wheel Ram 2500 2011 Owner's Manual

8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper
cable from the positive(+)post of the booster battery.
9. Disconnect the positive(+)end of the jumper cable
from the positive(+)post of the discharged vehicle.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE while ap-
plying slight pressure to the accelerator. In general, the
least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to maintain
the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or racing
the engine is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever 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.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 505

Allow the engine to idle with the transmission shift lever
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 pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween 1st 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).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated 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 vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
506 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the
transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF
the Ground2WD Models 4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Trans inNEUTRAL
•30 mphmax(48 km/h)
•15 miles (24 km)maxdistanceSee instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”
•Auto Trans inPARK
•Manual Trans in gear (NOTNeutral
•T/case inNEUTRAL
•To w i nforwarddirection
Wheel Lift or Dolly
To wFrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
508 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission inNEU-
TRAL. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the
distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than15 miles (24 km), tow with the rear wheelsOFFthe
ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised using a wheel lift
or towing dolly.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe 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.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transfer
case is operable, the vehicle may be towed (in the
forward direction, withALLwheels on the ground),IF
the transfer case is in NEUTRAL and the transmission is
inPARK(for automatic transmissions) or in gear (NOT
in Neutral, for manual transmissions). Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
510 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.
Internal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when towing.
•Failure to follow these towing methods could
result in damage to the transmission and/or trans-
fer case. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 511

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.7L............. 516
Engine Compartment — 4.7L............. 517
Engine Compartment — 5.7L............. 518
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)....... 519
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 519
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 520
Replacement Parts..................... 521
Dealer Service........................ 522Maintenance Procedures................. 522
▫Engine Oil......................... 523
▫Engine Oil Filter..................... 525
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 526
▫Maintenance-Free Battery.............. 526
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 528
▫Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks
Only)............................. 529
7

▫Body Lubrication.................... 529
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 530
▫Adding Washer Fluid................. 530
▫Exhaust System..................... 531
▫Cooling System..................... 534
▫Brake System....................... 539
▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level............................. 541
▫Transfer Case....................... 542
▫Automatic Transmission............... 543
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 546
Fuses.............................. 552
▫Totally Integrated Power Module......... 552Vehicle Storage....................... 558
Replacement Bulbs.................... 559
Bulb Replacement..................... 559
▫Dual Or Quad Headlamp/Front Park And
Turn Signal — If Equipped............. 559
▫Fog Lamps......................... 562
▫Rear Tail/Stop, Turn Signal And Backup
Lamps............................ 562
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
With Cargo Lamp.................... 564
▫Cab Top Clearance Lamps — If Equipped . . . 565
▫Rear Lamp Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear
Wheels) — If Equipped................ 567
▫Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels) — If
Equipped.......................... 568
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air condi-
tioning service be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks Only)
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information. Use MOPARType MS-6560 (lithium-based
grease), or equivalent.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPARSpray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. After lubricating, excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 529

•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 which 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
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool,
a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only MOPARor
equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
548 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M6 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #1 (Ci-
gar Lighter)/Rain
Snsr
M7 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2
M8 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat &
Steering Wheel
M9 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seats
M10 20 Amp
YellowHands Free Module/
Vanity Lamp/
Universal Garage
Door Opener Module
M11 10 Amp
RedClimate Control Sys-
tem
M12 30 Amp
GreenRadio/AmplifierCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M13 20 Amp
YellowMain #2 Instrument
Cluster/Wireless Con-
trol Module/ITM/
Siren/Multifunction
Switch (Steering Col-
umn Module)
M14 20 Amp
YellowBack Up Camera (Do-
mestic Only)
M15 20 Amp
YellowPower Seat
Module(s)/Audio
Telematics/Daytime
Running Lights
Relay/Instrument
Cluster/Transfer Case
Module
M16 10 Amp
RedAirbag Module
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 555