Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Instruction

to operate. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. For example, if you shift
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down into
second and first gear normally.

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Tapping the ERS (-)

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switch will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear as the top
available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping ERS (-) or (+)
will change the top available gear.

To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the ERS (+)
switch until “D” is once again displayed in the shift lever
position indicator in the instrument cluster.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing an accident
or personal injury.

Screen Display

Actual Gear(s)
Allowed

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-5

1-6 1-6

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
ERS (-) switch down. The transmission will shift to the
range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.

Column Shift Lever

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285

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if
the following conditions are present:

• the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-

perature,

• the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached an ad-

equate temperature,

• vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.

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 switch to select TOW/

HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) during steady braking maneuvers.

TOW/HAUL Switch

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STARTING AND OPERATING

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch 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
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

• The torque converter clutch will not engage, and the

transmission will not shift to sixth gear, until the

transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because sixth gear is disabled, and engine speed is
higher when the torque converter clutch is not en-
gaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting properly when cold. This is normal. Using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature, when the trans-
mission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.

• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the

first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.

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287

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED

Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a
instructionly shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted
transfer case. Refer to the operating instructions for your
transfer case, located in this section for further informa-
tion.

Instructionly Shifted Transfer Case – If Equipped

The transfer case provides four mode positions.

• Two-wheel drive high range (2H)
• Four-wheel drive high range (4H)
• Neutral (N)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4L)

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 drive-
shafts 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.

The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru-
ment 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 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).

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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. 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.

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 tempera-
tures.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL 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 - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.

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289

4H
Four-Wheel Drive 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 - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

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).

Shifting Procedure – Instructionly Shifted Transfer
Case

⇔ 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 accelera-
tor 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
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.

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NOTE:

• Pausing in transfer case 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 foot on brake, and
turn the engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.

• Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle

completely stopped, however difficulty may occur 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 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 from 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.

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291

Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped

This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:

• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)

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.

Transfer Case Switch (Four-Position)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected

by pressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and
4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster 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.

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293

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
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the

⬙Shifting Procedure⬙ in this section for

further information.

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.

WARNING!

Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning 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, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.

When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).

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Proper operation of four-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
drivetrain.

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.

WARNING!

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together 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 locks the front and rear
driveshafts together 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).

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295

N
Neutral - This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in Starting and Operating” for further
information.

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 indicator light for the previous
position will remain ON and the newly selected posi-
tion indicator light will continue to flash until all the
requirements for the selected position have been met.
To retry a shift: return the control knob back to the
original position, make certain all shift requirements
have been met, wait five seconds and try the shift
again.

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current position 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

⇔ 4WD LOCK

Rotate the 4WD control switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK 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 turn-
ing the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be com-
pleted if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

The four-wheel drive system will not allow

shifts between 2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the
selected position indicator light will flash and the origi-
nal position indicator light will remain ON. At this time,
reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete
the shift.

2WD or 4WD LOCK

⇔ 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, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.

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 position, and the
engine either OFF or running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.

4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.

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297

NOTE:

• If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate

Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, then the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator light
is ON, until all requirements have been met.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a

shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, the shift will not take place and no position
indicator lights will be on or flashing.

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL

The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slippery

surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of the
driving effort to the rear wheel having the better traction.

The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.

WARNING!

On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differential
never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.

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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.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the rear (driving) wheels.

WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).

Traction

When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:

1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.

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Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Instruction - part 18