tires Ram 3500 2019 Owner's Manual

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DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 506
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 507
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 509
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 509
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 511
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 516
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 517
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 517
Exhaust System ........................................................... 520
Cooling System ........................................................... 522
Brake System ............................................................... 527
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 528
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 529
Transfer Case ............................................................... 530
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 531 
TIRES ..................................................................................531
Tire Safety Information ............................................531
Tires — General Information ...................................541
Tire Types .....................................................................547
Spare Tires — If Equipped .....................................548
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................551
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 552
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............................553
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................555
Treadwear .....................................................................556
Traction Grades............................................................ 556
Temperature Grades ................................................... 556
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................557
 BODYWORK ......................................................................557
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................557
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................558
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 558
 INTERIORS .......................................................................561
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................561
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................562
Leather Parts.................................................................563
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................563

186 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.2 gal (12 L) this
light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level
is low.
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning
Light
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to
indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recom -
mended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In
these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned
above, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tire.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom
-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi -
nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as
handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,
avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture
occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire
repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc -
tion indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi -
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace -
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly. — Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on
for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning
and service is required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on. CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to your
authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
3

196 SAFETY
ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires. Modification
may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The yellow “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn on
when the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN mode and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on.

If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the brake
system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON/RUN mode, have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic Brake
Control system (EBC). This system includes Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction
Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems work
together to enhance both vehicle stability and control in
various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING! (Continued)

SAFETY 201
(Continued)
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located
in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the condi -
tions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain your vehicle, may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle, and may negatively affect the perfor -
mance of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC performance.
Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle modification or
poor vehicle maintenance that reduces the effective -
ness of the ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

204 SAFETY
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And ESC
OFF Indicator Light The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
in the instrument cluster will come on when the igni -
tion is turned to the ON mode. It should go out with
the engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system.
If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as
soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (located
in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when
TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road condi -
tions. NOTE:
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” and
the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momentarily each
time the ignition is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when
ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused
the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
customer has elected to have the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) in a reduced mode.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by moni -
toring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the
vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of the
steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to
potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the appropriate
brake and may also reduce engine power to lessen the chance
that wheel lift will occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of

220 SAFETY
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recom-
mended cold placard pressure.
NOTE:
The TPMS Warning Light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster and a chime will sound when tire pressure is low in
one or more of the four active road tires. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a graphic showing the pres -
sure values of each tire with the low tire pressure values in a
different color, or the Uconnect radio will display a TPMS
message, when this occurs you must increase the tire pres -
sure to the recommended cold placard pressure in order for
the TPMS Warning Light to turn off.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period.
The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for infor -mation on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire
pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjustment for this increased
pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the
tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning limit for
any reason, including low temperature effects and natural
pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire pres
-
sure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn off until
the tire pressure is at or above the recommended cold
placard pressure. Once the low TPMS Warning Light illumi -
nates, you must increase the tire pressure to the recom -
mended cold placard pressure in order for the TPMS
Warning Light to turn off. The system will automatically
update and the TPMS Warning Light will turn off once the
system receives the updated tire pressures. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need to be
increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recom -
mended cold placard pressure in order to turn the TPMS
Warning Light off.

SAFETY 221
(Continued)
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended cold
(parked for more than three hours) placard pressure of 30 psi
(207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
measured tire pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa), a temperature
drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to approx-
imately 23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low
enough to turn on the TPMS Warning Light. Driving the
vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approximately
27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light will still be on.
In this situation, the TPMS Warning Light will turn off only
after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold
placard pressure value. NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and
maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure or
condition.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with the Tire Fill Alert feature the TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
CAUTION!
• The TPMS has been optimized for the original equip -
ment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. After -
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
• Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pres -
sure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to an autho -
rized dealership to have your sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor. CAUTION!
(Continued)
4

222 SAFETY
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure using an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumi -
nation of the TPMS Warning Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in the tire.
Example: Tire Pressure Monitor Display
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to
the receiver module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the tire pressure
in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly and to maintain the
proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver module
• Four tire pressure monitoring sensors
• Various tire pressure monitoring system messages, which
display in the instrument cluster
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime will
sound when tire pressure is low in one or more of the
four active road tires. In addition, the instrument cluster will
display a graphic showing the pressure values of each tire
with the low tire pressure values in a different color. An
"Inflate to XX" message will also be displayed.

SAFETY 223
Example: Low Tire Pressure Display
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires with a low pressure condition (those in a
different color in the instrument cluster graphic) to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure inflation value
as shown in the "Inflate to XX" message. Once the system
receives the updated tire pressures, the system will automat -
ically update, the graphic display in the instrument cluster
will return to it’s original color, and the “Tire Pressure Moni -
toring Telltale Light” will turn off. The vehicle may need to
be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in
order for the TPMS to receive this information. NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need to be
increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recom
-
mended cold placard pressure in order to turn the Tire Pres -
sure Monitoring Telltale Light off.
Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid. The system fault will also sound a chime. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a "SERVICE
TPM SYSTEM" message for a minimum of five seconds and
then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value to indi -
cate which sensor is not being received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no
longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light”
will no longer flash, and the "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM"
message will no longer display, and a pressure value will
display in place of the dashes. A system fault can occur due
to any of the following:
• Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the
TPM sensors.
4