Ram 1500 2020 Owner's Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 539
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel, than the minimum required by law.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to minimize
the drain on your vehicle's battery:
• Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
• Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi -
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
BODYWORK
Protection From Atmospheric Agents
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on trees
and road surfaces during other seasons are highly corrosive
to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes
your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold weather
and other extreme conditions will have an adverse effect on
paint, metal trim, and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resistance
built into your vehicle.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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540 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Body And Underbody Maintenance
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed
by rinsing.Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Tri-Fold Soft Tonneau Cover Care
For cleaning and protecting the vinyl Tri-Fold Tonneau
cover, use Mopar Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and Mopar
Leather and Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant.
Preserving The Bodywork
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle in
the shade using Mopar Car Wash, or a mild car wash soap,
and rinse the panels completely with clear water.
• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumulated on your vehicle, use Mopar Super Kleen Bug and Tar
Remover to remove.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect your paint
finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 541
Bumper Care
The customer is responsible to clean and maintain the
chrome components of the vehicle. Washing away road
debris and salt using an automotive soap. Bumpers should
be cleaned regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water
to maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.
Your bumpers are susceptible to deterioration caused by salt,
sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.,
and other road chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on
dirt roads. Do not use harsh chemicals or a stiff brush. They
can stain or damage the protective coating that helps keep
them from corroding and tarnishing.CAUTION!
• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such as steel wool or scouring powder that will scratch metal
and painted surfaces.
• Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8,274 kPa) can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.
CAUTION!
• Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, metal polishes, or oven cleaner. These products may
damage the bumper’s protective finish. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Only car wash soap, Mopar Chrome Cleaner, or equiv -
alent is recommended.
• Avoid products or automatic car washes that use acidic solutions, strong alkaline additives, or harsh brushes.
Many aftermarket cleaners and automatic car washes
may damage the bumper’s protective finish. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar Chrome Cleaner,
or equivalent is recommended.
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542 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive nearthe ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a month.
• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear and open.
• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
• If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar cause that destroys the paint and protective coating, have
your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.
• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well pack -
aged and sealed.
• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
• Use Mopar Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as possible. An authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle. Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped
During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On
Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty
hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV exposure
will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss over time.
To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On Bedliner,
the manufacturer recommends you periodically rinse all
loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your truck at least
twice per year using the Mopar Spray-On Bedliner Condi
-
tioner available at your local authorized dealer.
To Help Maintain The Appearance Of Your Spray-On
Bedliner, Follow The Steps Below:
1. Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with water with a soft cloth or brush.
3. Rinse bedliner with water.
4. Once dry, apply a small amount of Mopar Spray-On Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or sponge and wipe
over the entire surface of the truck bedliner.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 543
Spray-On Bedliners are chemically-resistant to many
different types of chemicals (including gasoline, oil,
hydraulic fluids) for short periods of time. If a spill occurs on
your Spray-On Bedliner, rinse the truck out as soon as
possible to avoid permanent damage.
Repairing The Spray-On Bedliner
While extremely tough, it is possible to damage a Spray-On
Bedliner. One common condition is when loading a heavy
pallet and dragging that pallet across the floor of the bed. If
a nail or sharp point is exposed under the weight of the pallet
a scratch or tear is possible. While not covered by your new
vehicle warranty, a cosmetic fix to cover the metal exposed
by the scratch is required. To repair a tear or gouge, follow
the directions provided in the Mopar Quick Repair Kit.
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with aclean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply Mopar Total Clean, or a mild soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a
fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
WARNING!
Do not use silicon-based protection products to clean
your bedliner. Silicon-based products can become
slippery and may result in personal injury.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes. Many
are potentially flammable, and if used in closed areas
they may cause respiratory harm.
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544 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
• For grease stains, apply Mopar Multi-Purpose Cleaner to aclean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh, damp
towel to remove soap residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of protectants on Stain Repel products.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or luke -
warm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning loop for
soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft cloth until
all residue is removed.
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
CAUTION!
• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic,
painted, or decorated surfaces of the interior may cause
permanent damage. Wipe away immediately.
• Damage caused by these type of products may not be covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 545
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care must
be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution may beused, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Leather Parts
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for leather
upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act
as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery and
should be removed promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn
soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your leather
upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils,
cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based
cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Application of a
leather conditioner is not required to maintain the original
condition. NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to show any
foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye transfer more so than
darker colors. The leather is designed for easy cleaning, and
FCA recommends Mopar Total Clean leather cleaner applied
on a cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis with
Mopar Glass Cleaner, or any commercial household-type
glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use
caution when cleaning the inside rear window equipped
with electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio
antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instruments
that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or cloth that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or Ketone
based cleaning products to clean leather upholstery, as
damage to the upholstery may result. 7
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546
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left
front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the
windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle frame
etched on right hand center rail, as well as the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your
vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.Vehicle Identification Number
NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial
increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
“Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning Light” (if
equipped) during brake use.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle, the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly calibrated
torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex) deep wall
socket.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 547
Torque Specifications
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
NOTE:
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substitute
with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.Wheel Mounting Surface
Lug Nut/Bolt
Torque Lug Nut/Bolt
Type **Lug Nut/
Bolt Size Lug Nut/Bolt
Socket Size
130 Ft-Lbs (176 N·m) Cone M14 x 1.50 22 mm
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548 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each nut/
bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure that the socket is fully
engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it halfway).
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated against
the wheel.Four, Five, And Six Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Pattern
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than 15%
in this engine. These engines are designed to meet all emissions
regulations and provide optimum fuel economy and
performance when using high quality unleaded
“Regular” gasoline having a posted octane number of 87 as
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of higher octane
“Premium” gasoline is not required, as it will not provide
any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in these engines.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result
in personal injury.
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