RAM 2500 2023 Owner's Manual page 156

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154
STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
page 154 for further information.
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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 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 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 experienced
due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures,
excessive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures.
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.
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.
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 detrimental 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 trans-
mission into N (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 properly 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 trans-
mission is in gear.

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