RAM 1500 TRX (2022 year). Manual in english — page 14

STARTING AND OPERATING

221

Drive forward at least 100 ft (30 m), perform a 90

degree turn and return to a straight position for at

least another 100 ft (30 m). Perform another 90

degree turn, followed by another straight drive of at

least 100 ft (30 m). Check that the system has

calibrated by pushing the TRSC button.

NOTE:

The 90 degree turns could be in either the left or

right direction.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Calibration

Using TRSC

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Knob

To use the system, place the gear selector in PARK

and put your foot on the brake. Push the activation

button located above the TRSC knob in the center

stack.

The LED on the button will glow solid and the

instrument cluster display will direct you to shift to

REVERSE. Once in REVERSE the system is active.

Remove hands from the steering wheel and slowly

back up while turning the TRSC knob in the

direction you want the trailer to go. Turning the

knob clockwise will cause the trailer to turn right.

Turning the knob counterclockwise will cause the

trailer to turn left. If you release the knob, it will

return to its center position, and the trailer will

back up in a straight line.
Continue to control the accelerator and brake

while backing the trailer up.

NOTE:

While active, TRSC will automatically disable the

Rear Park Assist system if it was previously

enabled.
The system will limit the top speed your vehicle can

travel in REVERSE while using the feature. If

needed, you can shift to DRIVE or NEUTRAL to pull

forward to get more room or straighten out the

trailer, and shift back to REVERSE without the need

to reactivate the feature.
The feature will cancel after 30 seconds in

DRIVE or when the vehicle speed reaches 8 mph

(12 km/h).
To cancel out of the feature, come to a stop and

shift to PARK, or push the TRSC activation button.

1 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)
2 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft

(15-20 m) in either direction
3 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)
4 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft

(15-20 m) in either direction

5 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)
6 — Straight 100 ft (30 m), making sure to align

vehicle/trailer to path center line
7 — Feature is active, turn knob left or right to

back the trailer up

CAUTION!

Always observe the position of the trailer and

surroundings using the camera and mirrors to

avoid damage to the truck or trailer.

4

222

STARTING AND OPERATING

Instrument Cluster Messages:



“Calibrate Trailer ” will display when a trailer

is not calibrated and the vehicle is at a standstill

while the button is pushed.



“Calibrating Trailer” will display when the trailer

is not calibrated and the vehicle is moving while

the button is pushed.



“To Activate Trailer Steering Shift To P” will

display when the trailer is calibrated success

-

fully, the TRSC activation button is pushed and

the vehicle is not in PARK.



“Trailer Steering Ready, Shift To Reverse” will

display when the button is pushed, trailer is

calibrated and the vehicle is in PARK.



“Trailer Steering Active” will display after the

driver shifts to REVERSE and indicates the

feature is active.



“Trailer Steering Unavailable” will display if

there is a fault in the system preventing activa

-

tion, the driver’s door is open, the driver’s seat

belt is unbuckled, or the tailgate is open.

Other reasons the feature may cancel:



The driver overrides steering by placing hands

on the steering wheel.



Trailer tracking is lost.



If the trailer angle becomes excessive, the

brakes apply bringing the vehicle to a stop and

then applying the parking brake.



Trailer steering button is pushed while active.



Vehicle speed goes over 8 mph (12 km/h).



Driver door is open and seat belt is unbuckled.



Transmission shifted to PARK.

Trailer Memory
The trailer steering system will automatically retain

the calibration of the previous five trailers

connected, so recalibration will not be necessary

when hooking up. The next time the vehicle is

started, place the vehicle in DRIVE and drive a

short distance. The TRSC system can then be

activated.

NOTE:

Trailers may look different during day and night

conditions. In such cases, the trailer may need to

recalibrate.

Some trailers (such as boat trailers) will need to

recalibrate while loaded and unloaded.

NOTE:



The system may not detect a trailer in low light

conditions. In sunny conditions, the perfor

-

mance may be degraded as shadows pass over

the trailer.



The driver is always responsible for safe opera

-

tion of truck and trailer.



The driver is always in control of the truck as

well as the trailer and is responsible for

controlling the throttle and brakes.



