spare tire RAM CHASSIS CAB 2012 User Guide

CAUTION! (Continued)• When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to
be remounted on the rim or installed at a different
location to maintain the correct placement of the
tire on the wheel relative to the tire/wheel position
on the vehicle. For example, if the spare is used to
replace an outer rear tire it will have to be re-
mounted on the rim so that the wheel is dished
inward. That way the tread design of asymmetrical
tires will maintain proper position.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance
and durability for your vehicle. We recommend the use
of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they
are available. 5 STARTING AND OPERATING 335

WARNING! (Continued)• 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:
1. GVWR
(Continued) WARNING! (Continued)2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements – Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer with less than the full
size spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.352 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground. CAUTION!Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on
locations other than those indicated in the Jacking
Instructions for this vehicle.
1. If equipped, remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools
from storage.
2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove,
the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. When changing the front wheel, assemble the jack
drive tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle as close to
the tire as possible with the drive tubes extending to the
front. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.Jack Warning Label380 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause a collision. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel (SRW)
models. On dual rear wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts
are a two-piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten
the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been
lowered. 6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. The correct nut tightness is
135 ft lbs (183 N·m) torque for single rear wheel (SRW)
models and 145 ft lbs (197 N·m) for dual rear wheel
models. If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer
or at a service station.
WARNING!A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.
7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and remove
wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel
center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap
damage.382 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the
inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be
completely off the ground when tightening to insure
wheel centering and maximum wheel clamping. Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to cor-
rectly tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to
remove and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle
lifting device.
NOTE: When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part
of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of
the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.Oiling Location
6 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 385

To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (if equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts of the underbody.
CAUTION!Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and
precautions.
CAUTION!Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any
other booster source with a system voltage greater
than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
WARNING!Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen.
It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 78,339
Cargo Light ............................ 152
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,255
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 445
Center Lap Belts ......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 176
Certification Label ....................... 342
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 310
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............. 199,403
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 77
Checks, Safety ........................... 77
Child Restraint ........................ 64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 68,73
Child Seat .............................. 70
Cigar Lighter ........................... 169
Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 432
Climate Control ......................... 256 Clock ............................. 223,232
Cold Weather Operation ................... 274
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 255
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 325
Compass .............................. 214
Compass Calibration ..................... 215
Compass Variance ....................... 215
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 212
Connector
UCI .............................. 246
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 246
Console, Overhead ....................... 163
Contract, Service ........................ 475
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 419
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 418
Coolant Capacity ..................... 449
Coolant Level .................... 417,420
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 420484 INDEX

Shifting ............................... 276
Automatic Transmission ................ 278
Transfer Case ....................... 290
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer
Case Neutral (N) .................. 368,370
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N) .................. 369,373
Short Message Service (SMS) ................ 115
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 48
Shoulder Belts ........................... 39
Signals, Turn ...................... 81,153,189
Sliding Rear Window
Power ............................ 181
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 330
Snow Plow ............................ 361
Snow Tires ............................ 332
Spare Tire .......................... 325,326
Spark Plugs ............................ 450
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 160 Speedometer ........................... 190
Starting ............................. 26,273
Automatic Transmission ................ 273
Cold Weather ....................... 274
Engine Fails to Start .................. 274
Remote ............................ 26
Starting Procedures (Gas Engines) ............ 273
Steel Carcass Ply Tires .................... 321
Steering
Power .......................... 302,303
Wheel, Heated ...................... 159
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 157
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 253
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 253
Storage Compartment, Center Seat ........... 176
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 266,441
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 441
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 330
10 INDEX 495

Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 408
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 189
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 260
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 189
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............. 68,73
Text Messaging ......................... 115
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 157
Tip Start .............................. 274
Tire and Loading Information Placard ...... 314,330
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 312
Tire Markings .......................... 309
Tire Safety Information .................... 309
Tires ............................ 81,318,479
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 328
Air Pressure ........................ 318
Chains ............................ 330
Compact Spare ...................... 325 Dual ........................... 334,384
General Information .................. 318
High Speed ......................... 323
Inflation Pressures .................... 319
Life of Tires ........................ 328
Load Capacity .................... 314,315
Quality Grading ..................... 479
Radial ............................ 324
Replacement ........................ 328
Rotation ........................... 333
Safety .......................... 309,318
Sizes ............................. 310
Snow Tires ......................... 332
Spinning ........................... 327
Steel Carcass Ply ..................... 321
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 327
Wheel Nut Torque .................... 382
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 349
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 287496 INDEX