RAM 1500 (2019 year). Manual — part 27

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and

backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy

traffic.

Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The

transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid

frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-

ing does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode

or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range

Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:

Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower

gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the

vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-

formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-

sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also

provide better engine braking.

Tow/Haul Mode

To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-

ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly

areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic

Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.

Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until

you can get back to cruising speed.

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-

ing, take the following actions:

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

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

422

STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,

the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air

Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-

ther information.

NOTE:

The vehicle must remain in the engine running

position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the

air suspension system.

SNOWPLOW

NOTE:

Do not use this model vehicle for snowplow

applications.

WARNING!

Snowplows and other aftermarket equipment should
not be added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in
the front end structure. The airbags could deploy
unexpectedly or could fail to deploy during a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.

WARNING!

Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.

CAUTION!

Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

423

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF
The Ground

Two-Wheel

Drive Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT AL-

LOWED

See Instructions

• Transmission in PARK

• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)

• Tow in forward direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT AL-

LOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

OK

OK

NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable

state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial

Highway Safety offices for additional details.

• Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four Corner Air

Suspension must be placed in Transport mode before

tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed

truck. Refer to “Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspen-

sion – If Equipped” for more information. If the vehicle

cannot be placed in Transport mode (for example, en-

gine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the

axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these instruc-

tions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss

of proper tie-down tension.

424

STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models

DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.

Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is al-

lowed 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:

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure

the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
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. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in

PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing,

to secure the front wheels in the straight position.

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.

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models

NOTE:

The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL

(N) for recreational towing. The transmission must be

shifted into PARK for recreational towing. Refer to the

following for the proper transfer case NEUTRAL (N)

shifting procedure for your vehicle.

CAUTION!

• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD 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.

(Continued)

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

425

CAUTION! (Continued)

• 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 in PARK for recreational

towing.

• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and

remains released, while being towed.

• 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.

• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid

will leak from the transfer case, causing damage to
internal parts.

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on

your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for

recreational towing.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,

with the engine running. Apply the parking brake.

426

STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The driver’s door

must be closed (or the driver’s seat belt buckled) so that

the transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when the

brake pedal is released.

NOTE:

If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure

the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the

center of the transfer case switches). The NEUTRAL (N)

indicator light will illuminate, and remain lit, when the

shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is

completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release

the NEUTRAL (N) button.

5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that

there is no vehicle movement.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking

brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless

Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP

button until the engine shuts off. The transmission will

automatically select PARK when the engine is turned

off.

10. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable

tow bar.

12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not

start the engine.

13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

427

NOTE:
• Steps 2 and 3 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 con-

tinuously 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.

• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the engine

should be started and left running for a minimum of 60

seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24

hours. This process allows the air suspension to adjust

the vehicle’s ride height to compensate for temperature

effects.

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. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the

transmission into NEUTRAL.

4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the

center of the transfer case switches).

5. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,

release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

6. Turn the engine OFF. The transmission will automati-

cally select PARK when the engine is turned off.

7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.

428

STARTING AND OPERATING

12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake

pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.

NOTE:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met before

pushing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and

must continue to be met until the shift has been com-

pleted. If any of these requirements are not met before

pushing the button or are no longer met during the shift,

the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continu-

ously until all requirements are met or until the 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.

DRIVING TIPS

Driving On Slippery Surfaces

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery

surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to

the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a

difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)

wheels.

WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and care-
fully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

429

Driving Through Water

Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters

deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-

vent damage to your vehicle.

Flowing/Rising Water

WARNING!

Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is
flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or path’s surface and
cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Further-
more, flowing and/or rising water can carry your ve-
hicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shal-

low standing water, consider the following Cautions and

Warnings before doing so.

WARNING!

• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s

traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h)
when driving through standing water.

• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s

braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.

• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-

ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.

CAUTION!

• Always check the depth of the standing water before

driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.

• Determine the condition of the road or the path that

is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.

(Continued)

430

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through

standing water. This will minimize wave effects.

• Driving through standing water may cause damage

to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause

it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Off-Road Driving Tips

Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills

or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural

obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,

choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.

Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and

cautiously.

If you must back down a hill, back straight down using

REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-

nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift

to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly

to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than

does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is

always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can

get any problems taken care of right away and have your

vehicle ready when you need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and

exhaust system for damage.

• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as

required.

• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on

the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-

pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the

values specified in the Service Manual.

6

STARTING AND OPERATING

431

• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things

could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel

lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.

• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar

dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,

wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and

cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.

• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in

mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for

impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel

imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the

situation.

432

STARTING AND OPERATING

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CONTENTS

䡵 HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . .435
䡵 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . . . .436
䡵 BULB REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .441

▫ Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .441
▫ Replacing Exterior Bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .442

䡵 FUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .449

▫ Power Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .450
▫ Internal Power Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . .454

䡵 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING . . . . . . . . . . .459

▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .459
▫ Removal Of Jack And Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .460
▫ Removing The Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .463
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .466

▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .466
▫ To Stow The Flat Or Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .470
▫ Reinstalling The Jack And Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . .473

䡵 JUMP STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .474

▫ Preparations For Jump Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .475
▫ Jump Starting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .476

䡵 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . .477
䡵 MANUAL PARK RELEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .478
䡵 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .480
䡵 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . .481

▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .483
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .483
▫ Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped. . . . . . . .484

7

䡵 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM

(EARS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .484

䡵 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . .485

434

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

The Hazard Warning switch is located on the upper switch

bank just below the radio.

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with a 12–inch

Uconnect display, the Hazard Warning switch is located

above the display.

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.

Hazard Warning Switch Location

Hazard Warning Switch Location With 12–Inch Display

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

435

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.

ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

If equipped, the overhead console contains an ASSIST and

a SOS button.

Assist And SOS Buttons

1 — ASSIST Button
2 — SOS Button

436

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

WARNING!

ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the
road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the
steering wheel. You have full responsibility and as-
sume all risks related to the use of the features and
applications in this vehicle. Only use the features and
applications when it is safe to do so. Failure to do so
may result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.

NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized by

the subscriber.

• The SOS and ASSIST buttons will only function if you

are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G

(data) network. Other Uconnect services will only be

operable if your SiriusXM Guardian service is active and

you are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G

(data) network.

ASSIST Call

The ASSIST Button is used to automatically connect you to

any one of the following support centers:
• Roadside Assistance – If you get a flat tire, or need a tow,

just push the ASSIST button and you’ll be connected to

someone who can help. Roadside Assistance will know

what vehicle you’re driving and its location. Additional

fees may apply for roadside assistance.

• SiriusXM Guardian Customer Care – In-vehicle support

for SiriusXM Guardian.

• Vehicle Customer Care – Total support for all other

vehicle issues.

SOS Call

1. Push the SOS Call button on the overhead console.

NOTE:

In case the SOS Call button is pushed in error, there

will be a ten second delay before the SOS Call system

initiates a call to a SOS operator. To cancel the SOS Call

connection, push the SOS call button on the overhead

console or press the cancellation button on the Device

Screen. Termination of the SOS Call will turn off the green

LED light on the overhead console.

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

437