RAM 3500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Manual — part 25

396 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Dual Rear Wheels

Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the inner

and outer wheels. Align these slots when assembling the

wheels for best access to the tire valve on the inner wheel.

The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off the

ground when tightening to 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 loca-

tion. The correct direction of rotation for dual tire installa-

tions must also be observed
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to

specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifi-

cations at each lubrication interval.
Refer to “Wheel And Tire Torque Specifications” in “Tech-

nical Specifications” for further information.

Wheel Nuts

All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to eliminate

the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt holes

in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially

important during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of

operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All

wheel nuts should first be firmly seated against the wheel.

The wheel nuts should then be tightened to recommended

torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to final torque in increments.

Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the wheel nut

opposite to the wheel nut just previously tightened until

final torque is achieved.
Refer to “Wheel And Tire Torque Specifications” in “Tech-

nical Specifications” for further information.

To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped

Refer to Upfitters Body Builder’s Guide for information on

stowing your spare tire (if equipped).

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

397

Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped

The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle off

the ground.

For 3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the flat end of

the lug wrench to hook and pull off the hub cap. Find the

opening in the hub cap, insert the lug wrench, and pull off

the cap. If you need to pry against the wheel, protect the

wheel surface.

Lug Wrench Insertion Location — Hub Cap

On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must first

remove the hub caps—use the procedure noted for the single

rear wheel. For the wheel covers (wheel skins), insert the flat

end of the lug wrench between the outer edge of the wheel

cover and the wheel. Pry against the wheel to remove the

wheel cover. Repeat this procedure around the wheel until

the cover pops off.

CAUTION!

Use extreme caution when removing the front and rear

wheel covers. Damage can occur to the center cap and/or

the wheel if screwdriver type tools are used. A pulling

motion, not a pry off motion, is recommended to remove

the caps.

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398 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Lug Wrench Insertion Location — Wheel Cover

Replace the wheel covers using a rubber mallet to ease the

installation. Align the wheel cover vent holes to the wheel

vent holes. Tap on the wheel cover as needed to firmly seat it

evenly around the wheel.

JUMP STARTING

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.

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.

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.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

399

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 posi-

tive battery post. Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly

off positive post which has a positive (+) symbol on or

around the post.

Positive Battery Post

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis-

sion into PARK (P) and turn the ignition OFF.

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, apply the

parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

WARNING!

• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever

the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition

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.

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400 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Jump Starting Procedure

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.

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.

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.

WARNING!

Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could

establish a ground connection and personal injury could

result.

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.

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.

CAUTION!

Do not connect jumper cable to any of the fuses on the

positive battery terminal. The resulting electrical current

will blow the fuse.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

401

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 inspected at an

authorized dealer.

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.

CAUTION!

Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw

power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use

(i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long

enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery

will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or

prevent the engine from starting.

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402 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

• 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.

GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION

If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector cannot be

moved out of the PARK (P) position, you can use the

following procedure to temporarily move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the access port

(ringed circle) on the bottom of the steering column, and

push and hold the override release lever up.

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.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

403

Gear Selector Override Access Port

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION

In order to push or tow the vehicle in cases where the trans-

mission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as a dead

battery), a Manual Park Release is available.

WARNING!

Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the

parking brake before activating the Manual Park

Release. In addition, you should be seated in the driver’s

seat with your foot firmly on the brake pedal when

activating the Manual Park Release. Activating the

Manual Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll away

if it is not secured by the parking brake, or by proper

connection to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park

Release on an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious

injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.

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404 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Manual Park Release Pull Strap

Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park Release:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the

Manual Park Release access cover, which is just above the

parking brake release handle, below and to the left of the

steering column.

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

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

Park Release lever locking tab (just below the middle of

the lever) 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 Manual Park Release

lever is locked in the released position.

6. The vehicle is now out of PARK (P) and can be towed.

Release the parking brake only when the vehicle is

securely connected to a tow vehicle.

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

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

405

(Continued)

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!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated

by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even

failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and

injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster

than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds

continuously without stopping when you are stuck and

do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what

the speed.

CAUTION!

• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to

transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine

to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least

one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This

will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of 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.

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406 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

This section describes procedures for towing a disabled

vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmis-

sion and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also

be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in the

“Starting And Operating” section.

• 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 occurring).

CAUTION! (Continued)

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

• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (6–speed

transmission)

• 30 miles (48 km) max distance (8–speed

transmission)

See instructions in “Recreational Towing”

under “Starting And Operating”

• Auto Transmission in PARK

• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL

• Tow in forward direction

Wheel Lift Or

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

OK

NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

BEST METHOD

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

407

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 “Manual Park Release” or “Gear Selector

Override” in this section for instructions on shifting the auto-

matic transmission out of PARK for towing.

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 the rear wheels on

the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to “Manual

Park Release” in this section for instructions on shifting the

8–speed 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 15 miles (24 km) for

6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed

transmission.

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be

towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles

(24 km) for 6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for

8–speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels OFF the

ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a

flatbed, or with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels

on a towing dolly, or (when using a suitable steering wheel

stabilizer to hold the front wheels in the straight position)

with rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground.

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.

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408 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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 and the transmission is in PARK (P). Refer to

“Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for

further information and detailed instructions.

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.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above

requirements can cause severe engine and/or

transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is

not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

CAUTION!

• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if the

remaining wheels are on the ground). Internal damage

to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front

or rear wheel lift is used when towing.

• 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.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

409

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).

WARNING!

• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains

may break, causing serious injury or death.

• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.

Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious

injury.

CAUTION!

Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a

vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for tow

truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage

your vehicle.

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410

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator

system. The oil change indicator system will remind you that it

is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
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 sched-

uled oil change is performed by someone other than your autho-

rized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps

described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To

Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

Gasoline Engines:
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:
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

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

ered Severe Duty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

411

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual

wear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear.

• 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 engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped with serviceable fittings.

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