Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual

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

completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due
to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).

• Do not attempt to shift into or from 4L while the

transmission is in gear.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Light

The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster is used to alert the driver that the front
axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.

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

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

Transfer Case Switch (Four-Position)

524

STARTING AND OPERATING

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:

• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2WD

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

4WD LOCK

Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and

rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction for loose, slippery road
surfaces only.

4WD LOW

Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front
driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

NEUTRAL (N)

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

STARTING AND OPERATING

525

This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry, hard surfaced
roads.

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position.

Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.

The 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located on

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

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights

The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and
4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate
the current and desired transfer case selection. When you
select a different transfer case position, the indicator
lights will do the following:

If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the

transfer case completes the shift.

3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the

selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions Are
Not Met:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain

ON.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-

tinue to flash.

3. The transfer case will not shift.

NOTE:

Before retrying a selection, make certain that all

the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control switch back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the

⬙Shifting Procedure⬙ for your transfer

case, located in this section.

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it

means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.

WARNING!

Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.

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

STARTING AND OPERATING

527

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear drive shafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

Shifting Procedure

NOTE:

• If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The position indicator light for the previous
position will remain ON and the newly selected posi-
tion indicator light will continue to flash until all the
requirements for the selected position have been met.
To retry a shift: return the control switch back to the
original position, make certain all shift requirements
have been met, wait five seconds and try the shift
again.

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current position indicator
light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.

528

STARTING AND OPERATING

When the shift is complete, the position indicator light
for the selected position will stop flashing and remain
ON.

2WD To 4WD LOCK

Rotate the 4WD control switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn-
ing the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either running or off. This shift cannot be com-
pleted if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.

NOTE:

The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts

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

reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete
the shift.

2WD Or 4WD LOCK To 4WD LOW

NOTE:

When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some

gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.

Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. You can use
either of the following procedures:

Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to

3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control

switch to the desired position.

STARTING AND OPERATING

529

4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not

flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.

Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the

engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired

position.

4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not

flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.

NOTE:

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

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

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

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

Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped

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

530

STARTING AND OPERATING

This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
mode positions:

• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD

AUTO)

• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2WD

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

4WD AUTO

Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This range sends
power to the front wheels. The four – wheel drive system
will be automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a
loss of traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.

Transfer Case Switch (Five–Position)

STARTING AND OPERATING

531

4WD LOCK

Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.

4WD LOW

NEUTRAL (N)

Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat

towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.

This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD) or four-
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.

For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel
drive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is en-
gaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy than
the 2WD mode.

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to

532

STARTING AND OPERATING

maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position.

Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific
shifting instructions.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located on

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights

The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD,
4LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection. When you select a different transfer case posi-
tion, the indicator lights will do the following:

If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the

transfer case completes the shift.

3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the

selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.

STARTING AND OPERATING

533

If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions Are
Not Met:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain

ON.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-

tinue to flash.

3. The transfer case will not shift.

NOTE:

Before retrying a selection, make certain that all

⬙Shifting Procedure⬙ for your transfer

case, located in this section.

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it

means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.

WARNING!

Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury or death.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.

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

534

STARTING AND OPERATING

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

WARNING!

Shifting Procedure

NOTE:

• If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current position indicator
light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.

STARTING AND OPERATING

535

When the shift is complete, the position indicator light
for the selected position will stop flashing and remain
ON.

2WD To 4WD AUTO Or 4WD LOCK

Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK
can be done with the vehicle stopped or in motion. With
the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after turning the control switch. If the vehicle is
stopped, the ignition switch must be in the ON position
with the engine either running or OFF. This shift cannot
be completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.

NOTE:

The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts

between 2WD and 4WD AUTO/4WD LOCK if the front
and/or rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this
situation, the selected position indicator light will flash
and the original position indicator light will remain ON.

At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels
to complete the shift.

2WD Or 4WD AUTO Or 4WD LOCK To 4WD LOW

NOTE:

When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some

gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.

Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. Use either of
the following procedures:

Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to

3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. While still rolling, rotate the 4WD control switch to the

desired position.

536

STARTING AND OPERATING

4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not

flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.

Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.

2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the

engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the 4WD control switch to the desired position.

4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not

flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.

NOTE:

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

Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift
or if they no longer are being met while the shift
attempt is in process, the desired position indicator
light will flash continuously while the original position
indicator light is ON, until all requirements have been
met.

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

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

STARTING AND OPERATING

537

Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case (Eight Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped

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

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:

• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)

Transfer Case Switch (Four–Position) — Eight Speed

Transmission Only

538

STARTING AND OPERATING

• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

2WD

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

4WD LOCK

4WD LOW

Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low
speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front

driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

NEUTRAL (N)

This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry hard surfaced
roads). Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
2WD.

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to

STARTING AND OPERATING

539

Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual - part 33