suspension Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2019 Owner's Manual

SAFETY 167
(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.ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC
system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving conditions. Alter-
nate ESC modes should only be used for specific reasons as
noted in the following paragraphs.
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 performance
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 effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING! (Continued)
4

290 STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The speed control buttons (located on the right side of the
steering wheel) operate the ACC system.Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to the
vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive Cruise
Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster display will read “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:
You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE or NEUTRAL.
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
• When the brakes are overheated.
1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button
2 — Distance Button

338 STARTING AND OPERATING
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo area
so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle, springs,
tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension components
sometimes specified by purchasers for increased durability
does not necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents the
actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must be
equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for all
loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight of
the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale
before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle
may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear axles has
been exceeded but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear or

STARTING AND OPERATING 347
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact sparetire.
• Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
WARNING!
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of
control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case
is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
• GVWR
• GTW
• GAWR
• Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

354 STARTING AND OPERATING
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing
(Six-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating,
activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or
select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency. Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over
-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspen -
sion System” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor -
mation.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen -
sion system.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 381
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 inside
cover, 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 FuseMicro FuseDescription
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
F06 40 Amp Green –ABS Pump Motor (DS 1500 Only)
F07 40 Amp Green –Starter Solenoid
6

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 385
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)
F57 –20 Amp Yellow TCM/PCM / Solenoid Trans Pressure SW (RFE Trans
Only) – If Equipped (HD Only)
Transmission (DS 1500 Only)
F58 –10 Amp Red Bed Lighting (LED) – If Equipped (HD Only)
F60 –15 Amp Blue Underhood Lamp / TCM – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F61 –10 Amp Red UREA Sensor / PM Sensor – If Equipped (DS 1500 LD
Diesel & Cummins Diesel)
F62 –10 Amp Red Air Conditioning Clutch
F63 –20 Amp Yellow Ignition Coils (Gas), Ignition Coils Capacitors (Gas) /
Short Runner Valve Actuator / Urea Heater Control
Unit (DS 1500 LD Diesel) / RLY Coil Feed-SCR (DS 1500
LD Diesel)
Cavity Cartridge Fuse
Micro FuseDescription
6

388 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F80–10 Amp Red Universal Garage Door Opener / Compass /
Anti-Intrusion Module (DS 1500 Only)
ASSY Overhead Console / SW Assist / SW 911 – If
Equipped (HD Only)
F81 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Right Turn / Stop Lights - If Equipped
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 FuseDescription

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 407
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” or “Gear Selector
Override” in this section for instructions on shifting the auto -
matic transmission out of PARK for towing.Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with all
four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission is
operable, the vehicle may be towed (with the rear wheels on
the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section for instructions on shifting the
8–speed transmission to NEUTRAL when the engine is off.
• 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 OFF the
ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed, or with the front wheels raised 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 rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground.
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.
6

412 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 XX X X
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,
parking brake function. X X X
XX XX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs.
1 X