trailer Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2015 Workshop Manual

Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicle’s electrical system or
wiring should be performed by a qualified automo-
tive technician. If done improperly it may cause
damage to the electrical system wiring and could
result in serious or fatal injury.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE: Using TOW/HAUL mode, or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your
vehicle in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help
to avoid transmission overheating.
446 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the transmission fluid
and filter(s) as specified forpolice, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, 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.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in 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
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 447

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFFThe GroundTwo-Wheel
Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT
ALLOWED See Instructions
•
Automatic transmission in PARK
• Manual transmission in gear
(NOT in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow FrontNOT
ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
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STARTING AND OPERATING 451

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowedONLYif the rear wheels are OFFthe ground.
This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure
the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans- mission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in
NEUTRAL). 4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the Key Fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for tow- ing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
CAUTION!
•Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may
leak from the transmission, causing damage to
internal parts.
452 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:Both the manual shift and electronic shift trans-
fer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) for recre-
ational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted
into PARK for recreational towing. Manual transmissions
must be placed in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for recre-
ational towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for your
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with
only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not
in Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)” to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL
(N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 453

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F06 40 Amp Green Antilock Brakes/Electronic Stability
Control Pump
F07 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue
(1500 LD/Cummins Diesel) Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
F09 40 Amp Green
(Special Services Vehicle &
Cummins Diesel) 30 Amp Pink
(1500 LD Diesel) Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped
F10 40 Amp Green Body Controller / Exterior Lighting #2
F10 50 Amp Red Body Controller / Exterior Lighting #2 –
If Equipped with Stop/Start
F11 30 Amp Pink Integrated Trailer Brake Module –
If Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 537

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F25 30 Amp Pink Front Wiper
F26 30 Amp Pink Antilock Brakes/Stability Control Module/
Valves
F28 20 Amp Blue Trailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
F29 20 Amp Blue Trailer Tow Parking Lights – If Equipped
F30 30 Amp Pink Trailer Tow Receptacle
F31 30 Amp Pink
(1500 LD Diesel) Urea Heater Control – If Equipped
F32 30 Amp Pink Drive Train Control Module – If Equipped
F33 20 Amp Blue Special Services Vehicle Only
F34 30 Amp Pink Vehicle System Interface Module #2 –
If Equipped
F35 30 Amp Pink Sunroof – If Equipped
F36 30 Amp Pink Rear Defroster– If Equipped
F37 30 Amp Pink Cummins Diesel Fuel Heater #2 If Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 539

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F38 30 Amp Pink Power Inverter 115V AC– If Equipped
F39 30 Amp Pink Vehicle System Interface Module #1–
If Equipped
F41 10 Amp RedActive Grill Shutter — If Equipped
F42 20 Amp Yellow Horn
F44 10 Amp RedDiagnostic Port
F46 10 Amp RedTire Pressure Monitor
F49 10 Amp RedInstrument Panel Cluster
F50 20 Amp YellowAir Suspension Control Module –
If Equipped
F51 10 Amp Red Ignition Node Module / Keyless Ignition
F52 5 Amp TanBattery Sensor
F53 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow – Left Turn/Stop Lights
F54 20 Amp YellowAdjustable Pedals
F56 15 Amp Blue Additional Diesel Content – If Equipped
540 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F77 10 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module/Front Axle
Disconnect Module
F78 10 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Electric Power
Steering
F79 15 Amp BlueClearance Lights
F80 10 Amp Red Universal Garage Door Opener / Compass
F81 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Right Turn/Stop Lights
F82 10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module/ Cruise
Control
F84 15 Amp BlueSwitch Bank/Instrument Cluster
F85 10 Amp RedAirbag Module
F86 10 Amp RedAirbag Module
F87 10 Amp Red Air Suspension-If Equipped / Trailer Tow /
Steering Column Control Module
F88 15 Amp BlueInstrument Panel Cluster
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 543

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 ser-
vice 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 byreferring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
•
Gasoline Engines
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty
•
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. 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
560 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES