2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 313

STARTING AND OPERATING 313 This Electronically Shifted transfer case provides 5 mode positions: 2 wheel drive (2WD), 4WD AUTO, 4WD HI, Neutral and 4WD Lo. The Electronically Shifted transfer case is designed to be driven in the 2 wheel drive position (2WD) or 4 wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and highway conditions (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 engaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode. When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD HI and 4WD LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position - see Shifting Procedure section for specific shifting instructions. The 4WD HI and 4WD LO positions are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HI and 4WD LO positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. 5