RAM 1500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 33

Brake System

In order to assure brake system performance, all brake

system components should be inspected periodically. Refer

to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.

Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder

The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked

when performing under the hood service or immediately if

the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-

voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a

“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be

kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the

MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.

With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as

the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in

fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check

should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information.

WARNING!

• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.

• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-

ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.

• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in

spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.

• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate

the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.

Automatic Transmission

Selection Of Lubricant

It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to

ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use

only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer

to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It

is important to maintain the transmission fluid at the

correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical

flushes should be used in any transmission; only the

approved lubricant should be used.

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for fluid specifications.

Special Additives

The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any

special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-

sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-

mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-

fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.

Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely

affect seals.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

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Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require

adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine

fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-

sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your

transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit

an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission

fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper

fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.

CAUTION!

If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.

Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at

the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life

of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,

change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated

(with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for

any reason.

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level

For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not

required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the

exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.

If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer

to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”

for further information. This inspection should be made

with the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill

hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front

axle and rear axle.

Lubricant Selection

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tion” for further information.

NOTE:

The presence of water in the gear lubricant will

result in corrosion and possible failure of differential

components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be

encountered in some off-highway types of service, will

require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.

Limited-Slip Differentials

Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential re-

quire that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive be

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521

added to the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri-

cants” in “Technical Specification” for further information.

The Mopar Limited Slip Additive should be added to the

gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle

equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.

NOTE:

When refilling a limited slip differential axle which

requires a friction modification additive, the additive

should be added before the gear lubricant to ensure proper

additive fill.

Drain And Refill

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-

nance intervals.

Transfer Case

Selection Of Lubricant

Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to

“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for

further information.

Fluid Level Check

This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug.

The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler

plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.

Drain And Refill

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the

proper maintenance intervals.

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.

TIRES

Tire Safety Information

Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following

information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,

Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire

Loading.

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Tire Markings

NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”

molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.

Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have

the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the

section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire size

designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric

tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters

“LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding the

size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emer-

gency use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare

tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall

preceding the size designation. Example: T145/80D18

103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design stan-

dards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into

the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

Tire Markings

1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction
and Temperature Grades

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Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or

ⴖ. blank. ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or

T or S

= Temporary spare tire or

31

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215, 235, 145

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

65, 85, 80

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)

– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

R

= Construction code

–

⬙R⬙ means radial construction, or

–

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15, 16, 18

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

Service Description:
95

= Load Index

– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

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EXAMPLE:

H

= Speed Symbol

– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under cer-

tain operating conditions

– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating condi-

tions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:

• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or

• LL = Light load tire or

• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load

– Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

– Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire;

however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with

white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date

code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for

the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as

mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the

outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of

the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards

and is approved for highway use

MA

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

L9

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

03

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 03 means the 3rd week
01

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 01 means the year 2001

– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the

tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located be-

hind the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the

vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less

than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. In-

flation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch)

or kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold

tire inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is

molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure as

shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s

loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recom-

mended cold tire inflation pressures.

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Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on

the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s

side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the

spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the

recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare

tires.

Loading

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the

load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will

not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to

the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation

pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information

placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operat-

ing” section of this instruction.

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross

axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles

must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and

trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting

And Operating” section of this instruction.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your

vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or

XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The

combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer

tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the

weight referenced here.

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or

XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and

passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and

passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of

cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”

amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb

passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available

cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750

(5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and

cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not

safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load

capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from

your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult

this instruction to determine how this reduces the available

cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Metric Example For Load Limit

For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will

be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of

available cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-

340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.

NOTE:
• If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your

trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following

table shows examples on how to calculate total load,

cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle

with varying seating configurations and number and

size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes

only and may not be accurate for the seating and load

carry capacity of your vehicle.

• For the following example, the combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs

(392 kg).

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WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the rec-
ommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never over-
load them.

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Tires — General Information

Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and

satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas

are affected by improper tire pressure:
• Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort

Safety

WARNING!

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can

cause collisions.

• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result

in overheating and tire failure.

• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion

shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle

handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.

• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.

You could lose control of your vehicle.

• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle

to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.

• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-

mended cold tire inflation pressure.

Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability

of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish

response or over responsiveness in the steering.

NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause

erratic and unpredictable steering response.

• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the

vehicle to drift left or right.

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Fuel Economy

Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance

resulting in higher fuel consumption.

Tread Wear

Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal

wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need

for earlier tire replacement.

Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability

Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.

Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the

driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality

pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual

judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires

may look properly inflated even when they are under-

inflated.

• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always

“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is

defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been

driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile

(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The

cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum

inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range

of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-

perature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per

12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind

when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in

the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the

outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation

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pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which

equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside

temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)

during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure

build up or your tire pressure will be too low.

Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation

The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and

within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-

tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds,

maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-

tant. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading

may be required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to

an authorized tire dealer or original equipment vehicle

dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading

and cold tire inflation pressures.

WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum
load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious collision.
Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity
at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

Radial Ply Tires

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.

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 immedi-

ately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service

description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).

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