WARNING!
The limited use spare tires are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more
than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold
tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire
placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly.
Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure
to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
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 pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on a“Supplemental Tire Pressure Inflation”
label located on the face of the driver’s door or in the Tire
Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS
Use“Class U”chains on Power Wagon models, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type“U”specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the chain before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after
driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for
usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of
the chain manufacturer if different than the speed recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING
These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
NOTE:On 4x4 Power Wagon models, class“U”snow
chains are permitted on the rear wheels only of vehicles
equipped with LT285/70R17D.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on the 4X4 front wheels of
Ram Trucks equipped with LT285/70R17D. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your
vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING
Infant Restraint.......................... 59
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 304
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 84
Instrument Cluster....................156,157
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 155
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 392
Interior Appearance Care.................. 391
Intermittent Wipers...................... 116
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 336
Jack Operation.......................... 338
Jump Starting.......................... 344
Key, Replacement........................ 14
Key, Sentry............................. 13
Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System...................... 24
Keys................................12,18Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 113
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 36
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 63
Lights..............................74,109
Airbag............................58,158
Anti-Lock Warning..................162,284
Battery Saver......................... 111
Brake Warning........................ 162
Bulb Replacement...................... 394
Cap Top Clearance..................... 402
Center Mounted Stop................... 400
Check Engine......................... 157
Courtesy/Reading..................... 122
Cruise.............................. 161
Daytime Running...................... 112
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 403
Fog ............................. 113,405
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 280
446 INDEX
Inflation Pressures..................... 296
Jacking............................. 338
Load Capacity.....................291,292
Off-Road............................. 82
Radial.............................. 299
Replacement......................... 302
Rotation............................. 306
Safety...........................286,295
Sizes............................... 287
Snow Tires........................... 305
Spare Tire........................... 337
Spinning............................ 301
Tread Wear Indicators................... 302
Wheel Mounting....................... 338
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 341
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 323
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 274
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 347Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 348
Guide.............................. 325
Recreational.......................... 329
Trailering............................ 319
Weight.............................. 325
Traction.............................. 331
Trailer Towing.......................... 318
Hitches............................. 321
Mirrors...........................88,326
Tips ................................ 326
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 323
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 325
Trailer Weight.......................... 325
Transfer Case........................... 379
Fluid............................... 408
Transmission
Automatic........................270,380
Fluid............................... 408
INDEX 453
10