RAM 2500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 20

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317

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 transmis-

sion is in gear.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Light

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

ment cluster is used to alert the driver that the front axle is

fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED

Description

This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride height

system. The main purpose of this system is to maintain the

truck’s rear ride height level. There are two selectable heights

that can be chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN posi-

tion or the engine running with zero vehicle speed for all

user requested changes and load leveling.

Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard position

of the suspension and is meant for normal driving. It will

automatically adjust to maintain the rear ride height as

conditions change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the vehicle

approximately 1 in (25 mm) for a level truck, to be used as

required while trailer towing. It will automatically adjust to

maintain the rear ride height as conditions change.

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318 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspension system

will load level (lower/exhaust only) once after 12 minutes

after the vehicle is turned off. This allows for easy removal of

a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck by main-

taining the ride height. After 12 minutes you will need to

turn the ignition to the run position for the air suspension to

re-level due to addition/removal of load in the vehicle. If the

air suspension system is disabled using the settings menu

(Tire Jack Mode, Transport Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed

Lowering Mode) the system will remain disabled when the

vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air suspension can be

accomplished via the settings menu or driving the vehicle

above 5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode or Alignment

Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for Transport Mode and Bed

Lowering Mode.
NOTE:
• Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate Trailer

Height (ATH) when unloaded.

• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for

further information.

Ignition OFF Behavior
For a predetermined amount of time after the ignition is off the

air suspension may adjust to maintain a proper appearance.

Air Suspension Modes

The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect the

system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system has a

feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. This

mode is intended to be enabled with engine running. Refer to

“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-

ment Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped

with a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:

This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.

WARNING!

The air suspension system uses a high pressure volume

of air to operate the system. To avoid personal injury or

damage to the system, see your authorized dealer for

service.

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Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air

suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle

below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic

load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled

with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”

in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect

Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if

equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:

This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be

enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting

To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in

“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for

further information.
NOTE:

This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.

Bed Lowering Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air

suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle

below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the automatic

load leveling system. This mode is intended to be enabled

with engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”

in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect

Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if

equipped with a touch screen radio for further information.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle

will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-

loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automat-

ically resume as soon as system operation requirements are

met. See your authorized dealer if system does not resume.

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320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Instrument Cluster Display Messages

When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will

appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-

ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-

ment Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error has

been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal oper-

ation does not resume.

Operation

Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) button once

while at Normal Ride Height (NRH), will lower the vehicle

to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) and will illuminate the

LED.
NOTE:

The LED will continuously blink until vehicle Alternate

Trailer Height (ATH) has been achieved and the LED will

turn on.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again will raise

the vehicle to Normal Ride Height (NRH).

NOTE:

The LED will continuously blink until Normal Ride Height

(NRH) has been achieved and the LED will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated.

Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or dese-

lecting the mode via the interface.

• Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated.

Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle, or by

deselecting the mode via the interface.

• Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps will be illu-

minated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by driving

the vehicle, or by deselecting the mode via the interface.

• Bed Lowering Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-

nated. Bed Lowering Mode is disabled by driving the

vehicle, or deselecting the mode via the interface.

AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)

This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front

and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,

mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the wheels

to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to maintain

its momentum and prevents it from becoming stuck. The

locking front and rear differentials should only be engaged

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(Continued)

during low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one

wheel is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is not

recommended to drive the vehicle with the differentials

locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn and

speed limitations.

Axle Lock Selector

The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions:
• AXLE UNLOCK – the front and rear axles are unlocked
• REAR LOCK – the rear axle is locked
• FRONT/REAR LOCK – the front and rear axles are locked
Under normal driving conditions, the switch should be left

in the AXLE UNLOCK position.
NOTE:

Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK position, the

limited slip differential in the rear axle still provides torque

biasing capability for moderate low traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light will

flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command has

been successfully executed, the light will remain on solid.

CAUTION!

• Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced

roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and

damage to the drivetrain may occur when the axles are

locked on hard surfaced roads.

• Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck and

the tires are spinning. You can damage drivetrain

components. Lock the rear axle before attempting situ-

ations or navigating terrain, which could possibly

cause the vehicle to become stuck.

CAUTION! (Continued)

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322 STARTING AND OPERATING

To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to “Four

Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for

further information. Push the REAR LOCK button while

traveling less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The RR indicator light

will remain on when the rear axle is locked.
NOTE:

Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to

allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is flashing

after placing the switch in the REAR LOCK or FRONT/

REAR LOCK position, drive the vehicle in a turn or on loose

gravel to expedite the locking action.

