RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2021 year). Manual in english — page 13

202

STARTING AND OPERATING

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch system works by

applying leverage through spring (load) bars.

They are typically used for heavier loads to

distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow

vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When

used in accordance with the manufacturer's

directions, it provides for a more level ride,

offering more consistent steering and brake

control, thereby enhancing towing safety.

The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control

also dampens sway caused by traffic and

crosswinds and contributes positively to tow

vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer Sway Control

(TSC) and a weight distributing (load equalizing)

hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue

Weights (TW) and may be required depending

on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to

comply with GAWR requirements.

Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)

Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch

(Incorrect)

WARNING!



An improperly adjusted weight distributing

hitch system may reduce handling, stability

and braking performance and could result

in a collision.



Weight distributing systems may not be

compatible with surge brake couplers.

Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac

-

turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle

dealer for additional information.

STARTING AND OPERATING

203

Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to

the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

2. Measure the height of the top of the front

wheel opening on the fender to ground, this

is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the

weight distribution bars connected.

4. Measure the height of the top of the front

wheel opening on the fender to ground, this

is height H2.

5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight

distributing bars per the manufacturers’

recommendations so that the height of the

front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/

2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between

H2 and H1 above normal ride height [H1]).

6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer

and weight distributing hitch to confirm

manufacturers’ recommendations have

been met.

NOTE:

For all towing conditions, we recommend towing

with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform

with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of

the tow vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a

vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling

king pin.
Your truck may be equipped with a fifth wheel

hitch option. Refer to the separately provided

fifth wheel hitch safety, care, assembly, and

operating instructions.

Gooseneck Hitch

The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted

coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted

in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm

connects to the hitch mounted over the rear

axle in the truck bed.

Measurement

Example

Example 2500/

3500 Height (mm)

H1

1,030

H2

1,058

H2-H1

28

(H2-H1)/2

14

(H2-H1)/2 + H1

1,044

4

204

STARTING AND OPERATING

T

RAILER

H

ITCH

T

YPE

AND

M

AXIMUM

T

RAILER

W

EIGHT

The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you

in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty

10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck

Greater than 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

205

T

RAILER

T

OWING

W

EIGHTS

(M

AXIMUM

T

RAILER

W

EIGHT

R

ATINGS

)

NOTE:

For trailer towing information (maximum trailer

weight ratings) refer to the following website

addresses:



ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/



ramtruck.ca (Canada)



rambodybuilder.com

T

RAILER

A

ND

T

ONGUE

W

EIGHT

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight

stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing

the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:



The tongue weight of the trailer.



The weight of any other type of cargo or

equipment put in or on your vehicle.



The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, addi

-

tional factory-installed options or dealer-installed

options must be considered as part of the total

load on your vehicle. For the maximum combined

weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle

Ú

page 411.

T

OWING

R

EQUIREMENTS

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle

drivetrain components, the following guidelines

are recommended.

Perform the maintenance listed in the

“Scheduled Servicing”

Ú

page 353. When

towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or

GCWR ratings.

CAUTION!

Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in

the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the

GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads

balanced over the wheels or heavier in the

rear can cause the trailer to sway severely

side to side which will cause loss of control of

the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers

heavier in front is the cause of many trailer

collisions.

CAUTION!



Do not tow a trailer at all during the first

500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is

driven. The engine, axle or other parts could

be damaged.



Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)

that a trailer is towed, do not drive over

50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts

at full throttle. This helps the engine and

other parts of the vehicle wear in at the

heavier loads.

4

206

STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

Towing Requirements — Tires



Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a

compact spare tire.



Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h)

when towing while using a full size spare tire.



Proper tire inflation pressures are essential

to the safe and satisfactory operation of your

vehicle.



Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation

pressures before trailer usage.



Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire

damage before towing a trailer.



For the proper tire replacement procedures.

Replacing tires with a higher load carrying

capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR

and GAWR limits.



