engine Ram 1500 2019 Owners Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-
ing does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode
or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air
Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the
air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
NOTE: Do not use this model vehicle for snowplow
applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows and other aftermarket equipment should
not be added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in
the front end structure. The airbags could deploy
unexpectedly or could fail to deploy during a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 423

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Before recreational towing, the transfer case must be
in NEUTRAL. To be certain the transfer case is fully
in NEUTRAL, perform the procedure outlined under
“Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission
damage will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid
will leak from the transfer case, causing damage to
internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
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.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, with the engine running. Apply the parking brake.
426 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The driver’s doormust be closed (or the driver’s seat belt buckled) so that
the transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when the
brake pedal is released.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure
the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the
center of the transfer case switches). The NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will illuminate, and remain lit, when the
shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is
completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release
the NEUTRAL (N) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button until the engine shuts off. The transmission will
automatically select PARK when the engine is turned
off.
10. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 427

NOTE:
•Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue
to be met until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before pushing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the
shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash con-
tinuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to
take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the engine
should be started and left running for a minimum of 60
seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to adjust
the vehicle’s ride height to compensate for temperature
effects.Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con- nected to the tow vehicle.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the
center of the transfer case switches).
5. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Turn the engine OFF. The transmission will automati- cally select PARK when the engine is turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
428 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills
or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously. If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift
to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly
to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can
get any problems taken care of right away and have your
vehicle ready when you need it.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............435
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . . . .436
 BULB REPLACEMENT ....................441
▫ Replacement Bulbs .....................441
▫ Replacing Exterior Bulbs ..................442
 FUSES ............................... .449
▫ Power Distribution Center ................450
▫ Internal Power Distribution Center ..........454
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...........459
▫ Jack Location ......................... .459
▫ Removal Of Jack And Tools ................460
▫ Removing The Spare Tire .................463
▫ Preparations For Jacking ..................466 ▫
Jacking Instructions .....................466
▫ To Stow The Flat Or Spare ................470
▫ Reinstalling The Jack And Tools .............473
 JUMP STARTING ....................... .474
▫ Preparations For Jump Start ...............475
▫ Jump Starting Procedure ..................476
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .............477
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE .................478
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............480
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............481
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .................483
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models .................483
▫ Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ........484
7

4. Pull the desired bulb straight from the socket.
CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by touching it with
your fingers or by allowing it to contact other oily
surfaces. Shortened bulb life will result.• Outside Bulbs: Cargo Lamps
• Inside Bulb: Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
5. Reverse the procedure for installation of bulbs and housing.
FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Do not
place a fuse inside a circuit breaker cavity or vice
versa. Failure to use proper fuses may result in
serious personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, transmission system) or steering
system blows, contact an authorized dealer.
CHMSL Bulb And Socket
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 449

Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment near the battery. This center contains car-
tridge fuses, micro fuses, relays, and circuit breakers. A
description of each fuse and component may be stampedon the inside cover, otherwise the cavity number of each
fuse is stamped on the inside cover that corresponds to the
following chart.
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F01 –25 Amp Clear Fuel Pump Motor
F03 –5 Amp Tan MGU – If Equipped
F04 –– Spare
F05 –– Spare
F06 –– Spare
F07 –– Spare
F08 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Backup
F09 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Stop / Turn Lamp Left
F10 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Stop / Turn Lamp Right
F11 –– Spare
F12 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Park Lamp
F13 –– Spare
F14 –10 Amp Red AC Clutch
F15 –5 Amp Tan IBS
F16 –– Spare
450 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
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. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on
a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should 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. NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with an air suspension
system, there is a feature which allows the automatic
leveling to be disabled to assist with changing a tire.
This feature can be activated through the Uconnect system.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
Jack Location
The jack and jack tools are stored under the front passenger
seat.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 459