Air dam Ram 1500 2020 Owner's Guide

476 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
To push or tow the vehicle in cases where the transmission
will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as a dead battery), a
Manual Park Release is available.
Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park Release:
1. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal while seated inthe driver’s seat.
2. Apply the parking brake if possible.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the Manual Park Release cover, which is located to the lower
left of the steering column.
Manual Park Release Access Cover
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT (H), pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H),
and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the driver’s
seat with your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
activating the Manual Park Release. Activating the
Manual Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll away
if it is not secured by the parking brake, or by proper
connection to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park
Release on an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.
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478 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled
vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.)” in the “Starting And
Operating” section.
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four Corner Air
Suspension System must be placed in Transport mode,
before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or
flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be placed in Transport
mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be
fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss
of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to "Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension System
— If Equipped" in "Starting And Operating" for more infor-
mation.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by
excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even failure, of
the axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/ h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmission
failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster than
15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It can also
damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occur-
ring).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 481
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow hooks.
NOTE:
For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the
front tow hooks to minimize the risk of damage to the
vehicle.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM (EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Enhanced Accident Response
System (EARS) function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).
• 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.
WARNING!
• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious
injury. CAUTION!
(Continued)
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 483
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear. At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change the oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
• Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
• Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 497
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling — R–1234yf
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluo-
roolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly substance with a
low global-warming potential. The manufacturer recom -
mends that air conditioning service be performed by an
authorized dealer using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.WARNING!
• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants approved by the manufacturer for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap -
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system
to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Warranty Infor -
mation Book, for further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any repair
requiring lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the blower
operating, the blower can contact hands and may propel
dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in personal
injury.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 503
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the wind-
shield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild
nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations of salt
or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer
fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry
windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the
windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petro -
leum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on
geographical area and frequency of use. Poor performance of
blades may be present with chattering, marks, water lines or
wet spots. If any of these conditions are present, clean the
wiper blades or replace as necessary. The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected peri
-
odically, not just when wiper performance problems are
experienced. This inspection should include the following
points:
• Wear or uneven edges
• Foreign material
• Hardening or cracking
• Deformation or fatigue
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the
affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt
to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.
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512 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions arerequired, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter oper -
ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the
correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat -
isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals. Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid
level may be caused by a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on
the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 513
(Continued)
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to ensure
optimum transmission performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at the correct
level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the approved lubri-
cant should be used.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci -
fications” for further information. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The proper type
of brake fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois -
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been in
a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a open
container absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil unexpect -
edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate thebrake fluid. Brake seal components could be damaged,
causing partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturer’s
recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications.
WARNING! (Continued)
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514 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor -
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis -
sion. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis -
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the
factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life of the
vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated
(with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
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526 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver's
side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver's side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good qualitypocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judge -
ment when determining proper inflation. Tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage. Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold
tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold
tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla
-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of
outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tempera -
ture changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
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