Dodge 2500 (2009 year). Manual

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).

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
transfer case.

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 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 driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

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.

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4WD AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic Range - This range auto-
matically engages when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road conditions.

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.

4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

N
Neutral - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section.

Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case

NOTE:

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

position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for
the previous position will remain ON and the newly
selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will
continue to flash until all the requirements for the
selected position have been met. To retry a shift: return
the control knob back to the original position, make
certain all shift requirements have been met, wait five
seconds and try the shift again.

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269

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will turn OFF, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is completed, “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain ON.

2WD

⇔ 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK

Rotate the transfer case 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 switch. If the vehicle is
stopped, the ignition key must be in the ON position,
with the engine either RUNNING or OFF. This shift
cannot be completed if the key is in the accessory (ACC)
position.

2WD or 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK

⇔ 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 transfer case switch to the
desired position.

4. After the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.

2. With the key ON and the engine either off or running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.

4. After the desired “Transfer Case 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, then the desired “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will flash continuously while
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” is
ON, until all requirements have been met.

• The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place

and for the “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights”
to be operable. If the key is not ON, then the shift will
not take place and no “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Lights” will be on or flashing.

• If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer than

21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”

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271

Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (Four Position Switch) —
If Equipped
This is an electronically shifted transfer case and is
operated by the 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 range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• 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.

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW 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 transfer case switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD

Transfer Case Switch (Four Position)

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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 in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected

by depressing the recessed button located on the lower
left hand corner of the transfer case switch. The transfer
case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational
towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights —
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Only
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights” are located
in the instrument cluster and indicate the current and
desired transfer case selection. When you select a differ-
ent transfer case position, the “Transfer Case Position
Indicator Lights” will do the following:

If all shift conditions are met:

1. The current “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will turn OFF.

NEUTRAL Button

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273

2. The selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.

3. When the shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Posi-
tion Indicator Light” for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain ON.

If one or more shift conditions are not met:

1. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for the
current position will remain ON.

2. The newly selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will continue 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 transfer case 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 of the Owner’s Manual.

The “Service 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
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

ⴖService 4WD Warning Light”

is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.

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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).

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
transfer case.

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!

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275

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.

N
Neutral - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section.

Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case

NOTE:

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

276

STARTING AND OPERATING

• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case

position have been met, the current “Transfer Case
Position Indicator Light” will turn OFF, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift. When the
shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Light” for the selected position will stop flashing
and remain ON.

2WD

⇔ 4WD LOCK

Rotate the transfer case 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 switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition key
must be in the ON position with the engine either
running or off. This shift cannot be completed if the key
is in the ACC position.

NOTE:

The transfer case will not allow shifts between

2WD and 4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will flash and
the original “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will
remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning
the wheels to complete the shift.

2WD or 4WD LOCK

⇔ 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 engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3
to 5 km/h).

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277

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case switch to the
desired position.

4. After the desired “Transfer Case 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 key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the transfer case switch into the desired posi-
tion.

4. After the desired “Transfer Case 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, the desired “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will flash continuously while the original
“Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” is ON, until
all requirements have been met.

• The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place

and for the “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights”
to be operable. If the key is not ON then the shift will
not take place and no “Transfer Case Position Indica-
tor Lights” will be on or flashing.

• If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer than

21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”

278

STARTING AND OPERATING

AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY
This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front
and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,
mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the
wheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming
stuck. The locking front and rear differentials should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situa-
tions where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with
the ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle
with the differentials locked on pavement due to the
reduced ability to turn and speed limitations.

CAUTION!

• Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced

roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced
and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the
axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.

• Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is

stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.

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279

The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch
located on the center console.

The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR LOCK. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the switch should be left in the AXLE
UNLOCK position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the

front and rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK
position, the rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR
LOCK position, the front and rear axles are locked.

NOTE:

Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK

position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.

During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.

To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to
“Four Wheel Drive Operation” in this section of the
manual. Move the axle locker switch position to REAR
LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The RR
indicator light will remain on when the rear axle is
locked.

Locking Axle Switch

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

Left to right wheel speed difference may be

necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator
light is flashing after placing the switch in the REAR
LOCK or FRONT/REAR LOCK position, drive the ve-
hicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.

WARNING!

Do not use the locked axle position for normal
driving. A locked front axle is intended for off-road
driving only. Locking the front axle during on-road
driving will reduce the steering ability. This could
cause an accident and you may be seriously injured.

To lock the front axle; move the axle locker switch to
FRONT/REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The indicator light will be solid when the front
axle is locked.

NOTE:

The rear axle must be locked before the front

axle will lock.

To unlock the front axle; move the axle locker switch to
REAR LOCK. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light
will go out when the axle is unlocked.

NOTE:

The axle lockers could be torque locked due to

side to side loads on the axle. Driving slowly while
turning the steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right
hand turn or driving in REVERSE for a short distance
may be required to release the torque lock and unlock the
axles.

To unlock the rear axle; move the axle locker switch to
AXLE UNLOCK. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.

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281

STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting
stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front
suspension travel in off-road situations.

Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an
increased ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm)
in the front and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
advantage to increasing ride height is the positive effect
it has on approach/departure and break over angles.

This system is controlled by the electronic control sway
bar switch located on the instrument panel.

The switch has two positions; On-Road and Off-Road.
The system is normally in the On-Road mode, indicated
by a solid green light. The stabilizer/sway bar should
remain in the On-Road mode during normal driving
conditions.

1 — On Road
2 — Off Road

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h), you may lose control of the vehicle, which
could result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar
enhances vehicle stability and is necessary for main-
taining control of the vehicle. The system monitors
vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the
stabilizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is
indicated by a flashing off road light and solid on
road light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below
14 mph (22 km/h), the system will attempt to return to
the Off-Road mode.

To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI
or 4LO as shown in “Four Wheel Drive Operation” and
press the top of the stabilizer/sway bar button to obtain

the Off-Road position. The amber indicator light will
flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully discon-
nected.

NOTE:

The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked

due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.

To return to the On-Road mode; press the bottom of the
stabilizer/sway bar button.

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283

Dodge 2500 (2009 year). Manual - part 17