTING AND OPERATING 205
Key Reminder An alarm will sound to remind you if the key is left in the ignition and the driver’s door is opened.
STARTING PROCEDURES The starter should not be operated for more than 15- second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such intervals will protect the starter from overheating. Manual Transmission Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch is fully depressed.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transmission Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any driving range. Normal Starting of either a warm or cold engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure. NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be depressed to shift out of Park (P).If Engine Fails To Start If the engine fails to start after you have followed the normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15–seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not have enough power to continue running when the key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel- erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the floor, the normal starting procedure should be repeated.WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Engine Block Heater— If Equipped The engine block heater warms the engine coolant and permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with grounded, three-wire extension cord.
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side of the vehicle and held to the body with removable clips.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause electrocution.
After Starting The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de- crease as the engine warms up.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera- tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may cause serious injury or death.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column. You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or when shifting out of Park. Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or Neutral position into another gear range. “P” Park This gear position supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use Park while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the selector in Park position. On 4-wheel-drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position!
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transmis- sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to move the gearshift lever back and forth without first pulling it toward you after you have set it in P. Make sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or “N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re- verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING
“R” Reverse Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. “N” Neutral Shift to Neutral when the vehicle is standing for pro- longed periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. “D” Drive This position provides all forward gears, including 3rd gear direct and 4th or 5th (if equipped) gear overdrive (see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and highway driving.
“2” Second Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and for engine braking when descending moderately steep grades. NOTE: Do not exceed maximum engine speed. “1” First Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or less) when going downhill. NOTE: Do not exceed maximum engine speed.
Overdrive Operation The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec- tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are present: † the transmission selector is in Drive; † the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem- † vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
† the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated; † transmission has reached normal operating tempera-perature;
km/h);
ture. If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem- NOTE: peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under torque converter clutch, later in this section. If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the transmission will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera- tion. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc- curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in “TOW/HAUL” mode, (if
5th gear
equipped) is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for improved braking) will occur during steady braking. The “TOW/HAUL” light will illuminate in the instru- ment 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
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
high gear. 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 are warm [usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 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” button, when the transmis- sion 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 NOTE: days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmission 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 converter will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into any other gear position. Manual Transmission — 5-Speed
NOTE: The parking brake should be engaged before leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline. Truck models with manual transmission are equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle. Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera- tor pedal.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING
Manual Transmission — 5–Speed (NV3500) 1500 models are equipped with the NV3500 manual transmission. Be sure the transmission is in 1st gear when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip a gear.
For most city driving you may find it easier to use only 1st through 4th gear ranges. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 5th gear is rec- ommended. To shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward. When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and damage the trans- mission.
To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight across and back into Reverse. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed in the following chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KPH)
Engine Model Axle Mode ACCEL
1500
3.7L
3.55
3.92CRUISE
4.7L
1500
All
ACCEL
CRUISE
2 to 3
1 to 2
4 to 5
15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)3 to 4
15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Manual Transmission – 5–Speed (NV4500) 2500 and 3500 models are equipped with the NV4500
manual transmission. This transmission has a “creeper” 1st gear which should be used to start from a standing position when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip a gear.STARTING AND OPERATING 215
For most city driving you may find it easier to use only 1st through 4th gear ranges. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 5th gear is rec- ommended. To shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward. When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and damage the trans- mission. To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight across and back into Reverse.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Manual Transmission Shift Speeds To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed in the following chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
Manual Transmission Shift Speed in mph (km/h)
Engine Model Axle Model ACCEL
5.7L
2500/ 3500
ALL
CRUISE
1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
5 to 6
15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Downshifting Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recommended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better acceleration when you desire to resume speed. For acceleration at speeds less than 20 mph (30
km/h), 2nd gear is recommended.FOUR-WHEEL- DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED † Four-Wheel-Drive Dodge Ram Trucks are equipped with either a Manually Shifted transfer case or an Electronically Shifted transfer case. See the operating instructions for your transfer case, located within this section.
Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions The transfer case provides 4 mode positions - 2 (rear)- wheel-drive high range, 4-wheel-drive high range, neu- tral, and 4-wheel-drive low range. This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2-wheel- drive position (2H) for normal street and highway con- ditions such as dry hard surfaced roads. When additional traction is required the transfer case 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 shift lever to the desired positions. 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.
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The 4-wheel-drive light (4WD), located in the instrument cluster, alerts the driver that the vehicle is in 4-wheel drive and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. This light illuminates when the transfer case is shifted to either the 4H or 4L positions. There is no light for the 2H or N (Neutral) positions. When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2H 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 4-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 transfer case. NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case. Because 4-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 experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera- tures.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position see the information below: 2H Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H 4-Wheel-Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor- mation. 4L 4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel-drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces 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).
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case
2H , 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
220 STARTING AND OPERATING
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage / disen- gage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever. 2H or 4H , 4L With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on a manual transmission. 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 N (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 automatic transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.
NOTE: Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc- cur 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 pre- ferred 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). NOTE: Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged. Transfer Case Reminder Light The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located 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 Operating Information/Precautions This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the instrument panel. The Electronically Shifted transfer case provides 4 mode positions: 2 (rear) wheel drive high range or all wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive low range, and neutral. The Electronically Shifted transfer case is designed to be driven in the 2 wheel drive position (2WD) or all wheel drive position (AWD) for normal street and highway conditions (dry hard surfaced roads). When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4HI and 4LO positions can be used to lock the front and
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position - see Shifting Procedure section for specific shifting instructions. The 4HI and 4LO positions are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driv- eline components. NOTE: The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by depressing the recessed button located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be used for recreational towing only. See the Recreational Towing section for specific procedures on shifting into and out of Neutral (N).
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights — Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Only Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the Four-Wheel-Drive Control Switch, found on your instru- ment panel, and indicate the current and desired transfer case selection. When you select a different transfer case position, the indicator lights will do the following: If All Shift Conditions are Met 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 One or More Shift Conditions are not Met 1. The indicator light for the current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con- tinue to flash. 3. The transfer case will not shift. 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, turn the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require- ments, refer to the 9Shifting Procedure9 for your transfer case, located in this section of the owner’s manual. The “SERVICE 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering down the vehicle if the (Service 4WD( light is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD/AWD or 4HI positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over- speed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Proper operation of 4 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 transfer case. Because 4 wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position see the information below: 2WD/AWD Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4HI 4 Wheel Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only. 4LO 4 Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces 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). Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor- mation.
Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
If any of the requirements to select a new NOTE: transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case will not shift.The indicator light for the previous position will remain ON and the newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash until all the requirements for the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
226 STARTING AND OPERATING
return the control knob back to the original position, make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait five (5) seconds and try the shift again. If all the requirements to select a new transfer NOTE: case position have been met, the current position indica- tor light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain ON. 2WD/AWD , 4HI Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position. Shifts between 2WD/AWD and 4HI 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
key must be in the ON position with the engine either RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the key is in the accessory position. NOTE: The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between (2WD/AWD)/4HI if the front and/or rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation the selected position indicator light will flash and the original posi- tion indicator light will remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift. 2WD/AWD or 4HI , 4LO NOTE: When shifting into or out of 4LO 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. USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:Preferred Procedure 1. With engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3
to 5 km/h). 2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch on manual transmissions). 3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired position. 4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch on manual transmissions). Alternate Procedure 1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop. 2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (de- press clutch on manual transmissions).STARTING AND OPERATING 227
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired position. 4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch on manual transmissions). If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate NOTE: Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is in process then the desired position indicator light will flash continuously while the original position indicator light is ON, until all requirements have been met. NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing. NOTE: than 21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer
228 STARTING AND OPERATING
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED 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 slip- pery 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 differen- tial, 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.
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.
PARKING BRAKE The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. NOTE: The instrument cluster red brake warning light will come on and flash to indicate that the parking brake is applied. You must be sure that the parking brake is fully applied before leaving the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out of PARK.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
† Always fully apply the parking brake when leav- ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic transmission in Park, a manual transmission in Reverse or first gear. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury. † Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan- gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake or the gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle. † Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake problems due to excessive heating of the rear brakes.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. However, you will experience a substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle. If either the front or rear hydraulic systems lose normal capability, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa- tion of the BRAKE warning lamp and the ABS lamp (if equipped) during brake use.
3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro- boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering system. You may experience some clicking or hissing noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking conditions. NOTE: Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be higher than normal until the power steering oil reaches operating temperature. Brake Noise During normal operation of the brake system certain noises may be present from time to time. Occasional 9groan9 or 9squeal9 noises may occur during normal operation of the brake system which may not be indica- tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture, hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris may
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
also contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con- tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement. Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — RWAL The Anti-lock Brake System provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system automatically controls the opera- tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup. The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive mode. The level of performance is reduced when the front brakes are locked up. This may cause the rear brakes to lockup through the drivetrain, which may reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Brake System. During severe braking conditions, particularly with changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Both Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated electronic equipment. It may be susceptible to inter- ference caused by improperly installed or high out- put radio transmitting equipment. This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capabil- ity. Installation of such equipment should be per- formed by qualified professionals.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped This Anti-lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The system operates with a separate com- puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor makes a low humming noise during operation. This is normal. When you are in a severe braking condition involving use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This is the result of the system reverting to the base brake system and is normal. Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi- cate that the system is functioning. ABS Warning Light The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake System is not functioning. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
WARNING!
