LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
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 simi-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
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 mo-
mentary application of the parking brake may be necessary
to gain maximum traction.
WARNING!
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.
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.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and care-
fully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
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Summary of Contents for RAM 1500 2017
Page 4: ......
Page 7: ...1 INTRODUCTION 5 ...
Page 10: ......
Page 157: ...Slow Tone Fast Tone 3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155 ...
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Page 332: ...8 4 8 4 NAV With Manual Temperature Controls 330 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 333: ...8 4 8 4 NAV With Automatic Temperature Controls 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 331 ...
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Page 681: ...MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES CONTENTS 䡵 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 680 Maintenance Chart 681 8 ...
Page 693: ...INDEX 10 ...