2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Owner Manual - Page 325

324 STARTING AND OPERATING When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L 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 simply moving the shift lever to the desired positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can cause damage to the transfer case. NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and The "Transfer Case Position Indicator Light" in the rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take instrument cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are in four-wheel drive and that the front and rear drivespinning can cause damage to the transfer case. shafts are locked together. This light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, position. There is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit. positions. When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions