spare tire Ram 1500 2014 Get to Know Guide 

NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle settings in the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) when equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or your Uconnect®Radio
when equipped with UConnect®5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately 2 in (51 mm) - This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, press
the “Down” button once from the NHR while the vehicle speed is below 33 mph
(53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle
height will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains between 15 mph (24 km/h)
and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be cancelled. To return to Normal
Height Mode, press the “Up” button once while in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle
over 15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be available due to vehicle
payload, an EVIC message will be displayed when this occurs. Refer to "Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)" in "Understanding Your Instrument Panel" in
the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
• Refer to your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further details.
Air Suspension Modes
• The Air Suspension system has multiple modes to protect the system in unique situations:
Tire Jack Mode
• To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Transport Mode
•
To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspension system has a feature which will put
the vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic load leveling system.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
•
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be enabled. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
in the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
41

Protection Mode
• In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle will enter ProtectionMode when the payload has been exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
2500-3500 AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
• The air suspension system provides full time rear load leveling capability for all loading conditions including towing.
Description
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) - This is the standard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Trailer Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately 1 in (25 mm) - This position will lower
the rear suspension and provide load leveling for all loading conditions including
towing a trailer. The trailer button will blink continuously until trailer height has
been achieved. The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN position or the
engine running for all user requested changes. After the engine is turned off, it
may be noticed that the air suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a proper appearance.
• Refer to your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further details.
Air Suspension Modes
• The Air Suspension system has multiple modes to protect the system in unique situations:
Tire Jack Mode
• To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Transport Mode
•
To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspension system has a feature which will put
the vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic load leveling system.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
42

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light
If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure EVIC display illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NOTE:
After inflation, the vehicle may need to be driven for 20 minutes before the flashing light
will turn off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
169

2500/3500 Series Trucks
• Remove the jack and tool bracket assembly by removing the wing bolt and slidingthe jack and tool bracket assembly from under the seat.
Removing The Spare Tire
• Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack up the truck. Attach the wheelwrench to the jack extension tube. Insert the tube through the access hole between
the lower tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch mechanism tube.
Rotate the wheel wrench handle counterclockwise until the spare tire is on the
ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under the vehicle.
When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through
the center of the wheel.
NOTE:
Always stow the spare tire with the valve stem facing the ground.
• It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to avoid tangling the loose
cable.
NOTE:
The winch mechanism is designed for
use with the jack extension tube only.
Use of an air wrench or other power tools
is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
1 — Wheel Wrench 2 — Spare Tire
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
177

•For 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, when changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive tube
to the jack and connect the drive tube to the extension tube. Place the jack under
the axle between the spring and the shock absorber with the drive tubes extending
to the rear.
• Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.
NOTE:
If the bottle jack will not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it may be
necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to lower the jack.
• By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
• Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. On single rear-wheel (SRW) trucks, install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the wheel nuts
toward the wheel. On 3500 dual rear-wheel models (DRW) the wheel nuts are a
two-piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten the wheel nuts. To avoid the
risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the wheel nuts until the
vehicle has been lowered.
• Using the lug wrench, finish tightening the wheel nuts using a crisscross pattern. The correct wheel nut tightness is 130 ft lbs (176 N·m) torque (1500 Series),
135 ft lbs (183 N·m) torque for 2500/3500 single-rear wheel (SRW) models, and
140 ft lbs (190 N·m) for 3500 dual rear-wheel models. If in doubt about the
correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized
dealer or at a service station.
• Install the wheel center cap and remove the wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap damage.
• Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the bottle jack will not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive
tube in order to lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously
described.
• Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substitute with chrome plated
wheel nuts.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
183

8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels
• Dual wheels are flat-mounted and center-piloted. The lug nuts are a two-pieceassembly. When the tires are being rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and
add two drops of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.
• Slots in the wheels will assist in prop- erly orienting the inner and outer
wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the
tire valve on the inner wheel. The tires
of both dual wheels must be com-
pletely off the ground when tightening,
to ensure wheel centering and maxi-
mum wheel clamping.
• Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut tightening adapter
(included with the vehicle) to correctly
tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove and install dual rear
wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting device.
NOTE:
When installing a spare tire as part of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire
diameter of the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a significant
difference, the larger tire should be installed in a front location. The correct direction
of rotation for dual tire installations must also be observed.
These dual rear wheels should be tightened as follows:
1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the num- bered sequence to a snug fit.
2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the torques listed in the
table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific
torque has been achieved. Retighten to
specifications at 100 miles (160 km)
and after 500 miles (800 km).
• It is recommended that wheel stud
nuts be kept torqued to specifications
at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication interval.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
187

To Stow The Flat Or Spare
NOTE:
RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels cannot be stored under the vehicle
because the wheel retainer will not fit through the wheel pilot hole. Secure the flat tire
in the bed of the truck. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the wheel retainer through thecenter of the wheel and position it properly across the wheel opening.
• For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
•
Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the winch mechanism until
the wheel is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip, or click three or four times. It cannot be
overtightened. Push against the tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
CAUTION!
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that the jack will not
damage surrounding truck parts and adjust the jack position as required.
• Use a back and forth motion to remove the hub cap. Do not use a twisting
motion when removing the hub cap, damage to the hub cap; finish may occur.
• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two pry off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
188

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack
and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under
a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jackshould not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
•
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic,
pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadwayas possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK;
a manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle
during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares
must be stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
•
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable.
It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only
enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten
the wheel bolts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this
warning may result in personal injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to
avoid contact with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endan-
ger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare
tire in the places provided.
•A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the
occupants in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced
immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
189

TIRE PRESSURES
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthly
and inflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading
Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE:
Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD
for more information regarding tire warn-
ings and instructions.
WARNING!
•Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions. Under-inflation
is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of
your vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should
be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent or select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
Tire And Loading Information Location (Example)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
234