RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2017 year). Instruction — part 27

the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during
the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

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 to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start

the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

• With instruction shift transfer case, shift the transfer case

lever to the desired position.

• With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the

transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button until the NEU-
TRAL (N) indicator light turns off. After the NEU-
TRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEU-
TRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has
been released, the transfer case will shift to the posi-
tion indicated by the selector switch.

NOTE:

When shifting the transfer case out of NEUTRAL

(N), the engine should remain OFF to avoid gear clash.

6. Shift automatic transmission into PARK.

7. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a instruction

transmission).

8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

9. Start the engine.

10. Press and hold the brake pedal.

11. Release the parking brake.

12. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal

(and clutch pedal on instruction transmissions), and check
that the vehicle operates normally.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

With electronic shift transfer case:

• Steps 3 through 5 are requirements that must be met

before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing
the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during
the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

423

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . .426
䡵 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . .426
䡵 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . .427

▫ Torque Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .427

䡵 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING . . . . . . . . . . .429

▫ 4500/5500 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .430
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .430
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .430

䡵 HOISTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .435
䡵 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . .436

▫ Preparations For Jump-Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .436

▫ Jump-Starting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437

䡵 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439
䡵 EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED . . .440
䡵 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .441
䡵 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . .442

▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443

䡵 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM

(EARS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .444

䡵 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . .444

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the upper
switch bank just below the radio.

Push 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. Push 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.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.

• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down an

impending overheat condition:

• 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.

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.

426

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT (H), pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT
(H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine
off immediately and call for service.

WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench.

Torque Specifications

Lug Nut/Bolt

Torque

Lug Nut/

Bolt Type

**Lug

Nut/Bolt

Size

Lug Nut/

Bolt

Socket

Size

120-150 Ft-Lbs

(160-200 N·m)

Cone

M14 x

1.50

22 mm

130-160 Ft-Lbs

(190-220 N·m)

Flanged

**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.

Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

427

NOTE:

Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The

lug nuts are a two-piece assembly. When the tires are being
rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two drops
of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.

Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substi-
tute with chrome plated wheel nuts.

Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the
torques listed in the table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific torque has been
achieved. Retighten to specifications after 25 miles (40 km)
check the lug nut/bolt torque to be sure that all the lug
nuts/bolts are properly seated against the wheel.

Two-Piece Lug Nut

Wheel Mounting Surface

428

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

1 — 10 Bolt Pattern
2 — 8 Bolt Pattern

WARNING!

To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.

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.

• The jack is designed to use 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.

8/10 Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Patterns

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

429

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 gear selector into PARK (automatic transmis-

sion) or REVERSE (instruction transmission). On 4-Wheel
drive vehicles, shift the transfer case to the “4L” posi-
tion.

5. Turn OFF the ignition.

6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally

opposite of the jacking position. For ex-
ample, if changing the right front tire, block
the left rear wheel.

NOTE:

Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when

the vehicle is being jacked.

Jacking Instructions

Instructions

WARNING!

Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the

edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.

• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.

• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be

raised.

(Continued)

430

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)

• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic

transmission in PARK; a instruction transmission in
REVERSE.

• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a

jack.

• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a

jack.

• Do not get under the vehicle when it 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.

• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for

lifting this vehicle during a tire change.

• 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.

Jack Warning Label

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

431

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.

When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive tube
to the jack and connect the drive tube to the extension tube.
Securely place the jack under the sway bar bracket (unless
both tires are flat on one side, then place jack under shock
bracket) facing forward in vehicle. Connect the jack tube
extension and lug wrench.

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.

NOTE:

If the jack will not lower by turning the dial

(thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the jack
drive tube in order to lower the jack.

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the ve-

hicle until the wheel just clears the surface.

Front Jacking Locations

Rear Jacking Location

432

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the
vehicle unstable. 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. For the proper lug nut torque
specifications refer to “Wheel and Tire Torque Specifi-
cations” in this section. 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. Always
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.

8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack will

not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it
may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to
lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as
previously described.

9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

433

Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped

The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.

CAUTION!

Use extreme caution when removing the front and rear
center caps. 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.

For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the flat blade on
the end of the lug wrench to pull the hub cap off. Insert the
blade end into the pull off notch and carefully pull the hub
cap off with a back and forth motion.

On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pull off notch of the rear
hub caps. Position the hook and pull straight out on the
ratchet firmly. The hub cap should pop off. The wheel skins
can now be removed. For the front hub cap, use the flat
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pull the caps off. The
wheel skin can now be removed.

CAUTION!

• Use a pulling motion to remove the hub cap. Do not

use a twisting motion when removing the hub cap,
damage to the hub cap; finish may occur.

• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two

pull off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack
handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.

You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pull off the
wheel skins. Locate the hub cap pull notches (2 notches on
each cap). Insert the flat tip completely and using a back
and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this
procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.

Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When
replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lug nut
bolt circle and strike the high side down with a rubber
mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins are firmly
seated around the wheel.

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

434

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 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 installations 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.

Wheel Nuts

All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate 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 recom-
mended 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.

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 locations.
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.

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

435

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.

WARNING!

Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It
could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.

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.

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 may be covered with a

protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the cap to gain access
to the positive battery post. Do not jump off fuses. Only
jump directly off positive post which has a positive (+)
symbol on or around the post.

WARNING!

• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever

the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition

(Continued)

Correct Positive Jumping Location

436

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)

switch is ON. You can be injured by moving fan
blades.

• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch

bands and bracelets that could 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. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis-

sion into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical

accessories.

3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park

the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

WARNING!

Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.

Jump-Starting Procedure

WARNING!

Failure to follow this jump-starting procedure could
result in personal injury or property damage due to
battery explosion.

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle
or the discharged vehicle.

Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the

positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

NOTE: Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off
positive post.

2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper

cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

3. Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper cable to the

negative (-) post of the booster battery.

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

437

4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper

cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of
the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.

WARNING!

Do not connect the jumper cable to the negative (-) post
of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific ground point, do
not use any other exposed metal parts.

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.

CAUTION!

Do not connect jumper cable to any of the fuses on the
positive battery terminal. The resulting electrical cur-
rent will blow the fuse.

6. Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in

the reverse sequence:

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.

If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.

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

(Continued)

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES