four wheel drive RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owner's Manual

214STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow
NONENOT ALLOWED See InstructionsAutomatic transmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK

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STARTING AND OPERATING215
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE 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 apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronically shifted
transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral)
for recreational towing. Automatic transmis -
sions must be shifted into PARK for recreational
towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for
your vehicle.
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.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive
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).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer
case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage
will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis-
sion and/or transfer case damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

4

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SAFETY287

value will display in place of the dashes. A system
fault can occur due to any of the following:

Signal interference due to electronic devices
or driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Installing aftermarket window tinting that
contains materials that may block radio wave
signals.
Accumulation of snow or ice around the
wheels or wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.

A system fault may occur due to an incorrect
TPMS sensor location condition. When a system
fault occurs due to an incorrect TPMS sensor
location, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds
and then remain on solid. The system fault will
also sound a chime. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a “Tire Pressure Temporarily
Unavailable” message in place of the tire
pressure display screen. If the ignition switch is
cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the
system fault still exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Indicator Light will no longer flash and the
tire pressure display screen will be displayed
showing the tire pressure values in the correct
locations.

Vehicles With Non-Matching Full Size Spare Or
Compact Spare
The non-matching full size spare or compact
spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the
pressure in the non-matching full size spare
or compact spare tire.
If you install the non-matching full size spare
or compact spare tire in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure
warning limit, upon the next ignition switch
cycle, the TPMS Warning Light and a “LOW
TIRE” message will remain on and a chime
will sound. In addition, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will still display a pressure
value in a different color and an “Inflate to
XX” message.
After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h), the TPMS Warning
Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid. In addition, the instru -ment cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM" message for a minimum of
five seconds and then display dashes (- -) in
place of the pressure value.

For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a
chime will sound, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will
display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for
a minimum of five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.

Once you repair or replace the original road
tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of
the non matching full size spare or compact
spare, the TPMS will update automatically.
In addition, the TPMS Warning Light will turn
off and the graphic in the instrument cluster
will display a new pressure value instead of
dashes (- -), as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of
the four active road tires. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
6

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY339
(Continued)
Automatic SOS — If Equipped
Automatic SOS is a hands-free safety service
that can immediately connect you with help in
the event that your vehicle’s airbags deploy.
Please refer to your provided radio supplement
for complete information.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
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
knowledgeable service personnel with the appro -
priate 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.

2. Place the gear selector into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the
transfer case to the 4WD Low position.
3. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
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. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only. The jack should not be
used to lift the vehicle for service purposes.
The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING! (Continued)
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 being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
7

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY351
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA US LLC 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
towed (with the rear wheels on the ground)
under the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL
Ú page 348.
The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission,
or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmis -
sion.
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km) for
6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or
(when using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer
to hold the front wheels in the straight position)
with rear wheels raised and the front wheels
ON
the ground.FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

FCA US LLC recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle
raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, with ALL wheels
on the ground), IF the transfer case is in
NEUTRAL and the transmission is in PARK
Ú page 215.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine and/
or transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used
(if the remaining wheels are on the ground).
Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a front or rear
wheel lift is used when towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
7

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416SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Radial Ply Tires
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat.
The damage is only on the tread section of
your tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs
and additional information.

Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical
size and service description (Load Index and Speed
Symbol). Replace the tire pressure sensor as well as
it is not designed to be reused.

Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a
rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss
of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode.
A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the Run Flat mode it has
limited driving capabilities and needs to be
replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a Run Flat tire is changed
after driving with underinflated tire condition,
please replace the TPM sensor as it is not
designed to be reused when driven under Run
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded
at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in
the Run Flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause a collision.
Always use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never
combine them with other types of tires.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

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418SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized
tire dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications
or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between different all season
tires. All season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire
sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety
and handling of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and
dry conditions, and are not intended to be
driven in snow or on ice. If your vehicle is
equipped with Summer tires, be aware these
tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle
when ambient temperatures are less than 40°F
(5°C) or if roads are covered with ice or snow.
For more information, contact an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or
speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of unap -
proved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with
a smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false speedometer
and odometer readings.
WARNING! (Continued)

