run flat RAM 1500 2021 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: 1500, Model: RAM 1500 2021Pages: 496, PDF Size: 20.89 MB
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354SAFETY  
(Continued)
Enhanced Accident Response System 
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident 
Response System functions after an event, the 
ignition switch must be changed from ignition 
START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Carefully 
check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine 
compartment and on the ground near the 
engine compartment and fuel tank before 
resetting the system and starting the engine. 
After an accident, if the vehicle will not start 
after performing the reset procedure, the 
vehicle must be towed to an authorized dealer 
to be inspected and to have the Enhanced 
Accident Response System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System 
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag 
system could cause it to fail when you need 
it. You could be injured if the air bag system 
is not there to protect you. Do not modify 
the components or wiring, including adding 
any kind of badges or stickers to the 
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper 
passenger side of the instrument panel. Do 
not modify the front fascia/bumper, vehicle 
body structure, or add aftermarket side 
steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of 
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell 
anyone who works on your vehicle that it 
has an air bag system.
Do not attempt to modify any part of your 
air bag system. The air bag may inflate acci-
dentally or may not function properly if 
modifications are made. Take your vehicle 
to an authorized dealer for any air bag 
system service. If your seat, including your 
trim cover and cushion, needs to be 
serviced in any way (including removal or 
loosening/tightening of seat attachment 
bolts), take the vehicle to an authorized 
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat 
accessories may be used. If it is necessary 
to modify the air bag system for persons 
with disabilities, contact an authorized 
dealer.
WARNING!  (Continued)
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SAFETY371
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD 
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires 
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and 
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, 
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or 
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. 
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. 
Check the lug nut/bolt torque for tightness. 
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold 
inflation pressure.
Lights       
Have someone observe the operation of brake 
lights and exterior lights while you work the 
controls. Check turn signal and high beam 
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches 
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks  
Check area under the vehicle after overnight 
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. 
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or 
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause 
should be located and corrected immediately.
EXHAUST GAS    The best protection against carbon monoxide 
entry into the vehicle body is a properly 
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of 
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can 
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the 
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged, 
have an authorized dealer inspect the complete 
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for 
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or 
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose 
connections could permit exhaust fumes to 
seep into the passenger compartment. In 
addition, inspect the exhaust system each time 
the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil 
change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain 
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and 
odorless. Breathing it can make you 
unconscious and can eventually poison you. 
To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety 
tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or 
in confined areas any longer than needed 
to move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/
liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all 
windows are closed and the climate control 
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO 
NOT use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle 
with the engine running, adjust your 
heating or cooling controls to force outside 
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high 
speed.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY381
(Continued)
6. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give  clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of 
the cable.
Tilting The Retainer Through The Center Of The Wheel
7. Pull the retainer through the center of the  wheel.
Pulling The Retainer Through The Center Of The Wheel
 NOTE:
The winch mechanism is designed for use with 
the extension tubes only. Use of an air wrench 
or other power tools is not recommended and 
can damage the winch.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Jack Warning Label
WARNING!
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 roadway as possible 
before raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set the 
transmission in PARK.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the 
wheel to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the 
vehicle on a jack.
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. If you need to get under a raised 
vehicle, take it to a service center where it 
can be raised on a lift.
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.
WARNING!
 (Continued)
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392IN 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 on  Úpage 230. 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  
Ú
page 165. 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 instruc -
tions may cause fault codes to be set and/or 
cause loss of proper tie-down tension.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 over -
heating 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 occurring).
CAUTION!  (Continued)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The 
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
 
• Transmission in  NEUTRAL 
• 30 mph (48 km/h)  max speed 
• 30 miles (48 km)  max distance Detailed instruction on 
 Ú page 230 
• Automatic Transmission in  PARK 
• Transfer Case in  NEUTRAL (N) 
• Tow in forward  direction 
Wheel Lift Or  Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY393
(Continued)
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to 
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow 
bars and other equipment designed for this 
purpose, following equipment FCA’s 
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. 
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main 
structural members of the vehicle, not to 
fascia/bumpers or associated brackets. State 
and local laws regarding vehicles under tow 
must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, 
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition 
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC 
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's 
battery is discharged, find Instructions on 
shifting the transmission out of PARK  
Ú page 390.TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA recommends towing your vehicle with all 
four wheels  OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the 
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be 
towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under 
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N). 
Instructions on shifting the transmission to 
NEUTRAL (N) when the engine is off  
Ú page 390.
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph 
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed 
30 miles (48 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the 
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph 
(48 km/h) and farther than 30 miles (48 km),  tow with the rear wheels  OFF the ground. 
Acceptable methods to tow the vehicle on a 
flatbed are as follows: 
The front wheels raised and the rear wheels 
on a towing dolly
Using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer to 
hold the front wheels in the straight position 
with the rear wheels raised when and the 
front wheels  ON the ground.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA recommends towing with all wheels  OFF 
the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the 
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle 
raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when 
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed 
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen -
sion components. Damage to your vehicle 
may result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above 
requirements can cause severe transmission 
damage. Damage from improper towing is not 
covered under the New Vehicle Limited 
Warranty.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if 
the remaining wheels are on the ground). 
