flat tire RAM 1500 2023 Owner's Manual

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY315
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized by
the subscriber Úpage 402.
 The ASSIST and SOS buttons will only function if you
are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G
(data) network, which comes as a built in function.
Other services will only be operable if your SiriusXM
Guardian™ or Brand Connect service is active and you
are connected to an operable 4G (data) network.
ASSIST Call
The ASSIST Button is used to automatically connect you to
any one of the following support centers:
 Roadside Assistance – If you get a flat tire, or need a
tow, just push the ASSIST button, select the Roadside
Assistance button and you’ll be connected to someone
who can help. Roadside Assistance will know what
vehicle you’re driving and its location. Additional fees
may apply for roadside Assistance.
 SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care (If available) –
In-vehicle support for SiriusXM Guardian™. 
Vehicle Customer Care – Total support for all other
vehicle issues.
 Uconnect Customer Care – Total support for Radio,
Phone and NAV issues and Uconnect enrollment if
SiriusXM Guardian™ is not supported.
SOS Call

1. Push the SOS Call button on the overhead console or in the radio screen.

NOTE:In case the SOS Call button is pushed in error, there will be
a ten second delay before the SOS Call system initiates a
call to a SOS operator. To cancel the SOS Call connection,
push the SOS call button on the overhead console or press
the cancellation button on the Device Screen. Termination
of the SOS Call will turn off the green LED light on the
overhead console.
2. The LED lights located within the ASSIST and SOS buttons on the overhead console will turn green once
a connection to a SOS operator has been made.
3. Once a connection between the vehicle and a SOS operator is made, the SOS Call system may transmit
the following important vehicle information to a SOS
operator:
 Indication that the occupant placed a SOS Call
 The vehicle brand
 The last known GPS coordinates of the vehicle
4. You should be able to speak with the SOS operator through the vehicle audio system to determine if
additional help is needed.NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data as autho -
rized by the subscriber.
 Once a connection is made between the vehicle’s
SOS Call system and the SOS operator, the SOS
operator may be able to open a voice connection
with the vehicle to determine if additional help is
needed. Once the SOS operator opens a voice
connection with the vehicle’s SOS Call system, the
operator should be able to speak with you or other
vehicle occupants and hear sounds occurring in
the vehicle. The vehicle’s SOS Call system will
attempt to remain connected with the SOS
operator until the SOS operator terminates the
connection.
5. The SOS operator may attempt to contact appropriate emergency responders and provide them with
important vehicle information and GPS coordinates.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in
this vehicle. Only use the features and applications
when it is safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in
this vehicle. Only use the features and applications
when it is safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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372SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The Tire Identification Number (TIN) may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN,
including the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:

XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
 LL = Light load tire or
 C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
EXAMPLE:
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
 This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE373
Tire Terminology And Definitions
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
 01 means the year 2001
 Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd
week of 1981 or 1991
Term Definition
B-pillarThe vehicle B-pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.
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. Inflation
pressure is measured in units of psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure The manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the original
equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
EXAMPLE:
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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.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE377
(Continued)
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
 Fuel Economy
 Tread Wear
 Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability of
the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish response
or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:

Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
 Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
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.
Overinflation 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 quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgment when determining proper inflation.
Tires may look properly inflated even when they are
underinflated.
 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
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can
cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase
your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
 Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
 Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result in
overheating and tire failure.
 Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
 Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
 Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
 Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom -
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
WARNING!
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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378SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 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
limited driving capabilities and needs to be replaced
immediately. A Run Flat tire is not repairable. When a Run
Flat tire is changed after being driven in a Run Flat mode
14 psi (96 kPa) condition, please replace the TPMS sensor
as it is not designed to be reused.
NOTE:The TPMS 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 277.
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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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.
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