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE419
Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on
the tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets
of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol
on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle. Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at
sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance
on ice, skid and traction capability on wet or
dry surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should
be checked before using these tire types.SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú
page 206.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving too
fast for conditions also creates the possibility
of loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.8

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE425
(Continued)
Dual Rear Wheels

Tire Rotation

The tires used on dual wheel assemblies should
be matched for wear to prevent overloading one
tire in a set. To check if tires are even, lay a
straight edge across all four tires. The straight
edge should touch all the tires.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Information System (TPIS):
The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
uses unique sensors in the inner rear wheels
to help identify them from the outer rear
wheels, because of this, the inner and outer
wheel locations can’t be switched.

After a tire rotation is completed, as shown
below, the system can auto learn the locations
of each sensor ID. Auto learning/localization
occurs when the vehicle ignition status is
changed from Off to On and speeds of greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h) are obtained and remain
over 5 mph (8 km/h) for at about a 15 minute
period. You may need to drive for 20 minutes
to account slower speeds and stops.

If the tires are rotated incorrectly, the Auto
localization of the TPIS sensors will fail to
locate correctly resulting in incorrect loca -
tions for the pressure values displayed in the
Instrument Cluster.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by the
tire's manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
4500/5500 Dual Rear Tires may only have
one approved direction of rotation. This is
to accommodate the asymmetrical design
(tread pattern) of the On/Off road tire.
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 remounted on the rim so that the
wheel is dished inward. That way the tread
design of asymmetrical tires will maintain
proper position.
CAUTION! (Continued)
8

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453
Fluid Level Checks Brake
........................................................ 387Power Steering.......................................... 163Fog Lights............................................... 53, 404Fold Flat Load Floor......................................... 70Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 33Forward Collision Warning............................. 281Four Wheel Drive........................................... 153Four-Way Hazard Flasher............................... 334Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 349Front Axle (Differential).................................. 390Fuel............................................ 196, 433, 436Adding....................................................... 195Additives................................................... 434Clean Air.................................................... 433Diesel.............................................. 196, 436Ethanol...................................................... 434Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................................... 196Filter................................................ 375, 440Gasoline.................................................... 433Light.......................................................... 111Materials Added........................................ 434Methanol................................................... 434Octane Rating........................................... 433Requirements................................. 433, 436Specifications............................................ 436Tank Capacity............................................ 439Fuses............................................................. 394
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 47Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).............................. 196Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 433Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 433GaugesVoltage..................................................... 128Gear Ranges................................................. 147Gear Selector Override................................. 347Glass Cleaning.............................................. 430Gross Axle Weight Rating.............................. 201Gross Vehicle Weight Rating......................... 201GuideBody Builders.............................................. 10GVWR............................................................ 199
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 218Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 334Head Restraints............................................... 38Head Rests...................................................... 38Headlights.................................................... 402Automatic High Beam.................................. 52Cleaning................................................... 427High Beam................................................... 51Lights On Reminder..................................... 53Passing........................................................ 52Switch.......................................................... 50
Heated Mirrors.................................................46Heated Seats...................................................37Hill Descent Control...................................... 278Hill Descent Control Indicator....................... 278Hill Start Assist.............................................. 280HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 204HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................47Hood Prop........................................................79Hood Release...................................................79Hub Caps...................................................... 343
I
Idle-Up Feature............................................. 132Ignition.............................................................18Switch..........................................................18Illuminated Entry..............................................56Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 41, 42, 335Instrument Cluster...................... 85, 86, 88, 89Descriptions.............................................. 115Display.........................................................90Engine Oil Reset..........................................91Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 429Integrated Trailer Brake Control.................... 207Interior Appearance Care.............................. 428Interior Lights...................................................55Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................57Intervention Regeneration Strategy..... 101, 379Inverter Outlet (115V)......................................74
11

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