suspension Ram 3500 2019 Owner's Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING 433
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, withthe engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the vehicle
is set to Normal Ride Height.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL:
•With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer caselever into NEUTRAL (N)
•With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have
a small, recessed “N” button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be pushed using a
ballpoint pen or similar object. Other models have a
rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indi -
cator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The
light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed
and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the
NEUTRAL (N) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
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434 STARTING AND OPERATING
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure thatthere is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with
Keyless Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine shuts off.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK. On 8-speed transmis -
sions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the
engine is turned off.
11. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode, then cycle the ignition to the RUN mode and back to the OFF mode. Remove the
key fob from the ignition.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake. NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that must be met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to
be met until the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the
NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button
is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be oper -
able. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator lights will be
on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi -
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the engine should be started and left running for a minimum of 60
seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for temperature
effects.

STARTING AND OPERATING 439
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always
a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Checktires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust
system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and suspension.
Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values spec -
ified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts. • After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar
dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.
• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted
material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance
and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not
have full braking power when you need it to prevent a
collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in
dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as
necessary.
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458 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment near the battery. This center contains cartridge
fuses, micro fuses, relays, and circuit breakers. A description
of each fuse and component may be stamped on the insidecover, otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is stamped
on the inside cover that corresponds to the following chart.
Power Distribution Center Location
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F01 80 Amp Black –Rad Fan Control Module – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F02 60 Amp Yellow –ABS Pump Motor (HD Only)
F03 60 Amp Yellow –Rad Fan – If Equipped
F04 50 Amp Red 400W Inverter – If Equipped (HD Only)
F05 40 Amp Green
50 Amp Red (Special
Services Vehicle (SSV)) –
Compressor For Air Suspension – If Equipped

462 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F41–10 Amp Red Active Grille Shutter / Active Air Dam – If
Equipped
F42 –20 Amp Yellow Horn
F43 –15 Amp Blue Heated Steering Wheel – If Equipped (HD Only)
F44 –10 Amp Red Diagnostic Port
F46 –10 Amp Red Upfitters Relay Coil – If Equipped (HD Only)
Spare (DS 1500 Only)
F49 –10 Amp Red Instrument Panel Cluster / HVAC (DS 1500
Only)
Instrument Cluster / MOD CSG (HD Only)
F50
– 20 Amp Yellow Air Suspension Control Module – If Equipped
F51 –10 Amp Red Ignition Node Module / Keyless Ignition Node
Module, Radio Frequency Hub Module /
Electric Steering Column Lock - If Equipped
F52 –5 Amp Tan Battery Sensor
F53 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow – Left Turn/Stop Lights - If
Equipped
F54 –20 Amp Yellow Non Memory Adjustable Pedals - If Equipped
F56 –15 Amp Blue Additional Diesel Content - If Equipped (DS
1500 Only)
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

466 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F82–10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module / Cruise
Control
F83 ––No Connection
F84 –15 Amp Blue ASBM / HVAC / ICS / Rear Heated Seat
Switches
F85 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F86 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F87 –10 Amp Red Air Suspension / ITBM / Steering Column
Control Module / MOD Gateway CAN-C
Trailer TPM (HD Only)
Air Suspension / Trailer Tow / DC/DC
Converter (Voltage Stabilizer) / Steering
Column Control Module / Occupant
Classification Sensor (DS 1500 Only)
F88 –15 Amp Blue Instrument Panel Cluster
F90/F91 –20 Amp Yellow IGN or BATT Customer Selectable – If Equipped
(HD Only)
Power Outlet (Rear Seats) Customer Selectable
(DS 1500 Only)
F93 –20 Amp Yellow Cigar Lighter - If Equipped
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 469
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with an air suspension system,
there is a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled to assist with changing a tire.
This feature can be activated through the Uconnect system.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that 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.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be
jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slip -
pery areas.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 495
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing 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.
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Air Suspension System must be
placed in Transport mode, before tying them down (from the
body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be
placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not run),
tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body).
Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to
be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to "Air Suspension System — If Equipped" in "Starting
And Operating" for more information.
CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine
to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least
one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This
will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of trans -
mission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between DRIVE 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) while in gear (no transmission shifting occur -
ring).
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496 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equip-
ment designed for this purpose, following equipment manu-
facturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
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” in this section for
instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
The Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
•30 miles (48 km) max distance
(8–speed transmission) See instructions in “Recreational Towing”
under “Starting And Operating”
• Automatic Transmission in
PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 501
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,00050,000
60,000
70,000
80,00090,000
100,000
110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000 48,000
64,00080,000
96,000
112,000
128,000144,000160,000
176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X XX XX
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. X X X
XX XX

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.
X X X
XX XX
Inspect the brake linings,
replace as necessary. X X X
XX XX
Adjust parking brake as
necessary. X X X
XX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X
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