Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual — part 32

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker 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.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF

the Ground

2WD Models

4WD Models

Flat Tow

NONE

If transmission is operable:

• Trans in NEUTRAL

• 30 mph max(48 km/h)

• 15 miles (24 km) max distance

See instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”

• Auto Trans in PARK

• Manual Trans in gear (NOT Neutral

• T/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

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’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 applying to
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
position, not the ACC position.

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see Brake/
Transmission Interlock Manual Override (under Starting
and Operating, Automatic Transmission) for instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of the PARK
position for towing.

CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when

towing. 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.

• If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the

ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC position,
not in the LOCK position.

Towing Without the Ignition Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

509

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 transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL

. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the

distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).

CAUTION!

Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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), tow with the rear wheels OFF the
ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised using a wheel lift
or towing dolly.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
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 (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (NOT
in Neutral, for manual transmissions). Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!

• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.

Internal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when towing.

• Failure to follow these towing methods could

result in damage to the transmission and/or trans-
fer case. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Engine Compartment — 3.7L . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516
䡵 Engine Compartment — 4.7L . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517
䡵 Engine Compartment — 5.7L . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) . . . . . . . 519

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 519

䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520

䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521
䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522

䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 526
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 526
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 528
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500

(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks
Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529

7

▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530
▫ Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid

Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541

▫ Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 546

䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552

▫ Totally Integrated Power Module . . . . . . . . . 552

䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558
䡵 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559
䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559

▫ Dual Or Quad Headlamp/Front Park And

Turn Signal — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559

▫ Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562
▫ Rear Tail/Stop, Turn Signal And Backup

Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562

▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)

With Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564

▫ Cab Top Clearance Lamps — If Equipped . . . 565
▫ Rear Lamp Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear

Wheels) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

▫ Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
䡵 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . 571

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

515

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped)

8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

3 — Engine Oil Dipstick

9 — Engine Oil Fill

4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

10 — Coolant Pressure Cap

5 — Battery

11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

6 — Integrated Power Module

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick

8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

3 — Engine Oil Dipstick

9 — Engine Oil Fill

4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

10 — Coolant Pressure Cap

5 — Battery

11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

6 — Integrated Power Module

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517

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick

8 — Integrated Power Module

3 — Engine Oil Fill

9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

4 — Engine Oil Dipstick

10 — Coolant Pressure Cap

5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

6 — Battery

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.

CAUTION!

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.

• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.

Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press

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519

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not

on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.

2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.

3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should
not

proceed to the I/M station.

b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II

system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR

威 parts for normal/scheduled

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR

威 parts for maintenance

and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

521

DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

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 me-
chanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.

(Continued)

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CAUTION! (Continued)

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level
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
maintain 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.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your 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 “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.

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523