The system may not function when the camera

lens is blocked, blurred (covered with water,

snow, ice, dirt, etc) and will not work unless the

tailgate is upright and fully latched.

T

OWING

R

EQUIREMENTS

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle

drivetrain components, the following guidelines

are recommended.

STARTING AND OPERATING

223

(Continued)

(Continued)

Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled

Servicing section for the proper maintenance

intervals

Ú

page 402. When towing a trailer, never

exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.

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.



Replacing tires with a higher load carrying

capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR

and GAWR limits.



For further information

Ú

page 454.

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.

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

difficult 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. Overloading

can cause a loss of control, poor performance

or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis

-

sion, 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

WARNING!



GAWR



Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch

utilized

WARNING!

4

224

STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes



Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system

or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of

the trailer.



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 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers

in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) —

If Equipped

Your vehicle may have an 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:
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).

WARNING!



Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's

hydraulic brake lines. It can overload 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 stopping

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 lb (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

STARTING AND OPERATING

225

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.
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.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the Trailer

Brake Status Indicator Light will flash.
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 your 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 is plugged in with electric or

EOH brakes, 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.

4

226

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

*The suggested selection 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 117.

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 manufacturer 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 autho

-

rized 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, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are

required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin

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 connect 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 lb

*Above 10,000 lb

*Under 10,000 lb

*Above 10,000 lb

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

227

NOTE:



Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the

vehicle (or any other device plugged into the

vehicle's electrical connectors) before

launching a boat 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 124.

When activated the feature will enable all of the

exterior lights sequentially for up to five minutes

for 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

This light check sequence will continue for a total

of five minutes.

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

4

228

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 is in ACC or ON/RUN



Remote start is inactive



Brakes are not applied



Left turn signal is not applied



Right turn signal is 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 towing, 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.

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 (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 experience

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

229

Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the

vehicle, the air suspension system can be used

Ú

page 167. Selecting Tow/Haul or connecting a

trailer with an Integrated Trailer Brake Module

(ITBM) will disable Automatic Aero mode to avoid

height changes while towing and shifting loads or

tongue weights.

NOTE:

The vehicle must remain in the engine running

position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling

of the air suspension system.

SNOWPLOW

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 recom

-

mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow

the recommendations contained within the current

Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer,

installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor

-

mation. 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 exces

-

sive 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

Builder’s Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the

truck should not exceed two.

2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear

GAWR should never be exceeded.

3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition

of options or passengers, etc.

The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow

system, all aftermarket accessories, driver,

passengers, options, and cargo, must not exceed

either the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross

Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. These weights are

specified on the Safety Compliance Certification

Label on the driver's side door opening.

NOTE:

Detach the snowplow when transporting

passengers.

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.

4

230

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 4WD LOW 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 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

231

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.



Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension must be placed in Transport mode before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or

flatbed truck

Ú

page 167. If the vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles

(not to the body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF The

Ground

Two-Wheel Drive

Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

See Instructions



Transmission in PARK



Transfer case in N (Neutral)



Tow in forward direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

OK

OK

4

232

STARTING AND OPERATING

(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:

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure

the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
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. Apply the parking brake. Place the

transmission in PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly,

following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

5. Turn the ignition OFF.
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:

The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral)

for recreational towing. The transmission 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.

CAUTION!



DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD 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 N (Neutral). To be certain the

transfer case is fully in N (Neutral), perform

the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into N

(Neutral)”. Internal transmission damage will

result, if the transfer case is not in N (Neutral)

during towing.



The transmission must be in PARK for recre

-

ational towing.



Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is

released, and remains released, while being

towed.



Towing this vehicle in violation of the above

requirements can cause severe transmission

and/or transfer case damage. Damage from

improper towing is not covered under the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty.



Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because

fluid will leak from the transfer case, causing

damage to internal parts.



Do not use a fascia/bumper-mounted

clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle.

The fascia/bumper face bar will be damaged.

CAUTION!

STARTING AND OPERATING

233

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. Apply the

parking brake.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

The driver's door must be closed (or the

driver's seat belt buckled) so that the

transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when the

brake pedal is released.

