2023 RAM 1500 Classic All Wheel Drive (AWD)

The innovative all-wheel-drive (AWD) system on the 2023 RAM 1500 Classic is a key improvement that boosts both speed and versatility. This AWD system is a mix of scientific know-how and practicality. It sends power to all four wheels in a way that is both smooth and effective. This makes the vehicle better able to handle different terrains and weather conditions. The AWD system in the 2023 RAM 1500 Classic is designed to automatically adjust to changing conditions. This gives the vehicle better traction and stability, which gives the driver more trust on the road. The AWD system fits with the vehicle’s versatility because it works all the time and can improve performance when pulling and going off-road in a light way. The AWD system in the 2023 RAM 1500 Classic is a technological marvel that shows how committed the brand is to providing a well-rounded driving experience. It also shows how versatile and ready the truck is for the difficulties of the road ahead.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED

FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY-SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE

This is an electronically-shifted transfer case and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the instrument panel.

This electronically-shifted transfer case provides four positions:

• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK) — This range provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed. This range provides additional traction for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque over 4WD LOCK) to the front driveshaft; allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
• N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle.

WARNING!

• You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position disengages both the front and rear drive shaft from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.

NOTE:

• The 4WD LOCK and 4WD 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 increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
• The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position is to be used for recreational towing only.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case selection. When you select a different transfer case position, the indicator lights will do the following:

If all of the following shift conditions are met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain on.

If the transfer case does not shift into the desired position, one or more of the following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.
2. The newly selected 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, push the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. The SERV 4WD Warning Light monitors the electronically-shifted transfer case. If this light remains on after engine start-up or illuminates during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.

WARNING! Always engage the parking brake when powering down the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury or death.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. This could 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 drivetrain. 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.

Shifting Procedure

• NOTE:
  • If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case will not shift. The position indicator light for the previous position will remain on and the newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash until all the requirements for the selected position have been met.
  • If all the requirements to select a new transfer case position have been met, the current position indicator light will turn off, the selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift. When the shift is complete, the position indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain on.

FAQ