towing Ram 3500 2015 Repair Manual

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to ”Manual Park Release” or “Shift
Lever Override” in this section for instructions on shift-
ing 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.
Damage 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 transmis-
sion 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
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 739

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.
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 cov-
ered 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), IF
the transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N) and the transmis-
sion is in PARK(for automatic transmissions) or in gear
(NOT in NEUTRAL, for manual transmissions). Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information 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 re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
740 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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. Al-
though 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.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC/DID telltale display
area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” or “Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 747

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued 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
systems 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 specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
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.
770 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance Chart
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. X XX X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
826 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
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
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
828 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic........................... .405
Cold Weather Operation ....................445
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............392
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .608
Console, Overhead ....................... .209
Contract, Service ......................... .835
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........774
Cooling System .......................... .771
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............773
Coolant Capacity ...................... .815
Coolant Level ...................771, 775, 777
Disposal of Used Coolant .................775
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................772
Inspection ........................ .775, 777
Points to Remember .....................777
Pressure Cap ......................... .774
Radiator Cap ......................... .774
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......772, 815, 817
Corrosion Protection ...................... .786Cupholders
............................ .232
Customer Assistance ...................... .833
Customer Programmable Features .............370
Data Recorder, Event .......................81
Daytime Running Lights ....................167
Dealer Service ........................... .750
Defroster, Rear Window .....................242
Defroster, Windshield ...................116,398
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................177
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................545
Dipsticks Power Steering ........................ .571
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................737
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................775
Door Locks Door Locks ............................37
KeyFob...............................37
10
INDEX 845

Glass Cleaning.......................... .791
Grocery Bag Retainer ...................... .242
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................642
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................641
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .639
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .547
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................679
Headlights ............................. .806
Automatic ........................... .166
Cleaning ............................ .791
High Beam ........................... .176
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .........176
Passing ............................. .176
Switch .............................. .165
Head Restraints ......................... .154Heated Mirrors
...................... .139, 242
Heater ............................. .395, 400
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .451
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .176
Hill Descent Control ...................... .587
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................587
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .648
Hoisting ............................... .725
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) .............211
Hood Release ........................... .163
Hub Caps .............................. .724
Ignition .................................16
Key .............................. .12, 16
Ignition Key Removal .......................16
Illuminated Entry ..........................24
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................19
Inflation Pressure Tires .....................613
10
INDEX 849

Limited-Slip Differential.................545, 781
Loading Vehicle ......................... .639
Tires ............................... .597
Locks ..................................37
Automatic Door .........................39
Child Protection .........................40
Door .................................37
Power Door ............................39
Low Tire Pressure System ...................619
Lubrication, Body ........................ .763
Lug Nuts .............................. .680
Maintenance Free Battery ....................760
Maintenance Procedures ....................750
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .824
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......748
Manual, Service ......................... .837
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ...................... .782Lubricant Selection
..................... .820
Memory Seat ........................... .158
Methanol .............................. .629
Mirrors ............................... .126
Electric Powered ....................... .138
Heated .............................. .139
Memory ............................. .158
Outside ............................. .134
Rearview ......................... .126, 133
Trailer Towing ........................ .140
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................619
MOPAR® Parts ...................... .749, 836
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .629
Multi-Function Control Lever .................175
Navigation System (Uconnect® gps) ............207
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................113
852 INDEX

PowerDistribution Center (Fuses) ................795
Door Locks ............................39
Mirrors ............................. .138
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........224, 230
Seats ............................... .142
Sliding Rear Window ....................243
Steering .......................... .569, 571
Sunroof ............................. .220
Windows ..............................46
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .820
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................63
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................63
Programmable Electronic Features ..........319, 346
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .604
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ........771, 774Radio Operation
......................... .393
Radio (Sound Systems) .....................390
Rain Sensitive Wiper System .................179
Ramp Travel Index ....................... .527
Rear Axle (Differential) .....................780
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails .................262
Rear ParkSense System ..................189, 198
Rear Seat, Folding .....................152, 153
Rear Window Features .....................242
Rear Window, Sliding ..................... .244
Reclining Rear Seats ...................... .151
Recorder, Event Data .......................81
Recreational Towing ...................... .667
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ........670
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) ......673
Reformulated Gasoline .....................629
Refrigerant .......................... .762, 763
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................52
854 INDEX