WARNING!
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
† Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu- ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency be- yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
† The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. † The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING
POWER STEERING Your power steering system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these conditions you will experience a substantial increase in steering effort.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE: † P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex- ample: P215/65R15 95H.
† European Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter 9P9 is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H † LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced- ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
† Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M. † High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire Sizing Chart
Size Designation:
EXAMPLE:
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards (....blank....( = Passenger car tire based on European design standards LT = Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards T = Temporary Spare tire 31 = Overall Diameter in Inches (in) 215 = Section Width in Milimeters (mm) 65 = Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)
—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
10.5 = Section Width in Inches (in) R = Construction Code
—9R9 means Radial Construction. —9D9 means Diagonal or Bias Construction.
15 = Rim Diameter in Inches (in)
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Service Description:
95 = Load Index
EXAMPLE:
—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.
H = Speed Symbol
—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions. —The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un- der specified operating conditions. (ie. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and posted speed limits).
Load Identification:
(....blank....( = Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire Extra Load (XL) = Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire Light Load = Light Load Tire C,D,E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load — Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry. Maximum Pressure — Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
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Tire Identification Number (TIN) The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire however the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.
DOT = Department of Transportation
—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards, and is approved for highway use.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location.(2 digits) L9 = Code representing the tire size.(2 digits) ABCD = Code used by tire manufacturer.(1 to 4 digits) 03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured.(2 digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured.(2 digits)
—01 means the year 2001. —Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.
Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire and Loading Information Placard
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Tire Placard Location NOTE: Some vehicles have a “Tire and Loading Infor- mation” placard located on the driver’s side “B” pillar.
This placard tells you important information about the, 1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle 2) the total weight your vehicle can carry 3) the tire size designed for your vehicle 4) the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear and spare tires.
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Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of this manual. NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the Vehicle Loading section of this manual. To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas- sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400–750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4. 6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
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NOTE: The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra- tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle. NOTE: For the following example the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
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WARNING!
1. Safety—
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Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. † Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire failure. † Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure. † Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob- lems. You could lose control of your vehicle. † Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control. † Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left. Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom- mended cold tire inflation pressure.
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2. Economy— Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption. 3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability— Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride. Tire Inflation Pressures The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the driver’s side “B” pillar. For vehicles other than passenger cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either the “B” pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment. Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con- ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure Information” section of this manual.
“B” PILLAR
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al- ways reinstall the valve stem cap–if equipped. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1mile (1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sure molded into the tire side wall.
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Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes. Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in the winter. Example: If garage temperature = 68° F (20° C) and the outside temperature = 32° F (0° C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12° F (7° C) for this outside temperature condition. Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
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Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi- tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera- tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi- mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al- ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
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Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein- stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited tread life. When two or more tread wear indicators appear in adjacent grooves, the temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
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Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare. Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h). See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section 6 of this manual.
CAUTION!
WARNING!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener- ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam- age or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
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Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this point. Replacement Tires The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu- facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva- lent to the originals in size, quality and performance when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The service description and load identification will be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han- dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original equipment or an authorized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi- cations or capability.
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WARNING!
† Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combina- tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and performance charac- teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han- dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and suspension components. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle. † Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose control and have an accident. † Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer and odometer read- ings.
Alignment And Balance Poor suspension alignment may result in: † Fast tire wear. † Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided † Vehicle pull to right or left. Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right. Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
wear.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration. Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of- balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen- gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo. Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle will be found on a “Supplemental Tire Pressure Inflation” label located on the face of the driver’s door or in the Tire Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS Use “Class S” chains on 1500 Ram Trucks, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “S” specifications. Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications. NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the following precautions:
† Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
† Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten † Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h). † Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, † Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles. † Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement. † Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
especially with a loaded vehicle.
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the speed recommended by the manufacturer.
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These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ- ing link and cable (radial) chains. Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of Ram 4X2 trucks. NOTE: The use of class “S” chains is permitted on 1500
Ram Trucks with P245/70R17 tires only. NOTE: The use of class “U” chains is permitted on the front and rear of 4X4, 2500 Ram Trucks with LT245/ 70R17E tires.
