2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab steering wheel

Information” placard 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 original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your original equipment
or an authorized tire 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 or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. 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.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control, thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with GAWR
requirements.WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability and braking
performance and could result in a collision.
•Weight distributing systems may not be compat-
ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional
information.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a
coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle
in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel
trailer with a coupling king pin.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission
in PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
without starting the engine.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold the
override tab through the access port (ringed circle) on the
bottom of the steering column.6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
Shift Lever Override Access Port
398 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe 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 inNEU-
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 wheelsOFFthe
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 the rear wheels raised and the
front wheels on the ground.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 401

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J20 30 Amp
PinkFront Wiper Ground/
Low/High
J21 20 Amp
BlueWasher Control
J22 25 Amp
NaturalSunroof Module
M1 15 Amp
BlueStop Switch Lamp
M5 25 Amp
Natural115V AC Inverter
M6 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet (Instru-
ment Panel or Front
Console)/Rain Snsr
M7 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet (Rear
Console or Center
Seat)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M8 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat &
Steering Wheel
M9 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seats
M10 15 Amp
BlueHands Free Module/
Vanity Lamp/
Universal Garage
Door Opener Module
M11 10 Amp
RedClimate Control Sys-
tem
M12 30 Amp
GreenRadio/Amplifier
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M13 20 Amp
YellowMain #2 Instrument
Cluster/Wireless Con-
trol Module/ITM/
Siren/Multifunction
Switch (Steering Col-
umn Module)
M14 20 Amp
YellowBack Up Camera (Do-
mestic Only)
M15 20 Amp
YellowPower Seat
Module(s)/Audio
Telematics/Daytime
Running Lights
Relay/Instrument
Cluster/Transfer Case
Module
M16 10 Amp
RedAirbag ModuleCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M18 15 Amp
BlueCenter Stop Lamp
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAutomatic Shutdown
1 and 2
M20 15 Amp
BlueInstrument Cluster
Interior Lighting /Sw
Steering Wheel/Sw
Bank
M21 20 Amp
YellowAutomatic Shutdown
3
M22 10 Amp
RedHorns (Low/High) –
Right
M23 10 Amp
RedHorns (Low/High) –
Left
M25 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump Motor/
Diesel Lift Pump – If
Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443

Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 422
Inspection.......................... 425
Points to Remember.................. 426
Pressure Cap........................ 424
Radiator Cap....................... 424
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......422,454
Cupholders............................ 172
Customer Assistance..................... 477
Data Recorder, Event...................... 64
Daytime Running Lights................... 153
Dealer Service.......................... 409
Defroster, Rear Window................... 180
Defroster, Windshield................ 80,265,271
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 155
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 304
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................ 433
Power Steering...................... 309Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 399
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 425
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water...................... 306
Dual Rear Wheels.....................340,388
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 180
Electrical Power Outlets................... 165
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 290
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 160
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 204
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 298
Emergency Brake........................ 310
10
INDEX 489