For further information

Ú

page 406.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes



Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake

system or vacuum system of your vehicle

with that of the trailer. This could cause inad

-

equate braking and possible personal injury.



An electronically actuated trailer brake

controller is required when towing a trailer

with electronically actuated brakes. When

towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic

surge actuated brake system, an electronic

brake controller is not required.



Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers

over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for

trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

WARNING!



Make certain that the load is secured in the

trailer and will not shift during travel. When

trailering cargo that is not fully secured,

dynamic load shifts can occur that may be diffi

-

cult for the driver to control. You could lose

control of your vehicle and have a collision.



When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do

not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over

-

loading can cause a loss of control, poor

performance or damage to brakes, axle,

engine, transmission, steering, suspension,

chassis structure or tires.



Safety chains must always be used

between your vehicle and trailer. Always

connect the chains to the hook retainers of

the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under

the trailer tongue and allow enough slack

for turning corners.



Vehicles with trailers should not be parked

on a grade. When parking, apply the

parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the

tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For

four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the

transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,

block or "chock" the trailer wheels.



GCWR must not be exceeded.



Total weight must be distributed between

the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the

following four ratings are not exceeded:



GVWR



GTW



GAWR



Tongue weight rating for the trailer

hitch utilized.

WARNING!

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

207

Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If

Equipped

Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer

Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Electric

Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.

NOTE:

This module has been designed and verified

with electric trailer brakes and new EOH

systems. Some previous EOH systems may not

be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left

to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes

independent of the tow vehicle's brakes. If the

manual brake control lever is activated while

the brake is also applied, the greater of the two

inputs determines the power sent to the trailer

brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will

come on when braking normally with the vehicle

brake pedal. Only the trailer stop lamps will

come on when the manual brake control lever is

applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical

connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the

ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment

button or sliding the manual brake control lever will

display the GAIN setting for 10 seconds and the

“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will not be

displayed.

WARNING!



Do not connect trailer brakes to your

vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over

-

load your brake system and cause it to fail.

You might not have brakes when you need

them and could have an accident.



Towing any trailer will increase your stop

-

ping distance. When towing, you should

allow for additional space between your

vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Failure to do so could result in an accident.

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs

(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own

brakes and they should be of adequate

capacity. Failure to do this could lead to

accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake

pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

1 — GAIN - Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN + Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever

4

208

STARTING AND OPERATING

If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the

“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake

control power output to the trailer brakes in

0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be

increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased

to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake

control for the specific towing condition and

should be changed as towing conditions

change. Changes to towing conditions include

trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and

weather.
Adjusting GAIN

NOTE:

This should only be performed in a traffic-free

environment at speeds of approximately

20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good

working condition, functioning normally

and properly adjusted. See a trailer dealer

if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical

connections according to the trailer

manufacturer's instructions.

3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is

plugged in, the trailer connected message

should appear in the instrument cluster

display (if the connection is not recognized

by the ITBM, braking functions will not be

available), the GAIN setting will illuminate

and the correct type of trailer must be

selected from the instrument cluster display

options.

4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the

steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW”

appears on the screen.

5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel

to enter “TRAILER TOW”.

6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the

Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.

7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP

or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer

Brake Type appears on the screen.

8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer

on a dry, level surface at a speed of

20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze

the manual brake control lever completely.

9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by

squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if

the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the

GAIN setting.

Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at

a point just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing

a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be

attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting

of 10.

STARTING AND OPERATING

209

* The suggested selection depends and

may change depending on the customer

preferences for braking performance. Condition

of the trailer brakes, driving and road state may

also affect the selection.
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the

instrument cluster display. Display messages,

along with a single chime, will be displayed

when a malfunction is determined in the trailer

connection, trailer brake control, or on the

trailer

Ú

page 90.

NOTE:



An aftermarket controller may be available

for use with trailers with air or EOH trailer

brake systems. To determine the type of

brakes on your trailer and the availability of

controllers, check with your trailer manufac

-

turer or dealer.



Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it

may cause damage to the electrical system

and electronic modules of the vehicle. See an

authorized dealer if an aftermarket module is

to be installed.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And

Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the

trailer size, stoplights and turn signals on the

trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and

seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory

approved trailer harness and connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s

wiring harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to

the vehicle but you must mate the harness

to a trailer connector. Refer to the following

illustrations.

Light Electric

Heavy Electric

Light EOH

Heavy EOH

Type of Trailer Brakes

Electric Trailer Brakes

Electric Trailer Brakes

Electric over Hydraulic

Trailer Brakes

Electric over Hydraulic

Trailer Brakes

Load

*Under 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) *Above 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) *Under 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) *Above 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)

WARNING!

Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with

the ITBM system may result in reduced or

complete loss of trailer braking. There may be a

increase in stopping distance or trailer instability

which could result in personal injury.

CAUTION!

Connecting a trailer that is not compatible

with the ITBM system may result in reduced

or complete loss of trailer braking. There may

be a increase in stopping distance or trailer

instability which could result in damage to

your vehicle, trailer, or other property.

4

210

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:



Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the

vehicle before launching a boat (or any other

device plugged into vehicle’s electrical

connect) into water.



Be sure to reconnect once clear from water

area.

Four-Pin Connector

Seven-Pin Connector

Trailer Light Check
This feature will run the trailer lights through a

sequence to check the trailer light function. It is

available in the instrument cluster under the

Trailer Tow menu

Ú

page 94.

When activated the feature will enable all of the

exterior lights sequentially for up to five minutes

allowing time to walk around and verify

functionality. The following exterior lights will

remain on for the entirety of the sequence:



Park/Running Lamps



Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)



License Lamp



Signature Lamp (if equipped)



Low Beams



Fog Lamps (if equipped)



Daytime Running Lamps

During this time the following lights will

sequence, each activating for three seconds:

1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)

2. Left turn signal

3. Right turn signal

4. Reverse Lamps

5. High Beam

1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes

STARTING AND OPERATING

211

This light check sequence will continue for a

total of five minutes.
The sequence will only activate if the following

conditions are met:



Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow

Package



Vehicle is in PARK



Vehicle is not in motion



Ignition in ACC or RUN



Remote start is inactive



Brakes are not applied



Left turn signal is not applied



Right turn signal not applied



Hazard switch is not applied

The sequence will cancel if any of the following

conditions occur:



Brakes are applied



Vehicle is shifted from PARK



Vehicle is no longer stationary



Left turn signal activated from stalk



Right turn signal is activated from stalk



Hazard switch is activated



Any button on the key fob is pushed



Ignition button is pushed



High Beam stalk position is changed



Sequence is canceled in the instrument

cluster

T

OWING

T

IPS

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,

stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area

located away from heavy traffic.

Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.

The transmission controls include a drive

strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.

However, if frequent shifting does occur while in

DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower

gear range (using the Electronic Range Select

(ERS) shift control).

NOTE:

Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower

gear range (using the ERS shift control) while

operating the vehicle under heavy loading

conditions will improve performance and

extend transmission life by reducing excessive

shifting and heat build-up. This action will also

provide better engine braking.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades

at low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below),

holding your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the

ERS shift control) can help to avoid

transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than

45 minutes of continuous operation, then

change the automatic transmission fluid and

filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or

frequent trailer towing."

Ú

page 354.

NOTE:

Check the automatic transmission fluid level

before towing (Six-speed automatic only).

4

212

STARTING AND OPERATING

Tow/Haul Mode

To reduce potential for automatic transmission

overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when

driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear

range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)

shift control) on more severe grades.

Cruise Control — If Equipped



Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy

loads.



When using the Cruise Control, if you experi

-

ence speed drops greater than 10 mph

(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back

to cruising speed.



Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with

light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.

SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED

Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a

factory installed option. These packages

include components necessary to equip your

vehicle with a snowplow.

