JACK Ram 2500 2017 User Guide

Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic
load leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running. Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically resume as soon as system operation requirements
are met. See your authorized dealer if system does not
resume.
NOTE: If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
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•Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit
mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If
vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator lamp
4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the ve-
hicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 3 and 6 will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5 will
be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride height
system. The main purpose of this system is to maintain the
truck’s rear ride height level. There are two selectable
heights that can be chosen based on your operating condi-
tions.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running with zero vehicle speed for
all user requested changes and load leveling.
Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch
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Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the standard position
of the suspension and is meant for normal driving. It will
automatically adjust to maintain the rear ride height as
conditions change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the vehicle
approximately 1 in (25 mm) for a level truck, to be used as
required while trailer towing. It will automatically adjust
to maintain the rear ride height as conditions change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspension sys-
tem will load level (lower/exhaust only) for up to 10 min-
utes after the vehicle is turned off. This allows for easy
removal of a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck
by maintaining the ride height. After 10 minutes you will
need to turn the ignition to the run position for the air
suspension to maintain ride height. If the air suspension
system is disabled using the settings menu (Tire Jack Mode,
Transport Mode or Alignment Mode) the system will
remain disabled when the vehicle is turned off. Reactivat-
ing the air suspension can be accomplished via the settings
menu or driving the vehicle above 5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire
Jack Mode or Alignment Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for
Transport Mode. NOTE:
•
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate Trailer
Height (ATH) when unloaded.
• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
Ignition OFF Behavior
For a predetermined amount of time after the ignition is off
the air suspension may adjust to maintain a proper appear-
ance.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
injury or damage to the system, see your authorized
dealer for service.
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Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect
the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the
automatic load leveling system. This mode is intended to
be enabled with engine running. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio
for further information. NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically resume as soon as system operation requirements
are met. See your authorized dealer if system does not
resume.
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Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal
operation does not resume.
Operation
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) button once
while at Normal Ride Height (NRH), will lower the vehicle
to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) and will illuminate the
LED.
NOTE:The LED will continuously blink until vehicle
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) has been achieved and the
LED will turn off.
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) again will raise
the vehicle to Normal Ride Height (NRH).
NOTE: The LED will continuously blink until Normal Ride
Height (NRH) has been achieved. •
Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the ve-
hicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
This vehicle is equipped with electronically locking front
and rear differentials. These differentials, when engaged,
mechanically lock together the axle shafts forcing the
wheels to spin at an equal rate. This allows the vehicle to
maintain its momentum and prevents it from becoming
stuck. The locking front and rear differentials should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situations
where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the
ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with
the differentials locked on pavement due to the reduced
ability to turn and speed limitations.
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WARNING!
There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an
obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.
Crossing Logs
To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately
10 to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of
the log while the other just starts to climb the log. While
climbing the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to
avoid spinning the log out from under your tires. Then
ease the vehicle off the log using your brakes.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter
than the running ground clearance or the vehicle will
become high centered.
Getting High Centered
If you get hung up or high centered on an object, get out of
the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung
up on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the
best direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on what
you are in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a fewrocks under the tires so the weight is off of the high point
when you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the
vehicle or winching the vehicle off the object.
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects in-
creases the risk of underbody damage.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations.
Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to
climb and should not be attempted. You should always feel
confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You should
always climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to
climb a hill on an angle.
•
Before Climbing A Steep Hill – As you approach a hill
consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too
steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill side
trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on top
and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or
other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover the
vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything looks
good and you feel confident, then change transmission
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CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressure increases the risk of tire damage
and may cause tire unseating with total loss of air
pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at
a reduced tire pressure, drive at slower speeds and
avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
Vehicle Recovery
If you drive off-road, you may encounter a situation where
you will need to recover your vehicle. Vehicle recovery
should always be given consideration before attempting a
questionable obstacle. You should never go off-road driv-
ing without the ability to recover your vehicle from a
situation. Having another vehicle with you usually works
best for most situations. The first thing to do is assess the
situation. Why are you stuck? Are you hung up on
something? Would it be easier to go forward or to go
backward? Can you still move the vehicle? Is there an
anchor point to winch to? Are you alone or do you have
another vehicle to help? Is there high risk of vehicle
damage during the recovery process? Answering these
questions will help you determine the best method of
recovery. If you can still move the vehicle slightly and the
only issue is slick ground, then rock cycling your vehiclewould be the first choice. If you have ample room, an
additional vehicle and there is low risk of vehicle impinge-
ment on the surroundings, then using a tow strap to the
vehicle tow hooks would be fast and easy. If the vehicle is
severely hung up or in a situation where great care needs
to be taken during the recovery, then nothing can do the job
better than a winch. If you are severely hung up on
something you should jack the vehicle up and stack
something under the wheels to allow the vehicle to roll off
the object without causing further damage. This should be
tried before attempting any recovery method.
CAUTION!
Pulling the vehicle off an obstacle, without first clear-
ing the object, may result in additional underbody
damage.
• Rock Cycling Your Vehicle – Rock cycling your vehicle
is one of the easiest, fastest and most commonly used
methods. This simply involves shifting your vehicle
from DRIVE to REVERSE, while applying throttle after
each shift. During this process, for additional traction,
try turning your steering wheel quickly left and right no
more than a ¼ turn. If you are stuck in mud, sand, or
snow try spinning your tires during this process to clean
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Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 1500 Air Suspension
1. Set air suspension to normal ride height. No action isrequired if already in normal ride height.
NOTE: The vehicle must remain in the engine run position
with all doors closed while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer). 3. Under the instrument cluster or touch screen radio
settings, enable jack mode. Jack mode will be canceled
and procedure must be restarted if the vehicle is driven
at speeds above 5mph (8 kmh).
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
5. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H2.
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch
(Incorrect)
Measuring Height (H)
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7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributingbars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
3+H1 (about 1/3 the difference between H2 and H1
above normal ride height [H1]).
8. Use the instrument cluster or touch screen radio settings and switch off tire jack mode. Make sure the truck
returns to normal ride height. Preform a visual inspec-
tion of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to
confirm manufacturers’ recommendations have been
met.
9. The truck can now be driven.
Measurement Example Example 1500 Height
(mm)
H1 925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/3 7
(H2-H1)/3 + H1 932
NOTE: For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged. Towing With 2500/3500 Air Suspension
1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer
(do not connect the trailer).
NOTE: Normal Ride Height (NRH) or Alternate Trailer
Height (ATH) can be used. The vehicle must remain in the
engine running position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system. It may not be
possible to enter Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) while
lightly loaded.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1
above normal ride height [H1]).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............580
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .............580
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ...................... .581
▫ Torque Specifications ....................581
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ............583
▫ Jacking And Tire Changing
1500 Series Trucks ..................... .583
▫ Jacking And Tire Changing
2500 And 3500 Series Trucks ...............600
 HOISTING ........................... .618
 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ............618
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ...............618
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ..................620 
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............621

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED . . . .623
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6-SPEED
TRANSMISSION ....................... .623
▫ Column Shifter — If Equipped .............623
▫ Center Console Shifter — If Equipped ........624
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 SPEED
TRANSMISSION ....................... .625
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............626
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .................628
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models .................629
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .............................. .630
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............630
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