To lock the front axle; push the FRONT/REAR LOCK button

while traveling less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The indicator light

will be solid when the front axle is locked.
NOTE:

The rear axle must be locked before the front axle will lock.

To unlock the front axle; push the REAR LOCK button. The

FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the

axle is unlocked.
NOTE:

The axle lockers could be torque locked due to side to side

loads on the axle. Driving slowly while turning the steering

wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or driving in

REVERSE for a short distance may be required to release the

torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE UNLOCK button.

The REAR LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear

axle is unlocked.

STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting

stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front

suspension travel in off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an increased

ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm) in the front

and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major advantage to

increasing ride height is the positive effect it has on

approach/departure and break over angles.

WARNING!

Do not use the locked axle position for normal driving. A

locked front axle is intended for off-road driving only.

Locking the front axle during on-road driving will

reduce the steering ability. This could cause a collision

and you may be seriously injured.

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This system is controlled by the electronic control sway bar

switch located below the instrument panel.

Sway Bar Disconnect Button

Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push the

switch again to deactivate the system. The “Sway Bar Indi-

cator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illumi-

nate when the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indicator

Light” will flash during activation transition, or when activa-

tion conditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar should

remain in on-road mode during normal driving conditions.

To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI or

4LO and push the SWAY BAR button to obtain the Off-Road

position. Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting

And Operating” for further information. The “Sway Bar

Indicator Light” will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has

been fully disconnected.
NOTE:

The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due to left and

right suspension height differences. This condition is due to

driving surface differences or vehicle loading. In order for

the Stabilizer/Sway Bar to disconnect/reconnect, the right

WARNING!

Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on hard

surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h), you

may lose control of the vehicle, which could result in

serious injury or death. The front stabilizer bar enhances

vehicle stability and assists in maintaining control of the

vehicle. The system monitors vehicle speed and will

attempt to reconnect the stabilizer bar at speeds over

18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing off road

light and solid on road light. Once vehicle speed is

reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will

attempt to return to the Off-Road mode.

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324 STARTING AND OPERATING

and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment

may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or

rocked from side to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; push the SWAY BAR button

again.

SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON ONLY

Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics

Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capabilities. These

off-road capabilities will allow you to explore those wilder-

ness trails where few travel, providing a source of exciting

and satisfying recreation. Before you venture out, you

should contact your local governmental agency to determine

the designated off-road vehicle (ORV) trails or recreation

areas. You should always tread lightly and only use estab-

lished roads, trails or ORV recreational areas.
The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,

or local Department of Natural Resources are a wealth of

information and usually have maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection

Steel skid plates protect the major driveline components of

the truck including the fuel tank, transfer case and steering

damper. In addition, this vehicle is equipped with boxed

cross members and fore/aft rails. This additional protection

allows the vehicle to be utilized in severe off-road situations

that would be considered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)

The ramp travel index is the distance, in inches, that you can

drive your vehicle with one wheel on a 20-degree ramp

without lifting any other wheel off the ground. This distance

up the ramp divided by the wheelbase of the vehicle and

multiplied by 1,000 is the RTI. This vehicle has an RTI of 510,

which means you can articulate one front wheel 26 inches (66

cm) in the air while the other three wheels remain in contact

with the ground.

WARNING!

If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to On-Road

mode, vehicle stability is reduced. Do not attempt to

drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster

than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control of the

vehicle, which could result in serious injury or death.

Contact your local service center for assistance.

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Water Fording Characteristics

Water fording characteristic is the vehicle's ability to cross a

body of still water, where the powertrain and drivetrain are

safe from water ingestion. This vehicle has high water

fording characteristics with the ability to cross a pool of

water, without stopping, 24 inches (60 cm) deep at a

maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a pool of water

30 inches (76 cm) deep at a maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/

h), both with an entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.

Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation

Many off-road driving conditions require the simultaneous

use of the brake and throttle (two footed driving). When

climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects, using light

brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from

jerking or lurching. This technique is also used when you

need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline.

The Basics Of Off-Road Driving

You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.

You should be familiar with the terrain and area before

proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:

hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and

ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle's

steering, handling and traction. Controlling your vehicle is

one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always keep

a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good

driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or

braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed

limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use your

own good judgment on what is safe and what isn't. When on

a trail you should always be looking ahead for surface obsta-

cles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan your future

driving route while remembering what you are currently

driving over.