Internal damage to the transmission or 
transfer case will occur if a front or rear 
wheel lift is used when towing.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE451
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the 
maximum inflation 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 temperature 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.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) 
and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then 
the cold tire inflation pressure should be 
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi 
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside 
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi 
(13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce 
this normal pressure build up or your tire 
pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation 
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe 
speeds and within posted speed limits. Where 
speed limits or conditions are such that the 
vehicle can be driven at high speeds,  maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is 
very important. Increased tire pressure and 
reduced vehicle loading may be required for 
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an 
authorized tire dealer or original equipment 
vehicle dealer for recommended safe operating 
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation 
pressures.
Radial Ply Tires 
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be 
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat
The damage is only on the tread section of 
your tire (sidewall damage is not repairable)
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an 
inch (6 mm)
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs 
and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that 
have experienced a loss of pressure should be 
replaced immediately with another Run Flat tire 
of identical size and service description (Load 
Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire 
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to 
be reused.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a 
rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss 
of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode. 
A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation 
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a 
Run Flat tire reaches the Run Flat mode it has 
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under 
maximum load is dangerous. The added 
strain on your tires could cause them to fail. 
You could have a serious collision. Do not 
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum 
capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph 
(120 km/h).
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of 
tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to 
handle poorly. The instability could cause a 
collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets of 
four. Never combine them with other types of 
tires.
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452SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
limited driving capabilities and needs to be 
replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not 
repairable. When a Run Flat tire is changed 
after driving with underinflated tire condition, 
please replace the TPM sensor as it is not 
designed to be reused when driven under Run 
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the 
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded 
at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in 
the Run Flat mode.
For more information  Úpage 327.
Tire Spinning 
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice 
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels 
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 
30 seconds continuously without stopping.
For further information  Ú page 391.
Tread Wear Indicators 
Tread wear indicators are in the original 
equipment tires to help you in determining 
when your tires should be replaced.
Tire Tread
 These indicators are molded into the bottom of 
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands 
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an 
inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the 
tread wear indicators, the tire should be 
replaced.
For further information  Ú
page 453.
Life Of Tire  
The service life of a tire is dependent upon 
varying factors including, but not limited to:
Driving style
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation 
pressures can cause uneven wear patterns 
to develop across the tire tread. These 
abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life, 
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment
Distance driven
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of 
V or higher, and Summer tires typically have 
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires 
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is 
highly recommended
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces 
generated by excessive wheel speeds may 
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could 
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your 
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) 
for more than 30 seconds continuously when 
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a 
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE461
TRACTION GRADES
The Traction grades, from highest to 
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades 
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet 
pavement, as measured under 
controlled conditions on specified 
government test surfaces of asphalt and 
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor 
traction performance.
TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's 
resistance to the generation of heat and 
its ability to dissipate heat, when tested 
under controlled conditions on a 
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. 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 
three weeks, 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 conditioning 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 
A
GENTS  
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 
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor -
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac -
teristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is 
established for a tire that is properly inflated 
and not overloaded. Excessive speed, 
underinflation, or excessive loading, either 
separately or in combination, can cause heat 
buildup and possible tire failure.
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485
D
Daytime Running Lights
................................... 53Dealer Service............................................... 409Defroster, Rear Window................................... 63Defroster, Windshield............................. 63, 369Deleting A Phone........................................... 275Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 137Diesel Fuel..................................................... 471Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 471Bulk Storage Of......................................... 210Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming..................... 414Differential, Limited Slip................................ 174Disable Vehicle Towing.................................. 392Disc Drive...................................................... 268Disconnecting................................................ 275Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 423Disturb........................................................... 278Door Ajar........................................................ 129Door Ajar Light............................................... 129Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 27Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 412Driver Memory Presets.................................. 265Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 34DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 234Dual Rear Wheels.......................................... 467
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 311Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 310Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 312, 318Electric Parking Brake................................... 151Electrical Power Outlets................................... 74Electronic Range Select (ERS)...................... 159Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 312Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 128Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 161, 163Emergency Braking....................................... 327Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 389Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 391Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 373Jump Starting........................................... 386Emission Control System Maintenance........ 138Engine........................................................... 404Air Cleaner................................................ 411Block Heater............................................. 150Break-In Recommendations..................... 150Compartment................404, 405, 406, 407Compartment Identification.............404, 405, 406, 407Coolant (Antifreeze).................................. 475Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 371, 372Fails To Start............................................ 144Flooded, Starting...................................... 144Fuel Requirements.......................... 468, 474Idling........................................................ 148
Jump Starting........................................... 386Oil...........................................410, 474, 475Oil Filler Cap............................................. 404Oil Filter.................................................... 410Oil Selection..................................... 410, 474Oil Synthetic.............................................. 410Overheating.............................................. 389Starting............................................ 143, 144Enhanced Accident Response 
Feature................................................ 353, 394Entry System, Illuminated................................58Ethanol.......................................................... 469Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 371, 372Exhaust System................................... 371, 420Exterior Lighting...............................................52Exterior Lights........................................ 52, 371
F
Family Alerts................................................. 300FiltersAir Cleaner................................................ 411Air Conditioning................................. 67, 415Engine Fuel............................................... 412Engine Oil........................................ 410, 475Engine Oil Disposal................................... 410FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 55, 136, 371Flash-To-Pass...................................................54Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 384Fluid Capacities............................................ 474
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