tow RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 Owners Manual

332IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Dual Rear Wheels
Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting
the inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when
assembling 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 ensure wheel centering and
maximum wheel clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug
nut tightening adapter (included with the vehicle)
to correctly 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 instal -
lations must also be observed.
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept
torqued to specifications at all times. Torque wheel
stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication
interval Ú page 411.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to
eliminate the possibility of wheel studs being
sheared or the bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially important during the
first few hundred miles/kilometers of operation to
allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All
wheel nuts should first be firmly seated against the
wheel. The wheel nuts should then be tightened to
recommended torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to
final torque in increments. Progress around the
bolt circle, tightening the wheel nut opposite to the
wheel nut just previously tightened until final
torque is achieved Ú
page 411.
TO STOW THE FLAT OR SPARE —
I
F EQUIPPED
Refer to Upfitters Body Builder’s Guide for
information on stowing your spare tire (if
equipped).
HUB CAPS/WHEEL COVERS —
I
F EQUIPPED
The hub caps must be removed before raising the
vehicle off the ground. For 3500 Single Rear-Wheel (SRW) models, use
the flat end of the lug wrench to hook and pull off
the hub cap. Find the opening in the hub cap,
insert the lug wrench, and pull off the cap. If you
need to pry against the wheel, protect the wheel
surface.

Lug Wrench Insertion Location — Hub Cap

On 3500 models with Dual Rear-Wheels (DRW),
you must first remove the hub caps—use the
procedure noted for the single rear wheel. For the
wheel covers (wheel skins), insert the flat end of
the lug wrench between the outer edge of the
wheel cover and the wheel. Pry against the wheel
to remove the wheel cover. Repeat this procedure
around the wheel until the cover pops off.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when removing the front
and rear wheel covers. Damage can occur to the
center cap and/or the wheel if screwdriver type
tools are used. A pulling motion, not a pry off
motion, is recommended to remove the caps.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY335
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
6. Once the engine is started, follow the discon -
necting procedure.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the jumper
cable from the engine ground of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the
booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the booster
battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the
vehicle with the discharged battery, and
reinstall the protective cap over the positive
(+) post. If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
Potential signs of vehicle overheating:
Temperature gauge is at HOT (H)
Strong smell of coolant
White smoke coming from engine or exhaust
Coolant bottle coolant has bubbles present
In the event it is observed that the temperature
gauge is moving towards or close to the HOT (H)
position, you can reduce the potential for
overheating by taking the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the fuses
on the positive battery terminal. The resulting
electrical current will blow the fuse.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough without
engine operation, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator.
If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator
has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY337
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
8–SPEED TRANSMISSION —
I
F EQUIPPED
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available. See the following steps to activate the Manual
Park Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool,
remove the Manual Park Release access
cover, which is just above the parking brake
release handle, below and to the left of the
steering column.

Manual Park Release Cover

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Manual Park Release lever locking tab (just
below the middle of the lever) upwards.
Manual Park Release Pull Strap

5. While holding the locking tab in the disengaged position, pull the tether strap to
rotate the lever rearward, until it locks in place
pointing towards the driver's seat. Release the
locking tab and verify that the Manual Park
Release lever is locked in the released
position.
6. The vehicle is now out of PARK and can be towed. Release the parking brake only when
the vehicle is securely connected to a tow
vehicle.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the
driver’s seat with your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when activating the Manual Park Release.
Activating the Manual Park Release will allow
your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake, or by proper connection to a tow
vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.
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338IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock the lever.

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward to its original position, until the locking tab
snaps into place to secure the lever.
3. Pull gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed position.

Manual Park Release Tether In Stowed Position

4. Reinstall the access cover.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift
back and forth between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE
(R), while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion, without spinning
the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
For trucks equipped with an 8–speed transmis
-
sion, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can
only be achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or less. Whenever the transmission
remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Push the ESC OFF button, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial Off”
mode, before rocking the vehicle Ú page 271.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
OFF button again to restore ESC On mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and
tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when
you are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not
spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
while in gear (no transmission shifting occur -
ring).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY339
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled
vehicles may also be towed as described Ú page 195.
NOTE:When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The Ground 2WD Models4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (six
speed transmission)
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance
(eight speed transmission) Detailed instructions
Ú page 195
• Auto Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHODBEST METHOD7

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340IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
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 equipment 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 fascia/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 mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's battery
is discharged, Ú
page 337.
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 337.
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 transmission.
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 195.
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.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the approved
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.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY341
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.

Emergency Tow Hooks

NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System.
This feature is a communication network that
takes effect in the event of an impact Úpage 302.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record data that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed under certain crash
or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle Úpage 304.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
approved requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
WARNING!
Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle.
Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged,
causing serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue
a vehicle stranded off-road. Do not use tow
hooks for tow truck hookup or highway towing.
You could damage your vehicle.
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342
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it
is time to change your engine oil by displaying the
words “Oil Change Due” in your instrument cluster
display. The engine oil change indicator system is
duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your
personal driving style. Failure to change the engine
oil per the maintenance schedule can result in
internal engine damage.
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the scheduled
oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed
by someone other than an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under instrument cluster display
Úpage 89. For Gasoline Engines, under no circumstances
should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles
(13,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of engine
run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
For Diesel Engines, under no circumstances
should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
or sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system.
NOTE:
It is recommended that every 3,000 miles
(4,800 km), check the engine oil level at least
30 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on
level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil
level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or
below the ADD or MIN mark.
Severe service (high ambient temperature,
short trips, heavy loading, trailer towing,
off-road, or law enforcement use) may reduce
oil change intervals.
For Diesel Engines, configured with optional B20
capability are operated with greater than 5% levels
of biodiesel, the oil change interval must not
exceed 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 400 hours,
whichever comes first under any circumstances.
See the Fuel Requirements section for more
information regarding operation with biodiesel
blend (B6-B20) fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-7467.
Perform Service Indicator — Diesel Engine
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at
a set interval. To help remind you when this
maintenance is due, the instrument cluster will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform
Service” message is displayed on the instrument
cluster it is necessary to have the emissions
maintenance performed. Emissions maintenance
may include replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element. The procedure for
clearing and resetting the “Perform Service”
indicator message is located in the appropriate
Service Information.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.

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344SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN — GASOLINE ENGINE
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 engine oil. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first.
Additional Inspections
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends,
and replace if necessary. X
X X XX XX
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check
the fluid level. If using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid. X
X X XX XX
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake
function. X
X X XX XX
Additional Maintenance
Replace the cabin air filter. To be replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. XX XXX

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE345
Replace spark plugs.
1X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. X
X
Change the automatic transmission fluid
(AS66RCTransmission Only). X
X X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
X
Change the transfer case fluid. X

Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.
X
1. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
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
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have
any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance. This could
cause an accident.
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