CAUTION!

The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm). Water may

intrude into the interior of the vehicle at greater depths.

WARNING!

Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.

Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road

situation.

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326 STARTING AND OPERATING

When To Use Low Range

When driving off-road, shift into 4LO (Low Range) for addi-

tional traction or to improve handling and control on slip-

pery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low range

will allow the engine to operate in a higher power range.

This will allow you to idle over obstacles and down hills,

with improved control and less effort. Also, use 4LO (Low

Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get heavy loads

rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4HI (High Range)

traction will not do the job.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand

There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in snow,

mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to steering,

acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you should accel-

erate slowly, leave greater stopping distances and avoid

abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a slow constant

steady pace. The key is to maintain the vehicle's momentum.

• Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control and trac-

tion at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear

and shift the transfer case to 4LO (Low Range) if necessary.

Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain

headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels

and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try

turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼ turn quickly

back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow

the tires to get a fresh "bite" and help maintain your

momentum.

• Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around

the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should

use 4LO (Low Range) with a gear low enough to maintain

your momentum without shifting. If you start to slow to a

stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a ¼

turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud

holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and

getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from

previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before

CAUTION!

Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other

combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle

exhaust system could cause a fire.

CAUTION!

On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high

engine RPMs or vehicle speeds because engine braking

may cause skidding and loss of control.

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entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it

is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can

be safely recovered if stuck.

• Sand – Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full

tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail

maintain your vehicle's momentum and do not stop. The

key to driving in soft sand using the appropriate tire pres-

sure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers and

maintaining the vehicle's momentum. If you are going to

be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your

tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for

a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will dras-

tically improve your traction and handling, while driving

on the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air

pressure before driving on pavement or other hard

surfaces. Be sure you have a way to air the tires back up

prior to reducing the pressure.

Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)

While driving off road, you will encounter many types of

terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different types of

obstacles. Before proceeding review the path ahead to deter-

mine the correct approach and your ability to safely recover the

vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a firm grip on the

steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then

inch the vehicle forward until it makes contact with the object.

Apply the throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure

and ease the vehicle up and over the object.

Using A Spotter

There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle or

determine the correct path. Determining the correct path can

be extremely difficult when you are confronting many obsta-

cles. In these cases have someone guide you over, through, or

around the obstacle. Have the person stand a safe distance in

front of you where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires

and undercarriage, and guide you through.

CAUTION!

Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and

total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire

unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your

speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.

WARNING!

Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system

loading which could cause you to loose control of your

vehicle.

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328 STARTING AND OPERATING

Crossing Large Rocks

When approaching large rocks, choose a path which ensures

you drive over the largest with your tires. This will lift your

undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread of the tire is

tougher and thicker than the side wall and is designed to

take the abuse. Always look ahead and make every effort to

cross the large rocks with your tires.

Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut

When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut,

the angled approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle's

mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-degree angle and

let each tire go through the obstacle independently. You

need to use caution when crossing large obstacles with steep

sides. Do not attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep

sides at an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a

rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the

right or left at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use

the removed dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just

created. You should now be able to drive out following the

trench you just created at a 45-degree angle.

Crossing Logs

To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately 10

to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of the

log while the other just starts to climb the log. While climbing

the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to avoid spin-

ning the log out from under your tires. Then ease the vehicle

off the log using your brakes.

CAUTION!

• Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough to

strike your axles or undercarriage.

• Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large

enough to contact the door sills.

WARNING!

There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an

obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter than

the running ground clearance or the vehicle will become

high centered.

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Getting High Centered

If you get hung up or high centered on an object, get out of

the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung up

on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the best

direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on what you are

in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a few rocks

under the tires so the weight is off of the high point when

you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the vehicle

or winching the vehicle off the object.

Hill Climbing

Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-

standing of your abilities and your vehicle's limitations. Hills

can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to climb

and should not be attempted. You should always feel confi-

dent with the vehicle and your abilities. You should always

climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a

hill on an angle.

• Before Climbing A Steep Hill – As you approach a hill

consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep.

Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the

trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other

side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or other obstacles on

the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something

goes wrong? If everything looks good and you feel confi-

dent, then change transmission into a lower gear, shift the

transfer case into 4LO (Low) and proceed with caution.

You should use first gear and 4LO (Low Range) for very

steep hills.