NOTE:

Before installation of a snowplow it is highly

recommended that the owner/installer obtain

and follow the recommendations contained

within the current Body Builders Guide. See an

authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manu

-

facturer for this information. There are unique

electrical systems that must be connected to

properly ensure operator safety and prevent

overloading vehicle systems.

B

EFORE

P

LOWING



Check the hydraulic system for leaks and

proper fluid level.



Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper

tightness.



Check the runners and cutting edge for

excessive wear. The cutting edge should be

¼ to ½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground

in snow plowing position.



Check that snowplow lighting is connected

and functioning properly.

S

NOWPLOW

P

REP

P

ACKAGE

M

ODEL

A

VAILABILITY

For Information about snowplow applications

visit www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current

Body Builders Guide.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the

truck should not exceed two.

2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the

Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.

3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the

addition of options or passengers, etc.

WARNING!

Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could

adversely affect performance of the airbag

system in a collision. Do not expect that the

airbag will perform as described earlier in this

manual.

CAUTION!

The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if

exterior lamps are not properly installed.

STARTING AND OPERATING

213

The loaded vehicle weight, including the

snowplow system, all aftermarket accessories,

driver, passengers, options, and cargo, must

not exceed either the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR). These weights are specified on the

Safety Compliance Certification Label on the

driver's side door opening.

NOTE:

Detach the snowplow when transporting

passengers.

Vehicle front end wheel alignment was

set to specifications at the factory without

consideration for the weight of the plow.

Front end toe-in should be checked and reset

if necessary at the beginning and end of the

snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven

tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the

vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow

equipment following the recommendations

provided by the specific snowplow manufacturer.

O

VER

T

HE

R

OAD

O

PERATION

W

ITH

S

NOWPLOW

A

TTACHED

The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and

causes the engine to operate at higher than

normal temperatures. Therefore, when

transporting the plow, angle the blade completely

and position it as low as road or surface

conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph

(64 km/h). The operator should always maintain

a safe stopping distance and allow adequate

passing clearance.

O

PERATING

T

IPS

Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph

(32 km/h) should be maximum operating

speed. The operator should be familiar with the

area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed

and use extreme caution when plowing

unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.

G

ENERAL

M

AINTENANCE

Snowplows should be maintained in

accordance with the plow manufacturer's

instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and

battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and

drivetrain damage, the following precautions

should be observed.



Operate with transfer case in 4L when

plowing small or congested areas where

speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph

(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in

4WD High.



Vehicles with automatic transmissions

should use 4WD Low range when plowing

deep or heavy snow for extended periods of

time to avoid transmission overheating.



Do not shift the transmission unless the

engine has returned to idle and wheels have

stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the

brake pedal while shifting the transmission.

4

214

STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)

T

OWING

T

HIS

V

EHICLE

B

EHIND

A

NOTHER

V

EHICLE

NOTE:

When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF The

Ground

Two-Wheel Drive

Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

See Instructions



Automatic transmission in PARK



Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)



Tow in forward direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

OK

OK

STARTING AND OPERATING

215

(Continued)

R

ECREATIONAL

T

OWING

— T

WO

-W

HEEL

D

RIVE

M

ODELS

DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the

drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive

models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are

OFF the ground. This may be accomplished

using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow

dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,

following the dolly manufacturer's

instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place

automatic transmission in PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the

dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's

instructions.

5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and

remove the key fob.

6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed

for towing, to secure the front wheels in the

straight position.

R

ECREATIONAL

T

OWING

—

F

OUR

-W

HEEL

D

RIVE

M

ODELS

NOTE:

Both the manual shift and electronically shifted

transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral)

for recreational towing. Automatic transmis

-

sions must be shifted into PARK for recreational

towing. Refer to the following for the proper

transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for

your vehicle.

CAUTION!



Towing with the rear wheels on the ground

will cause severe transmission damage.

