towing Ram 2500 2017 Repair Manual

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
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to 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, refer to ”Manual Park Release” or “Gear Selector
Override” in this section for instructions on shifting the
automatic transmission out of PARK for towing.
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 suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, this vehicle may be towed (with rear wheels on
the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km)
for 6-speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for 8-speed
transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km) for 6-speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km)
for 8-speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels OFFthe
ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed, or with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels
on a towing dolly, or (when using a suitable steering wheel
stabilizer to hold the front wheels in the straight position)
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground.
628 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Four-Wheel Drive Models
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, with ALLwheels on the ground), IFthe transfer
case is in NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission is in PARK
(for automatic transmissions) or in gear (NOT in NEU-
TRAL, for manual transmissions). Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion and detailed instructions.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will
occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 629

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Although
your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing,
see your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to ac-
cess this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should con-
nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD
II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety
related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
(Continued)
636 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you. In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 661

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XX X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
1500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XX X X X
2500/3500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
706 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Adjust parking brake as necessary. X X XXX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XX X XX XX
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes
first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 707

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Inspect the transfer case fluid,
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XX
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.
708 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.........81
Infants And Child Restraints .................70
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............78
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........75
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........72
Seating Positions ..........................74
Cigar Lighter ............................ .189
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .542
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .674
Climate Control ........................... .330
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .384
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................328
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .523
Console, Overhead ........................ .173
Contract, Service .......................... .712
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............664
Cooling System ........................... .662
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................663
Coolant Capacity ........................ .697
Coolant Level ....................662, 665, 666
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................664
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................662
Inspection ......................... .665, 666
Points To Remember ..................... .666Pressure Cap
........................... .664
Radiator Cap .......................... .664
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......662, 697, 698
Corrosion Protection ....................... .672
Cruise Light ....................... .263, 264, 265
Cupholders .............................. .191
Customer Assistance ....................... .710
Customer Programmable Features ...............307
Daytime Running Lights .....................140
Dealer Service ............................ .639
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .200
Defroster, Windshield ........................96
Delay

(Intermittent) Wipers ...................148
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................470
Dipsticks Power Steering ......................... .492
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................626
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................664
Do Not Disturb ........................... .372
Door Ajar ............................... .248
Door Ajar Light ........................... .248
Door Locks Door Locks ..............................32
718 INDEX

Fuel, Flexible............................. .545
Fuses .................................. .679
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............175, 180
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................549, 637
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .542
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .541
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .542
Gear Ranges .......................... .396, 405
Gear Select Lever Override ....................623
General Information ........................ .540
Glass Cleaning ........................... .677
Grocery Bag Retainer ....................... .200
Gross Axle Weight Rating .....................552
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................551
Guide, Body Builders .........................6
GVWR ................................. .550
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or
Shallow Standing Water ....................472
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................... .580
Headlights .............................. .690
Automatic ............................ .139
Cleaning .............................. .677High Beam
............................ .147
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...........147
Passing ............................... .147
Switch ............................... .139
Head Restraints ........................... .129
Heated Mirrors .........................115,200
Heater ................................. .330
Heater, Engine Block ....................... .385
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch .....147
Hill Descent Control ....................... .505
Hill Descent Control Indicator .................505
Hill Start Assist ........................... .498
Hitches Trailer Towing .......................... .558
Hoisting ................................ .618
HomeLink

(Garage Door Opener) ...............175
Hood Release ............................ .136
Hub Caps ............................... .617
Ignition ..................................15
Key.................................11,15
Ignition Key Removal ........................15
Illuminated Entry ...........................21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ......................17
Inside Rearview Mirror ...................104, 110
10
INDEX 721

Memory Seat............................. .132
Methanol ............................... .542
Mirrors ................................. .104
Electric Powered .........................114
Heated ................................115
Memory .............................. .132
Outside ................................111
Rearview .......................... .104, 110
Trailer Towing ...........................116
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................535
MOPAR Parts ......................... .639, 713
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .542
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................146
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............171
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................94
Occupant Restraints .........................42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................541
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............457, 473
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............457, 473
Oil, Engine ........................... .640, 698
Capacity .............................. .697
Change Interval ........................ .640Dipstick
.............................. .640
Disposal .............................. .642
Filter ............................. .642, 698
Filter Disposal .......................... .642
Identification Logo ...................... .641
Pressure Warning Light ....................245
Recommendation .....................641, 697
Synthetic ............................. .642
Viscosity ....................... .641, 642, 697
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .642
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .643
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .245
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................636
Operating Precautions ...................... .636
Operator
Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................111
Overdrive ........................... .403, 412
Overdrive OFF Switch ....................403, 412
Overhead Console ......................... .173
Overheating, Engine ....................... .580
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,714
Paint Care ............................... .672
Panic Alarm ...............................24
Parking Brake ............................ .492
724 INDEX