RAM 2500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 31

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

493

4. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Instruction

Park Release lever locking tab (just below the middle of

the lever) to the right.

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 Instruction 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.

To Reset The Instruction Park Release:
1. Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock the lever.
2. Rotate the Instruction Park Release lever forward to its orig-

inal 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.

4. Re-install the access cover.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

In any of the following situations, you can reduce the poten-

tial 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.

6

494 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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 and REVERSE,

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 transmission, 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 for more than two

seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE

or REVERSE.

• Push the "ESC Off" switch, to place the Electronic Stability

Control (ESC) system in "Partial Off" mode, before rocking

the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in “Safety”

for further information. Once the vehicle has been freed,

push the "ESC Off" switch again to restore "ESC On" mode.

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.

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.

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.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

495

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 under “Recreational

Towing” in the “Starting And Operating” section.
NOTE:

Vehicles equipped with the Air Suspension System must be

placed in Transport mode, before tying them down (from the

body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be

placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not run),

tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body).

Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to

be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to "Air Suspension System — If Equipped" in "Starting

And Operating" for more information.

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 trans-

mission 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).

6

496 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent

damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equip-

ment designed for this purpose, following equipment manu-

facturer’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 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, refer to ”Instruction Park Release” in this section for

instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK for

towing.

Towing

Condition

Wheels OFF

The Ground

2WD Models

4WD Models

Flat Tow

NONE

If transmission is operable:

•Transmission in NEUTRAL

•30 mph (48 km/h) max speed

•30 miles (48 km) max distance

(8–speed transmission)

See instructions in “Recreational Towing”

under “Starting And Operating”
• Automatic Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction

Wheel Lift Or

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

BEST METHOD

CAUTION!

• Do not use sling type equipment when towing. Vehicle

damage may occur.

• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not

attach to front or rear suspension components. Damage

to your vehicle may result from improper towing.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

497

Two-Wheel Drive Models

The manufacturer 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 rear wheels on the

ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:

Refer to "Instruction Park Release" in this section for instructions

on shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL when the engine

is OFF.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 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 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 posi-

tion) with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the

ground.

Four-Wheel Drive Models

The manufacturer 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 (N) and the transmission is in PARK.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating”

for further information and detailed instructions.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above

requirements can cause severe transmission damage.

Damage from improper towing is not covered under the

New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

6

498 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with 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.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for

further information on the Enhanced Accident Response

System (EARS) function.

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.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for

further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).

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 require-

ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer

case damage. Damage from improper towing is not

covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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.

499

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indi-

cator system. The oil change indicator system will remind

you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled main-

tenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indi-

cator message will illuminate. This means that service is

required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as

frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold

ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence

when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.

Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil

message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since

last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,

within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your 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 your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by

referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster

Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed

8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve 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.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:

Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of

engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off

road environment or is operated predominantly at idle, or

only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is

considered Severe Duty.

7

500 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.

Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it

occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.

• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake

master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-

sion (six-speed only) and fill as needed

• Check function of all interior and exterior lights

Maintenance Plan

Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for required maintenance.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:

• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions. If required, replace air cleaner filter.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

501

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

20,0

00

30,0

00

40,0

00

50,0

00

60,0

00

70,0

00

80,0

00

90,0

00

100,0

00

110,0

00

120,0

00

130,0

00

140,0

00

150,0

00

Or Years:

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers:

32,0

00

48,0

00

64,0

00

80,0

00

96,0

00

112,0

00

128,0

00

144,0

00

160,0

00

176,0

00

192,0

00

208,0

00

224,0

00

240,0

00

Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Inspect front suspension, tie rod

ends, and replace if necessary.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

Inspect the brake linings,

replace as necessary.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Adjust parking brake as

necessary.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Inspect transfer case fluid.

X

X

X

7

502 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Replace engine air filter.

X

X

X

X

X

Replace spark plugs.

1

X

Flush and replace the engine

coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles

(240,000 km) whichever comes first.

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)

20,00

0

30,00

0

40,00

0

50,0

00

60,00

0

70,0

00

80,0

00

90,0

00

100,0

00

110,0

00

120,0

00

130,0

00

140,0

00

150,0

00

Or Years:

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers:

32,0

00

48,0

00

64,0

00

80,0

00

96,0

00

112,0

00

128,0

00

144,0

00

160,0

00

176,0

00

192,0

00

208,0

00

224,0

00

240,0

00

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

503

Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle

Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of

engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off

road environment or is operated predominately at idle or

only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is

considered Severe Duty.

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 effect

vehicle handling and performance. This could cause an

accident.

7

504 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

6.4L Engine

1 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap

6 — Battery

2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

7 — Distribution Center (Fuses)

3 — Engine Oil Fill

8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

4 — Engine Oil Dipstick

9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

10 — Air Cleaner Filter

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

505

Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine

To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the

engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check the

oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best

time to check the engine oil level is about five minutes after

a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will

improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always main-

tain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.

Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom of

the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the safe

zone on these engines.

Adding Washer Fluid

The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be

checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir

with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti-

freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some

washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe the

wiper blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in

cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or

exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating

information can be found on most washer fluid containers.

After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for a

few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or freezing

the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield washer solu-

tion used with water as directed on the container, aids

cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clog-

ging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or loss

of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents are

flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must

be exercised when filling or working around the washer

solution.

7

506 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance-Free Battery

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.

You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-

nance required.

DEALER SERVICE

An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,

special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-

tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available

which include detailed service information for your vehicle.

Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any proce-

dure yourself.
NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control systems may

void your warranty and could result in civil penalties being

assessed against you.

WARNING!

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn

or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to contact

your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery

when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on

skin, flush the area immediately with large amounts of

water. Refer to “Jump Starting Procedure” in “In Case

Of Emergency” for further information.

• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or

sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster

battery or any other booster source with an output

greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to

touch each other.

• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain

lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION!

• It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that

the positive cable is attached to the positive post and the

negative cable is attached to the negative post. Battery

posts are marked positive (+) and negative (-) and are iden-

tified on the battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on

the terminal posts and free of corrosion.

• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the

vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before

connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast

charger” to provide starting voltage.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

507

Engine Oil — Gas Engine

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is

time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. Refer

to the “Maintenance Plan” for further information.
NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed

8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve 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.

Engine Oil Selection — 6.4L

For best performance and maximum protection under all

types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recom-

mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the

requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has been certified by

the American Petroleum Institute (API). The manu-

facturer only recommends API Certified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and

10W-30 engine oils.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a motor

vehicle. Only do service work for which you have the

knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any

doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take

your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the

chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not

covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

7

508 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 6.4L Engine

Use Mopar SAE 0W-40 engine oil approved to FCA Material

Standard MS-12633 such as Pennzoil Ultra equivalent is

recommended for all operating temperatures.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine

oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil

filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compartment” illus-

tration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifica-

tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number

should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-

mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-

mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are

followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil

certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade

number should not be used.

Materials Added To Engine Oil

The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-

tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the

engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its perfor-

mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and oil

filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters, indiscrimi-

nately discarded, can present a problem to the environment.

Contact an authorized dealer, service station or govern-

mental agency for advice on how and where used oil and oil

filters can be safely discarded in your area.