Damage from improper towing is not

covered under the New Vehicle Limited

Warranty.



Do not disconnect the driveshaft because

fluid may leak from the transmission,

causing damage to internal parts.

CAUTION!



DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive

vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels

on the ground (front or rear) will cause

severe transmission and/or transfer case

damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON

the ground, or OFF the ground (using a

vehicle trailer).



Tow only in the forward direction. Towing

this vehicle backwards can cause severe

damage to the transfer case.



Before recreational towing, the transfer

case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain the

transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform

the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into

NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage

will result, if the transfer case is not in

NEUTRAL during towing.



The transmission must be placed in PARK

for recreational towing.



Towing this vehicle in violation of the above

requirements can cause severe transmis

-

sion and/or transfer case damage. Damage

from improper towing is not covered under

the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

4

216

STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Into N (Neutral)

Use the following procedure to prepare your

vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on

level ground, with the engine running.

Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

3. Press and hold the brake pedal.

4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):



With manual shift transfer case, shift the

transfer case lever into N (Neutral).



With electronically shifted transfer

case, push and hold the transfer case

N (Neutral) button. Some models have a

small, recessed "N" button (at the center

of the transfer case switches) that must be

pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar

object. Other models have a rectangular

N (Neutral) switch, below the rotary

transfer case control knob. The N (Neutral)

indicator light will blink while the shift is in

progress. The light will stop blinking (stay

on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is

complete. After the shift is completed and

the N (Neutral) light stays on, release the

N (Neutral) button.

5. Release the parking brake.

6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds

and ensure that there is no vehicle

movement.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic

transmission in DRIVE.

9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly

apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine.

For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, push

and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button

until the engine shuts off.

10. Shift the transmission into PARK.

11. Place the ignition in the OFF mode, and

remove the key fob.

12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a

suitable tow bar.

13. Release the parking brake.



Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft

because fluid will leak from the transfer

case, causing damage to internal parts.



Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on

tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face

bar will be damaged.

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 driveshafts from the

powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to

roll, even if the automatic transmission is

in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear).

The parking brake should always be applied

when the driver is not in the vehicle.

CAUTION!

(Continued)

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be

certain that the transfer case is fully in

NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to

prevent damage to internal parts.

STARTING AND OPERATING

217

NOTE:

With electronically shifted transfer case:



Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that

must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)

button, and must continue to be met until the

shift has been completed. If any of these

requirements are not met before pushing the

N (Neutral) button or are no longer met

during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light

will flash continuously until all requirements

are met or until the N (Neutral) button is

released.



The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for

a shift to take place and for the position indi

-

cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is

not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not

take place and no position indicator lights will

be on or flashing.



A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not

been met.

Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)

Use the following procedure to prepare your

vehicle for normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,

leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.

3. Press and hold the brake pedal.

4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission

into NEUTRAL.



With manual shift transfer case, shift the

transfer case lever to the desired position.



With electronically shifted transfer case

with rotary selector switch, push and hold

the transfer case N (Neutral) button until

the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off.

After the N (Neutral) indicator light turns

off, release the N (Neutral) button. After

the N (Neutral) button has been released,

the transfer case will shift to the position

indicated by the selector switch.



With electronically shifted transfer case

with push-button selector switch, push

and hold the switch for the desired

transfer case position, until the N

(Neutral) indicator light turns off and the

desired position indicator light turns on.

NOTE:

When shifting the transfer case out of

N (Neutral), turning the engine off is not

required, but may be helpful to avoid gear clash.

With 8-speed automatic transmission, the

engine must remain running, since turning the

engine off will shift the transmission to PARK

(and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL for

the transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).

5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic

transmission into PARK. On 8-speed

transmissions the shifter will automatically

select PARK when the engine is turned off.

6. Release the brake pedal.

7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

8. Start the engine.

9. Press and hold the brake pedal.

10. Release the parking brake.

11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the

brake pedal, and check that the vehicle

operates normally.

4