RAM 2015 1500, Operating Information Manual, Page: 299 / 998

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Driving Down Hill – Before driving down a
steep hill you need to determine if it is too
steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a
slow controlled descent? Are there ob-
stacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there
plenty of distance at the base of the hill to
regain control if the vehicle descends too
fast? If you feel confident in your ability to
proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low
Range) with the transmission in first gear
(manually select first gear on automatic
transmissions) and proceed with caution. Al-
low engine braking to control the descent and
apply your brakes if necessary, but do not
allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL.
Use vehicle brakes in conjunction with en-
gine braking. Descending a grade too fast
could cause you to lose control and be
seriously injured or killed.
•
Driving Across An Incline – If at all possible
avoid driving across an incline. If it is neces-
sary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving
across an incline places more weight on the
down hill wheels, which increases the possibili-
ties of a down hill slide or rollover. Make sure
the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible transverse the incline at
an angle heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of
a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
•
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway – If
you stall or begin to lose headway while
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to
come to a stop and immediately apply the
brake. Restart the engine and shift into RE-
VERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine and
transmission to help regulate your speed. If
the brakes are required to control vehicle
speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking
or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle,
which may result in severe injury. Always
back carefully straight down a hill in RE-
VERSE. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL
using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive
diagonally across a hill, always drive straight
up or down.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any
type of water. Water crossings should be
avoided if possible and only be attempted when
necessary, in a safe responsible manner. You
should only drive through areas which are des-
ignated and approved. You should tread lightly
and avoid damage to the environment. You
should know your vehicle’s abilities and be
able to recover it if something goes wrong.
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