ignition RAM CHASSIS CAB 2012 Manual Online

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
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the 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.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. Place the transmission in
PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions. 5. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
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.366 STARTING AND OPERATING

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with transmission in DRIVE.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK.
CAUTION!Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
13. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
15. Release the parking brake. Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N) – Manual Shift
Transfer Case (If Equipped)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-
nected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL
(N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid
gear clash.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 369

CAUTION!It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Shift automatic
transmission into PARK.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL button
(located by the selector switch). The NEUTRAL indicator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The light
will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
stays on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with transmission in DRIVE.
12. Turn OFF the engine.
13. Firmly apply the parking brake.
14. Shift the transmission into PARK.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 371

CAUTION!Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
15. Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
16. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
17. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
• The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEUTRAL
from the 4WD AUTO (if equipped) position. • Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met prior to
pressing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met
during the shift, the NEUTRAL indicator light will
flash continuously until all requirements are met or
until the NEUTRAL button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
for a shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL indicator light indicates that
shift requirements have not been met.372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL – Electronic Shift
Transfer Case (If Equipped)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-
nected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL button
(located by the selector switch) until the NEUTRAL
indicator light turns off.
7. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button. 8. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the
selector switch.
NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL,
turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear
clash.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake
pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 373

NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the transfer case NEUTRAL button
and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, or are no
longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL indicator
light will flash continuously until all requirements are
met or until the NEUTRAL button is released. • The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
for a transfer case shift to take place and for the
position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator lights will be
on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.374 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTS  Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 376
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 376
▫ 3500 Models — If Equipped ............. 377
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 378
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 379
 Hoisting ............................ 388
 Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 388
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 389 ▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 390
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 392
 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 393
 Shift Lever Override ................... 394
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 395
▫ Towing Without The Ignition Key Fob ..... 396
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 397
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles .............. 398
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
upper switch bank just below the radio.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery. JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is
on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be raised on
a lift.
(Continued)376 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.
4500/5500 Models
These vehicles do not come equipped with a jack.
NOTE: Jacking and tire changing on 4500/5500 models
should be performed by an authorized dealer, or knowl-
edgeable service personnel with the appropriate heavy
duty equipment, like a tire service company. Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
WARNING!Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis-
sion) or REVERSE (manual transmission). On 4-Wheel
drive vehicles, shift the transfer case to the “4L” position.
5. Turn OFF the ignition.378 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE: The positive battery post is covered with a
protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post. WARNING!• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.Positive Battery Post
6 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389