towing Ram Cargo Van 2014 Owner's Guide

JUMP-STARTING ..................... .564
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............565
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................566 
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............568
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................569
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........570
540 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove theshift lever override access cover (located near the top
right of the shift lever in the instrument panel). 4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the access
hole, and push and hold the override release lever
forward.
6. Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Shift Lever Override Access Cover
570 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistanceWheel lift Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’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
position, not the ACC position.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, see
Shift Lever Override in this section for
instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 571

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Damage to the fascia will occur.
•
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
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 flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front wheels
OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift
equipment with the front wheels raised).CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
572 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your 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 engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
576 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
586 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if us-
ing your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. X
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 631

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............594
Adding Fuel ............................ .518
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .591
Additives, Fuel .......................... .513
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .217
Airbag ..................................72
Airbag Deployment ........................82
Airbag Light .............................79
Airbag Maintenance ........................83
Airbag, Side ..............................76
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................78
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .583
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................587
Air Conditioning ......................... .415
Air Conditioning Controls ...................415
Air Conditioning Filter .....................434
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .................421
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................587
Air Conditioning System ....................415 Air Conditioning System, Zone Control
..........415
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .488
Alarm Light ............................ .303
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................355
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................593
Disposal ............................. .596
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................298
Appearance Care ........................ .602
Ashtray ............................... .261
Assistance Towing ........................ .143
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .473
Auto Down Power Windows ..................41
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................114
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .204
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........423
644 INDEX

Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........595
Cooling System .......................... .592
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............594
Coolant Capacity ...................... .624
Coolant Level ......................... .592
Disposal of Used Coolant .................596
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................593
Inspection ........................... .596
Points to Remember .....................597
Pressure Cap ......................... .595
Radiator Cap ......................... .595
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............593
Corrosion Protection ...................... .602
Cupholders ............................ .258
Customer Assistance ...................... .635
Data Recorder, Event .......................85
Daytime Running Lights ....................206
Dealer Service ........................... .579Defroster, Windshield
..................... .103
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................212
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................576
Dimmer Control ......................... .206
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................601
Oil (Engine) .......................... .580
Power Steering ........................ .461
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................570
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................596
Door Locks ..............................34
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .239
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .458
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......319
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) ......365
10
INDEX 647

Gross Axle Weight Rating...................521
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................521
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .521
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect®) ...............129
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .458
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................541
Headlights Bulb Replacement ...................... .620
Cleaning ............................ .606
Lights On Reminder .....................206
Passing ............................. .210
Replacing ............................ .620
Time Delay ........................... .205
Washers ............................. .205
Head Restraints ......................... .174Heated Mirrors
...........................117
Heater ................................ .415
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .443
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . .210
Hill Start Assist .......................... .473
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .526
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) ............239
Hood Release ........................... .202
Hook, Coat ............................. .268
Ignition .................................14
Key..................................12
Ignition Key Removal .......................14
Illuminated Entry ..........................19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................15
Infant Restraint ...........................86
Information Center, Vehicle ..................309
Inside Rearview Mirror .....................114
10
INDEX 651