flat tire Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2017 Owner's Guide

CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on
locations other than those indicated in the Jacking
Instructions for this vehicle.
1. If equipped, remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage.
2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one turn
while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. When changing the front wheel, assemble the jack drive tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle as close to
the tire as possible with the drive tubes extending to the
front. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel
wrench. When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive tube
to the jack and connect the drive tube to the extension tube.
Securely place the jack under the sway bar bracket (unless
both tires are flat on one side, then place jack under shock
bracket) facing forward in vehicle. Connect the jack tube
extension and lug wrench.
Front Jacking Locations
436 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.
NOTE:If the jack will not lower by turning the dial
(thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the jack
drive tube in order to lower the jack.
4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the ve- hicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the
vehicle unstable. It could slip off the jack and hurt
someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to
remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped
end of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel
(SRW) models. On dual rear wheel models (DRW) the
lug nuts are a two-piece assembly with a flat face.
Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the nuts until the
vehicle has been lowered.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts using a crisscross pattern. For the proper lug nut torque
specifications refer to “Wheel and Tire Torque Specifi-
cations” in this section. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your authorized dealer or at a service station.
Rear Jacking Location
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 437

WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Always
stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel in the
places provided.
7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and remove wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel center
caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack will not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it
may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to
lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as
previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when removing the front and rear
center caps. Damage can occur to the center cap and/or
the wheel if screwdriver type tools are used. A pulling
motion, not a pry off motion, is recommended to
remove the caps.
For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the flat blade on
the end of the lug wrench to pull the hub cap off. Insert the
blade end into the pull off notch and carefully pull the hub
cap off with a back and forth motion.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pull off notch of the rear
hub caps. Position the hook and pull straight out on the
ratchet firmly. The hub cap should pop off. The wheel skins
can now be removed. For the front hub cap, use the flat
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pull the caps off. The
wheel skin can now be removed.
438 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Use a pulling motion to remove the hub cap. Do not
use a twisting motion when removing the hub cap,
damage to the hub cap; finish may occur.
• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two
pull off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack
handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.
You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pull off the
wheel skins. Locate the hub cap pull notches (2 notches on
each cap). Insert the flat tip completely and using a back
and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this
procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.
Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When
replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lug nut
bolt circle and strike the high side down with a rubber
mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins are firmly
seated around the wheel.
Dual Rear Wheels
Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assembling
the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off
the ground when tightening to insure wheel centering and
maximum wheel clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to correctly
tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove
and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting
device.
NOTE:
When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part of
a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of the
two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to
specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt
holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially
important during the first few hundred miles/kilometers
of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 439

set. All wheel nuts should first be firmly seated against the
wheel. The wheel nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the
wheel nut opposite to the wheel nut just previously
tightened until final torque is achieved.
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information on
stowing your spare tire (if equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in another
vehicle or by using a portable battery booster pack. Jump-
starting can be dangerous if done improperly, so please
follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and precautions.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It
could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other
booster source with a system voltage greater than
12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor, alter-
nator or electrical system may occur.
440 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
512 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Ethanol................................. .403
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................93, 405
Exhaust System ........................ .93, 475
Exterior Lighting .......................... .128
Exterior Lights .............................96
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .460
Air Conditioning .....................295, 465
Engine Fuel ........................... .508
Engine Oil ......................... .459, 508
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .459
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .96, 135, 220
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .440
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Fluid, Brake ............................. .510
Fluid Capacities ........................... .507
Fluid Leaks ...............................96
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Brake ................................ .481
Power Steering ......................... .354
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............508
Fog Lights ........................... .131, 503Fold Flat Load Floor
....................... .189
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................430
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .342
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .443
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .482
Fuel ................................... .402
Adding .............................. .406
Additives ............................. .404
Clean Air ............................. .402
Ethanol .............................. .403
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .407
Filter ................................ .508
Gasoline .............................. .402
Light ................................ .214
Materials

Added ........................ .404
Methanol ............................. .403
Octane Rating .......................... .402
Requirements .......................... .402
Tank Capacity .......................... .507
Fuses .................................. .492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............164, 171
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................407, 455
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .402
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .402
528 INDEX

Tires...........................96, 381, 386, 394
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .389
Air Pressure ........................ .376, 381
Chains ............................... .390
Compact Spare ......................... .386
Dual .......................... .393, 431, 439
General Information ...................381, 386
High Speed ............................ .383
Inflation Pressures ....................... .382
Life Of Tires ........................... .389
Load Capacity ...................... .376, 378
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............395
Pressure Warning Light ....................212
Quality Grading ........................ .394
Radial ............................... .384
Replacement ........................... .389
Rotation .............................. .392
Safety ............................ .370, 381
Sizes ................................ .372
Snow Tires ............................ .385
Spare Tire ......................... .386, 387
Spinning .............................. .388
Tread Wear Indicators .....................388
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .437
Tire Safety Information ...................... .370Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................413
Torque Converter Clutch .....................339
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .444
Towing ............................. .409, 446
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .446
Guide ................................ .413
Recreational ........................... .423
Weight ............................... .413
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............423
Traction ................................ .351
T
raction Control .......................... .362
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................367
Trailer Towing ............................ .409
Cooling System Tips ..................... .421
Hitches ............................... .412
Minimum Requirements ....................414
Mirrors ................................111
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................413
Wiring ............................... .419
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .413
Trailer Weight ............................ .413
Transfer Case ............................ .483
Electronically Shifted ..................... .346
Fluid ................................ .510
Transmission ............................. .484
536 INDEX