towing Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2019 Owner's Manual

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STEERING WHEEL ......................................................... 53
Tilt Steering Column ................................................... 53
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ..................... 54
 DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED ..... 55
 MIRRORS ............................................................................ 56
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ................. 56
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ............ 57
Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear View Camera
Display — If Equipped ................................................ 58
Outside Mirrors ............................................................ 58
Driver's Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror — If
Equipped......................................................................... 59
Power Mirrors — If Equipped .................................... 59
Power Convex Mirror Switch — If Equipped ........... 60
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 61
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ................................. 62
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped .............. 62
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For Standard And
Trailer Tow — If Equipped .......................................... 63
Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ................ 65 
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ..........................................................66
Multifunction Lever ......................................................66
Headlight Switch ...........................................................66
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped .....67
High/Low Beam Switch ...............................................67
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control — If
Equipped .........................................................................67
Flash-To-Pass ................................................................68
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ......................68
Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................................69
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only)........................................69
Headlight Delay .............................................................69
Lights-On Reminder......................................................69
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .................................70
Turn Signals ................................................................70
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............................70
Cargo Lights — If Equipped ........................................71
Battery Saver...................................................................71
 INTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................................72
Courtesy Lights ..............................................................72
Illuminated Entry ..........................................................74
 WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ....................74
Windshield Wipers ......................................................74
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped .........................76

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PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ................................................................... 309
ParkSense Sensors ....................................................... 310
ParkSense Warning Display ...................................... 310
ParkSense Display ....................................................... 310
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .......................... 315
Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System..... 315
Cleaning The ParkSense System ............................... 316
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ...................... 316
 PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST ..... 317
ParkSense Sensors ....................................................... 318
ParkSense Warning Display ...................................... 318
ParkSense Display ....................................................... 318
Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or Rear
ParkSense ...................................................................... 323
Service The ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist
System ........................................................................... 324
Cleaning The ParkSense System ............................... 324
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ...................... 324
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ................. 326
 SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ................................................................... 330
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ........................... 336
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................................. 337 
VEHICLE LOADING .....................................................337
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ....................337
Payload..........................................................................338
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)..........................338
Tire Size .........................................................................338
Rim Size.........................................................................338
Inflation Pressure .........................................................338
Curb Weight .................................................................338
Loading .........................................................................338
 TRAILER TOWING ........................................................339
Common Towing Definitions ....................................339

Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer Weight ...... 344

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ......................................................................345
Trailer And Tongue Weight ......................................345
Towing Requirements ................................................346
Towing Tips .................................................................353
 SNOWPLOW .................................................................... 355
2500/3500 Models Only..............................................355
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.) ...................................................................................358
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........358

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models .... 359

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................359

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DRIVING TIPS................................................................... 363
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................................... 363
Driving Through Water ............................................. 364
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............................. 366
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 366
 BULB REPLACEMENT .................................................. 371
Replacement Bulbs ..................................................... 371
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................ 373
 FUSES.................................................................................. 380
Power Distribution Center ......................................... 381
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 390
4500/5500 Models ....................................................... 391
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 391
Jacking Instructions 4500 And 5500 Series............... 392
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped .......... 396
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped .............. 397
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 398
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 399
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 400
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 401
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION .............................................................. 402 
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ...............................................................403
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ......................................405
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...............................406
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 407
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 408
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....................408
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............................................................409
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)................................. 409
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ............................................410
Maintenance Plan ........................................................411
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................414
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......................................... 415
6.4L Engine ..................................................................415
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........................416
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................416
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 417

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 61
Trailer Tow Power Convex Mirror
NOTE:
If the Power Convex Mirror Switch is not pushed a second
time, the switch will automatically default back to the larger
portion of the outside mirrors after a period of time.
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror head
to provide a greater vision range when towing extra-wide
loads. To change position inboard or outboard, the mirror
head should be rotated (flipped in or out).
Trailer Towing Position
NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to entering an
automated car wash.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 125
6. Fuel Gauge• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
7. Temperature Gauge
• The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.The pointer positioned within the normal range indi -
cates that the engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera -
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, see “Servicing And Maintenance.” Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer• Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute(RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
• When the appropriate conditions exist, this displayshows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
3. Speedometer
• Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located. 5. Temperature Gauge
• The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.The pointer positioned within the normal range indi -
cates that the engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera -
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, see “Servicing And Maintenance.” Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 145
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electricalpower to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are
larger than the capability of charging system. The charging
system is still functioning properly.

• Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded power
outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports) during certain driving
conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stopping).

• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time (weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
• The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery was used for an extended period with the engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers, +12V
portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices. What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
• Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
• Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).
• Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12V,115V AC, USB ports.
• Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).
• Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (addi -
tional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems,
alarms) and review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
• Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time and parking time).
• The vehicle should have service performed if the message is still present during consecutive trips and the evaluation
of the vehicle and driving pattern did not help to identify
the cause.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with
the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either
stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. — Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
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150 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and
not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light
(MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a
part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission control
systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition
is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor
quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through
several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle
will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

158 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in
the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then
20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push
the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the
vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
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 transmission
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 an
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 vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.