spare tire RAM 1500 2023 User Guide

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY319
There are two ways to assemble the tools:
Assembled For Spare Tire Lowering/Raising

Assembled For Spare Tire Lowering/Raising

NOTE:
If the tailgate is lowered, adding the shorter extension #5
to jack extension #4 will enable lowering the spare tire
without having to raise the tailgate. Assembled For Jack Operation
Assembled For Jack Operation

REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE

1. Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack up
the truck. Attach the lug wrench to the extension
tubes with the curved angle facing away from the
vehicle.

2. Remove the protective cover over the access hole for the winch mechanism by sliding the cover upward.

Access Hole Cover Location

1 — Lug Wrench
2 — Long Extension Without Spring Clip #2
3 — Long Extension With Spring Clip #3
4 — Long Extension With Spring Clip #4
5 — Short Extension #5
CAUTION!
The lug wrench can only be attached to extension #2.
 When attaching the tool to the winch mechanism be
sure the large flared end opening on extension #4 is
positioned correctly over the winch mechanism
adjusting nut.
 Damage to the lug wrench, extensions and winch
mechanism may occur from improper tool assembly.
1 — Lug Wrench
2 — Long Extension #2
3 — Long Extension #3
4 — Long Extension #4
5 — Short Extension #5
6 — Extension With Hook
WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them in
the original carrier and location. While driving you may
experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration or sharp
turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or other objects in the
vehicle may move around with force, resulting in
serious injury.
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 319

320IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
3. Insert the extension tube through the access hole
between the lower tailgate and the top of the fascia/
bumper and into the winch mechanism tube.

Winch Mechanism Tube Inserting The Extension Tubes Into The Access Hole

4. Rotate the lug 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.

Rotating The Lug Wrench Handle

5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle to gain access to the spare tire retainer.

Pulling The Spare Tire Out

6. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of the cable.
7. Pull the retainer through the center of the wheel.

Disengaging The Retainer

CAUTION!
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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 320

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY321
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Jack Warning Label

1. Remove the spare tire, jack, and tools from the
stored location.

2. Using the lug wrench, loosen the wheel nuts (but do not remove), by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. Assemble the jack and jacking tools. Connect the jack handle driver to the extension, then to the lug wrench.

Assembled Jack And Tools

4. Placement for the front and rear jacking locations are critical. See the following images for proper jacking
locations.

Jack / Extensions Placement

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 transmis -
sion 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.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on
locations other than those indicated in the Jacking
Instructions for this vehicle.
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 321

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY323
6. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off. Install the
spare wheel and lug nuts with the cone shaped end
of the lug nuts toward the wheel. Hand tighten the lug
nuts with the vehicle lifted. To avoid the risk of forcing
the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the lug
nuts until the vehicle has been completely lowered.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench handle for
increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star
pattern until each lug nut has been tightened twice
Úpage 392. If in doubt about the correct tightness,
have them checked with a torque wrench by an
authorized dealer or at a service station.
8. If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel center cap, install the 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.
9. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the replaced tire, and secure the jack and tools in the
proper location.
10. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
TO STOW THE FLAT OR SPARE

1. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of the cable.

2. Position the wheel behind the rear fascia/bumper facing outward. Push the end of the winch’s cable,
spring and steel sleeve through the back of the road
wheel. Making sure the valve stem is facing the
ground when the wheel is stowed.

Reinstalling The Retainer

3. Remove the extension with the hook and reattach the
short extension #5 Úpage 318. Attach the lug
wrench to the extension tubes with the curved angle
facing away from the vehicle. Insert the extension
tubes through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the fascia/bumper and into the
winch mechanism tube.

Reinstalling The Flat Or Spare Tire

WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop, could endanger the occupants of the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided.
CAUTION!
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.
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 323

324IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Rotate the lug wrench handle clockwise 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 ensure it is firmly in place.

Rotating The Lug Wrench Handle

NOTE:
Have the flat tire repaired or replaced immediately.
REINSTALLING THE JACK AND TOOLS

1. Tighten the jack all the way down by turning the jack turn-screw counterclockwise until the jack is snug.

2. Position the jack and tool bag. Make sure the lug wrench is under the jack near the jack turn-screw.

Jack And Tool Bag

3. Secure the tool bag straps to the jack.

Jack And Tools Tied

4. Place the jack and tools in the storage position holding the jack by the jack turn-screw, slip the jack
and tools under the seat so that the bottom slot
engages into the fastener on the floor.
NOTE:Ensure that the jack slides into the front hold down
location.
5. Turn the wing bolt clockwise to secure to the floor pan. Reinstall the plastic cover.

Jack Hold Down Wing Bolt
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or
replaced immediately.WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them in
the original carrier and location. While driving you may
experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration or sharp
turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or other objects in the
vehicle may move around with force, resulting in
serious injury.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 324

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY327
(Continued)

Fuel Funnel Location

NOTE:
In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel door
from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the fuel door
to break the ice buildup and re-release the fuel door using
the inside release button. Do not pry on the door.
Emergency Gas Can Refueling:
Most gas cans will not open the flapper doors. A funnel is
provided to allow emergency refueling with a gas can.
See the following steps for refueling:

1. Retrieve funnel from under the passenger’s front seat.

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.

Inserting Funnel

3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper doors open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the spare tire storage area.IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be serviced by
an authorized dealer.
Potential signs of vehicle overheating:
Temperature gauge is at HOT (H)
 Strong smell of coolant
 White smoke coming from engine or exhaust
 Coolant bottle coolant has bubbles present
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the
fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to
turn on.
 A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WARNING!
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 327

370SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRES
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire
Loading.
Tire Markings

Tire Markings

NOTE:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.
 European — Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the
section width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation.
Example: 215/65R15 96H.
 LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on US
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation.
Example: LT235/85R16.
 Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary
emergency use only. Temporary high pressure compact
spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
 High flotation tire sizing is based on US design stan -
dards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into
the sidewall.
Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code
(TIN)
2 — Size Designation
3 — Service Description
4 — Maximum Load
5 — Maximum Pressure
6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 370

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE371
TIRE SIZING CHART
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on US design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on US design standards, or
T or S = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
 Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
 "R" means radial construction, or
 "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
 A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
 A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
 The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions
(i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 371

374SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the driver's side
door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the
spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the
recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the
load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will
not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the Tire And Loading Information
Placard in Vehicle Loading
Úpage 172.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles must
not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWR, vehicle loading, and
trailer towing
Úpage 172.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs” on the Tire And Loading Information Placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 374

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE379
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
Úpage 329.
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 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
Úpage 380.
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
replacement
 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
NOTE:Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when
installing new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
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 — Tread Wear Indicators
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 379