towing Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recom-
mendations are followed: • Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
• For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recommended.
• For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
• The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
• Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
•The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
Water In Fuel Message
•
If a Water In Fuel message orindicator appears in the cluster and a chime
sounds five times, the fuel/water separator will need to be drained immediately to
prevent engine damage.
• Refer to “Draining Fuel Water Separator” in this guide for draining instructions or see your dealer.
DIESEL
120

BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
132

- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
133

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
• If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are mounted in the front.
• For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow hooks tominimize the risk of damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a vehicle stranded off-road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle. Tow straps are recommended when towing the vehicle; chains may cause
vehicle damage.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break,
causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may
break, causing serious injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the PARKposition, you can use the following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever.
• Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized dealer immediately if the shift lever override has been used.
Column Shifter
•
Tilt the steering wheel to the full up
position and firmly set the parking brake.
•Turn the Key Fob to the ACC or ON/RUN
position without starting the engine.
•Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver, press and hold the override tab through the access
port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position and start the vehicle.
• Release the parking brake.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
150

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground2WD Models4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistance •
Auto Transmission in PARK
• Manual Transmission in gear
(NOT NEUTRAL)
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
• Tow in FORWARD direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK
NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL
BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
153

Maintenance Chart – Gasoline EngineMileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary.
XX X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the
fluid level. If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing,
change axle fluid. XX X X X X XInspect the brake linings, parking brake function.
XX X X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace the top row (intake side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** XX X X X
Replace the side row (exhaust side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X X X X X
Replace the ignition cables (4.7L Engine). X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
170

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s), if using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. XChange automatic transmission fluid and filter.
X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for any
of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the
right equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and
performance. This could cause an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
171

Maintenance Chart – Diesel Engine
Miles:
7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000 24,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000
Rotate the tires. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace engine fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. XXXX
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXX
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear oil
leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid. XXXXXX
Inspect drive belt; replace as required. XXXX
Check the transfer case fluid (4x4). XX
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4). XInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if
necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXX
Change automatic transmission fluid (AS69RC
transmission only). XXX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
175

Miles:
7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000 24,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s)
if using your vehicle for any of the following:
police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(68RFE transmission only). X
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank; refill if
necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X
Flush and replace power steering fluid. X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
176

Headlight................27
Headlights Automatic .............27
Dimmer Switch ..........27
HighBeam .............26
Switch ...............27
Heated Steering Wheel ........23
Heater, Engine Block .........120
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch ..........26
HomeLink®(Garage Door Opener). .101
Hood Release .............156
HubCaps ...............144
IdleUpFeature............122
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls . .116
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..26
Introduction ...............3
Inverter Outlet (115V) ........103
Inverter, Power ............103
Jack Location .............135
Jump Starting .............148
Keyless Enter-N-Go ...........11
Lock/Unlock ............11
Starting/Stopping .........12
LaneChangeandTurnSignals....26
Lane Change Assist ..........26
Lap/Shoulder Belts ...........13
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether forCHildren).............15
Lights TurnSignal .............26
Maintenance Record ......172, 177
Maintenance Schedule. .168, 173, 175
Malfunction Indicator Light (CheckEngine) ..........132
MemorySeat ..............21
Message Center WaterinFuel ...........120
MOPAR
®Accessories .........186
Navigation .............69,87
New Vehicle Break-In Period. . .25, 120 Oil Change Indicator
......133, 173
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .....133
Oil, Engine Capacity ..............162
Outlet Power ...............104
Overheating, Engine .........134
Park Sense System, Rear .......37
Pedals, Adjustable ...........24
Perform Service Indicator, Reset . .174
Pickup Box ..............108
Placard, Tire and Loading Information .............182
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) . . .178
Glass Sunroof ...........40
Inverter ..............103
Outlet
(Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) . . .104
Seats ................20
Sliding Rear Window .......39
Steering ..............162
Preparation for Jacking ........137
Programmable Electronic Features . .98
Rain Sensitive Wiper System .....26
RearCamera ..............38
Rear Park Sense System .....37,38
Recreational Towing .........118
Remote Starting System ........13
Replacement Bulbs ..........183
Reporting Safety Defects .......185
Resetting Perform Service Indicator ..............174
Schedule,Maintenance .......168
Seat Belts ................13
Seats ...................20
Heated ...............22
Lumbar Support ..........20
Memory ...............21
Power ................20
Ventilated .............22
Security Against Theft .........13
Shift Lever Override .........150
Signals, Turn ..............26
INDEX
188