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure

the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push

and hold the recessed transfer case N

(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer

case switches). The N (Neutral) indicator light

will illuminate, and remain lit, 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 the transmission in

DRIVE.

9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. 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. The transmission will automatically

select PARK when the engine is turned off.

10. Turn the ignition off.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a

suitable tow bar.

12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do

not start the engine.

13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.

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 transmission

is in PARK. The parking brake should always be

applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain

that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)

before recreational towing to prevent damage to

internal parts.

4

234

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:



Steps 2 and 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 indicator

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.



If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension,

the engine should be started and left running for

a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors

closed) at least once every 24 hours. This

process allows the air suspension to adjust the

vehicle’s ride height to compensate for

temperature effects.

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. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift

the transmission into NEUTRAL.

4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push

and hold the recessed transfer case N

(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer

case switches).

5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,

release the N (Neutral) button.

6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will

automatically select PARK when the engine is

turned off.

7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.

11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the

brake pedal, and check that the vehicle

operates normally.

NOTE:



Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be

met before pushing the button to shift out of N

(Neutral), and must continue to be met until the

shift has been completed. If any of these

requirements are not met before pushing the

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 button

is released.



The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a

shift to take place and for the position indicator

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

235

(Continued)

DRIVING TIPS

D

RIVING

O

N

S

LIPPERY

S

URFACES

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other

slippery 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.

D

RIVING

T

HROUGH

W

ATER

Driving through water more than a few inches/

centimeters deep will require extra caution to

ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Flowing/Rising Water

Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through

shallow standing water, consider the following

Cautions and Warnings before doing so.

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.).

WARNING!

Do not drive on or across a road or path where

water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm

run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road

or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink

into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or

rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly.

Failure to follow this warning may result in

injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your

passengers, and others around you.

WARNING!



Driving through standing water limits your

vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed

5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through

standing water.



Driving through standing water limits your

vehicle’s braking capabilities, which increases

stopping distances. Therefore, after driving

through standing water, drive slowly and

lightly press on the brake pedal several times

to dry the brakes.



Failure to follow these warnings may result in

injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your

passengers, and others around you.

CAUTION!



Always check the depth of the standing water

before driving through it. Never drive through

standing water that is deeper than the bottom

of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.



Determine the condition of the road or the

path that is under water and if there are any

obstacles in the way before driving through

the standing water.

4

236

STARTING AND OPERATING

O

FF

-R

OAD

D

RIVING

T

IPS

Care should be taken when attempting to climb

steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or

slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel

diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle

and keep as little side tilt as possible.

Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly

and cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down

using REVERSE gear. Never back down in

NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft

terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily.

Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning

the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type

of driving.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your

vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going

off-road, it is always a good idea to check for

damage. That way you can get any problems taken

care of right away and have your vehicle ready

when you need it.



Completely inspect the underbody of your

vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,

suspension, and exhaust system for damage.



Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and

clean as required.



Check threaded fasteners for looseness, partic

-

ularly on the chassis, drivetrain components,

steering, and suspension. Retighten them, if

required, and torque to the values specified in

the Service Manual.



Check for accumulations of plants or brush.

These things could be a fire hazard. They might

hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle

pinion seals, and propeller shafts.



After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or

similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan,

brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle

yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as

possible.



If you experience unusual vibration after driving

in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the

wheels for impacted material. Impacted mate

-

rial can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing

the wheels of it will correct the situation.



Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving

through standing water. This will minimize

wave effects.



Driving through standing water may cause

damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain

components. Always inspect your vehicle’s

fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.)

for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is

milky or foamy in appearance) after driving

through standing water. Do not continue to

operate the vehicle if any fluid appears

contaminated, as this may result in further

damage. Such damage is not covered by the

New Vehicle Limited Warranty.



Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause

serious internal damage to the engine. Such

damage is not covered by the New Vehicle

Limited Warranty.

CAUTION!

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may

cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking.

You might not have full braking power when you

need it to prevent a collision. If you have been

operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get

your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary.