138 STARTING AND OPERATING Transfer Case Position Indicator Light WARNING! information is available at the Ram Truck Body Builder’s web site: https://www.ramtrucks.com/ ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING 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. LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differential never run the engine with one rear wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive through the rear wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose control of the vehicle.
The standard power steering system provides increased vehicle response and ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is a difference between the traction characteristics of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs similarly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn. POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these conditions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers. NOTE: The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during slippery driving conditions.
With both rear wheels on a slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply maximum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight momentary application of the parking brake may be necessary to gain maximum traction. This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and the AS66RC/AS69RC automatic 6-speed, will allow for an aftermarket upfit with a transmission driven PTO (power take off). The customer will have the ability to operate the PTO in either a “stationary”, “mobile” or “remote” mode. The vehicles will be factory set to the “stationary” mode.
To select a different mode, or to change any other PTO setting, you will need to enter the commercial vehicle menu on the instrument cluster screen. Details of the PTO selection modes and further PTO Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system. Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any way damage the steering system.