• Driving Up Hill – Once you have determined your ability

to proceed and have shifted into the appropriate gear, line

your vehicle up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate

with an easy constant throttle and apply more power as

you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep

grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose

control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the

throttle slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground.

As you approach the crest of the hill ease off the throttle

and slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip

as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator

and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no

more than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth. This will

provide a fresh "bite" into the surface and will usually

CAUTION!

Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects

increases the risk of underbody damage.

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330 STARTING AND OPERATING

provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do

not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and

back straight down the grade using engine resistance

along with the vehicle brakes.

• Driving Down Hill – Before driving down a steep hill you

need to determine if it is too steep for a safe descent. What

is the surface traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a

slow controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a

straight descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of

the hill to regain control if the vehicle descends too fast? If

you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make

sure you are in 4LO (Low Range) with the transmission in

first gear (instructionly select first gear on automatic transmis-

sions) and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to

control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but

do not allow the tires to lock.

• Driving Across An Incline – If at all possible avoid

driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your

vehicle's abilities. Driving across an incline places more

weight on the down hill wheels, which increases the possi-

bilities of a down hill slide or rollover. Make sure the

surface has good traction with firm and stable soils. If

possible transverse the incline at an angle heading slightly

up or down.

• If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway – If you stall or

begin to lose headway while climbing a steep hill, allow

your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately apply the

brake. Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE. Back

slowly down the hill allowing the compression braking of

the engine and transmission to help regulate your speed. If

WARNING!

Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around

on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases the

risk of a roll over, which may result in severe injury or

death.

WARNING!

Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle

brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descending

a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be

seriously injured or killed.

WARNING!

Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover,

which may result in severe injury.

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the brakes are required to control vehicle speed, apply

them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.

Driving Through Water

Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.

Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only be

attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible manner.

You should only drive through areas which are designated

and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage

to the environment. You should know your vehicle's abilities

and be able to recover it if something goes wrong. You

should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep

water unless you ingested water into the engine air intake. If

the engine stalls do not attempt to restart it. Determine if it

has ingested water first. The key to any crossing is low and

slow. You want to use first gear in 4L (Low Range) and

proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph

[5–8 km/h] maximum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle

moving; do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After

crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle differ-

entials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs

of water ingestion.

• Before You Cross Any Type Of Water – As you approach

any type of water you need to determine if you can cross it

safely and responsibly. If necessary, get out and walk

through the water or probe it with a stick. You need to be

sure of its depth, approach angle, current and bottom

condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters, check for

hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be intruding on

any wildlife and you can recover the vehicle if necessary.

The key to a safe crossing is the water depth, current and

bottom conditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in,

WARNING!

If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make

it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn

around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the

vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always back

carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE. Never back

down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes.

Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive

straight up or down.

CAUTION!

Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer

case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too

fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause

permanent damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle

components and your brakes will be less effective once

wet and/or muddy.

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332 STARTING AND OPERATING

effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Be

sure to consider this when determining the depth and the

ability to safely cross.

• Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other Standing

Water – Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas

normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water types

normally contain hidden obstacles and make it difficult to

determine an accurate water depth, approach angle, and

bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where

you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes

for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are able

to determine you can safely cross, than proceed using the low

and slow method.

• Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other

Flowing Water – Flowing water can be extremely dangerous.

Never attempt to cross a fast running stream or river even in

shallow water. Fast moving water can easily push your

vehicle downstream sweeping it out of control. Even in very

shallow water, a high current can still wash the dirt out from

around your tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy.

There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle damage

with slower water currents in depths greater than the

vehicle's running ground clearance. You should never

attempt to cross flowing water which is deeper than the

vehicle's running ground clearance. Even the slowest current

can push the heaviest vehicle downstream out of control if the

water is deep enough to push on the large surface area of the

vehicle's body. Before you proceed determine the speed of the

current, the water's depth, approach angle, bottom condition

and if there are any obstacles, then cross at an angle heading

slightly upstream using the low and slow technique.

Airing Down For Off-Road Driving

Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve your ride

comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing the tire air pressure

allows the tire to bulge slightly, improving its surface area

for better flotation and ability to mold or form to the ground

contour. Different terrain, tires, and vehicles require

different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like rock and heavier

vehicles require higher pressures than softer surfaces such as

CAUTION!

Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system

effectiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

WARNING!

Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can push

your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of control.

This could put you and your passengers at risk of injury

or drowning.