towing Ram Cargo Van 2015 Owner's Guide

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
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
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 569

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, refer toShift Lever Override in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
for towing.CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage 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.
570 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 571

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

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. 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.
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 using 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.
634 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Disposal............................. .596
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................289
Appearance Care ........................ .602
Ashtray ............................... .253
Assistance Towing ........................ .138
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .472
Auto Down Power Windows ..................47
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................118
Automatic Door Locks ......................38
Automatic Headlights ..................... .200
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........420
Automatic Transmission ....................442
Adding Fluid ......................... .601
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................602
Fluid Change ......................... .602
Fluid Level Check ...................... .601
Fluid Type ........................... .600
Gear Ranges .......................... .447
Special Additives ...................... .601Torque Converter
...................... .454
Auto Up Power Windows ....................47
Battery ................................ .586
Jump Starting ......................... .562
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Saving Feature (Protection) ................204
Belts, Seat .............................. .107
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................590
B-Pillar Location ......................... .482
Brake Assist System ...................... .466
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............463
Brake Fluid ............................ .627
Brake System ........................... .462
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .462
Fluid Check .......................... .599
Parking ............................. .460
Brake/T

ransmission Interlock .................444
10
INDEX 649

DipsticksAutomatic Transmission ..................601
Oil (Engine) .......................... .580
Power Steering ........................ .459
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................569
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................596
Door Locks Door Locks ............................35
KeyFob...............................35
Remote ...............................35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................35
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .232
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .456
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......314
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) ......362E-85 Fuel
.............................. .516
Economy (Fuel) Mode ..................... .445
Electrical Power Outlets .....................244
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................119
Electronic Brake Control System ...............463
Brake Assist System .....................466
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........212
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............467
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......303
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................540
Jacking .............................. .543
Jump Starting ......................... .562
Overheating .......................... .540
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........577
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Block Heater ......................... .442
Break-In Recommendations ................105
652 INDEX

HitchesTrailer Towing ........................ .527
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) ............232
Hood Release ........................... .197
Hook, Coat ............................. .260
Ignition .................................14
Key..................................12
Ignition Key Removal .......................14
Illuminated Entry ..........................20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................15
Information Center, Vehicle ..................303
Inside Rearview Mirror .....................117
Instrument Cluster ....................... .287
Instrument Panel and Controls ................286
Instrument Panel Cover .....................606
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............608
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ..............610
Interior Appearance Care ....................606 Interior Lights
.......................... .202
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............205
Introduction ..............................4
iPod®/USB/MP3 Control Bluetooth® Streaming Audio ...............159
Jack Location ........................... .544
Jack Operation .......................... .543
Jump Starting ........................... .562
Key Fob Programming Additional Key Fobs ...........17
Programming Additional Transmitters .........17
Key-In Reminder ..........................15
Keyless Enter-N-Go ........................39
Keyless Entry System .......................20
Key, Replacement ..........................16
Keys ...................................12
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ....................15
656 INDEX

ParkSense® System, Rear....................217
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .210
Personal Settings ......................... .321
Pets, Transporting ........................ .104
Phone, Cellular .......................... .123
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect®) ...............123
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........483
Power Brakes .............................. .462
Door Locks ............................36
Lift Gate ..............................58
Mirrors ..............................119
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........244
Seats ............................... .162
Sliding Door ...........................50
Steering ............................. .458
Sunroof ............................. .241
Windows ..............................44
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .627Pregnant Women and Seat Belts
................70
Preparation for Jacking .....................550
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................70
Programmable Electronic Features .............321
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .490
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........596
Radio Operation ..........................411
Radio Remote Controls .....................409
Rear Air Conditioning ..................... .417
Rear Camera ........................... .225
Rear Heater ............................ .417
Rear ParkSense System .....................217
Rearview Mirrors .........................117
Rear Window Features .....................271
Reclining Front Seats ...................... .169
Recorder, Event Data .......................92
Recreational Towing ...................... .537
660 INDEX