RAM 3500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Manual — part 28

444 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 loca-

tions. 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.

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.

CAUTION!

Never use a floor jack directly under the differential housing of

a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may result.

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445

Tire Markings

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 desig-

nation. 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 standards

and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the side-

wall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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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446 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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
". blank. " = 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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447

H = Speed Symbol
• A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain oper-

ating conditions

• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions

(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

EXAMPLE:

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448 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 side-

walls 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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449

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

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

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. Inflation 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 recommended

cold tire inflation pressures.

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450 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 recom-

mended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

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451

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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 pres-

sures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard

in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”

section of this manual.
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 manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your

vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-

pants 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 refer-

enced here.

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452 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-

pants 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

manual 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 avail-

able 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 occu-

pants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

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453

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can

cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase

your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended

load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.

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454 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

(Continued)

Tires — General Information

Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satis-

factory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas are

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

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.

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.

• 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.

WARNING! (Continued)

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455

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 judge-

ment 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.

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 infla-

tion 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 tempera-

ture 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

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.

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.

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456 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 conditions

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

taining correct tire inflation pressure is very important.

Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be

required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an autho-

rized tire dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for

recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire

inflation pressures.

Radial Ply 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 (side-

wall 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 addi-

tional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have experi-

enced a loss of pressure should be replaced immediately

with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service

description (Load Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire

pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to be reused.

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).

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.

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457

Run Flat Tires — If Equipped

Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 50 miles

(80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation

pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the Run

Flat mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation

pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire

reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capabilities

and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not

repairable. When a run flat tire is changed after driving with

underinflated tire condition, please replace the TPM sensor

as it is not designed to be reused when driven under run flat

mode (14 psi (96 kPa)) condition.
NOTE:

TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the vehicle on a

flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full

capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for more informa-

tion.

Tire Spinning

When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not

spin your vehicle's wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for

longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emer-

gency” for further information.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated

by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire damage or

failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not

spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)

for more than 30 seconds continuously when you are

stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no

matter what the speed.

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458 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to

help you in determining when your tires should be replaced.

Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread

grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth

becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn

to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.

Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-

mation.
Life Of Tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors

including, but not limited to:
• Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can

cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire

tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,

resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.

• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher,

and Summer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rota-

tion of these tires per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is

highly recommended.

1 — Worn Tire

2 — New Tire

WARNING!

Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six

years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow

this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could

lose control and have a collision resulting in serious

injury or death.

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459

(Continued)

NOTE:

Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when installing

new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little expo-

sure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil,

grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many

characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear

and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer

strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the

originals in size, quality and performance when replacement

is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-

tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-

tion placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for the size

designation of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol

for your tire will be found on the original equipment tire

sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety

Information” section of this manual for more information

relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.

It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear

tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect

your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make

sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the orig-

inal wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or

original equipment dealer with any questions you may have

on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent

replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling,

and ride of your vehicle.

WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating

other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combi-

nations of unapproved tires and wheels may change

suspension dimensions and performance characteris-

tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and

braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable

handling and stress to steering and suspension compo-

nents. You could lose control and have a collision

resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire

and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your

vehicle.

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