Hub Caps/Wheel Covers
• The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle off the ground.
• For single rear-wheel (SRW) models, use the blade on the end of the lug wrenchto pry the hub cap off. Insert the blade end into the pry-off notch and carefully pop
off the hub cap with a back-and-forth motion.
• On models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the rear
hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the ratchet firmly. The hub cap should
pop off. The wheel skins can now be removed. For the front hub cap use the blade
on the end of the lug wrench to pry the caps off. The wheel skin can now be
removed.
• You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry off the wheel skins. Insert the flat tip completely and using a back-and-forth motion, loosen the wheel skin.
Repeat this procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.
• Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lug nut bolt circle and strike the high side down with
a rubber mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins are firmly seated
around the wheel.
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. Recommended torques are
shown in the following chart.
Disc Wheels
Nut Type Stud Size Hex Size Torque Ft LbsTorque
Newton Meters
Cone M14 x 1.5 22 mm 120-140 160-190
Flanged M14 x 1.5 22 mm 130-160 175-215
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
144
8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels
• Dual wheels are flat-mounted and center-piloted. The lug nuts are a two-pieceassembly. When the tires are being rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and
add two drops of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.
• Slots in the wheels will assist in prop- erly orienting the inner and outer
wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the
tire valve on the inner wheel. The tires
of both dual wheels must be com-
pletely off the ground when tightening,
to ensure wheel centering and maxi-
mum 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 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 location. The correct direction
of rotation for dual tire installations must also be observed.
These dual rear wheels should be tightened as follows:
1.
Tighten the wheel nuts in the numbered
sequence to a snug fit.
2.Retighten the wheel nuts in the same
sequence to the torques listed in the
table. Go through the sequence a sec-
ond time to verify that specific torque
has been achieved. Retighten to speci-
fications at 100 miles (160 km) and
after 500 miles (800 km).
•It is recommended that wheel stud nuts
be kept torqued to specifications at all
times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication interval.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
145
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
NOTE:
RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels cannot be stored under the vehicle
because the wheel retainer will not fit through the wheel pilot hole. Secure the flat tire
in the bed of the truck. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the wheel retainer through thecenter of the wheel and position it properly across the wheel opening.
• For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
•
Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the winch mechanism until
the wheel is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip, or click three or four times. It cannot be
overtightened. Push against the tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
CAUTION!
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that the jack will not
damage surrounding truck parts and adjust the jack position as required.
• Use a back and forth 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 pry off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
146
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack
and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under
a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jackshould not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving
traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during
a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It
could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the
wheel bolts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid
contact with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided.
•A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
147
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – GASOLINE ENGINE
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 indicator 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 scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Re-
quired” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
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
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, powersteering (2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
168
TIRE PRESSURES
• Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthlyand inflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
•
The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading
Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE:
Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD
for more information regarding tire warn-
ings and instructions.
WARNING!
•Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions. Under-inflation
is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of
your vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
•All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should
be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR®Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent or select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. These products may damage the wheel's protective finish. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage
the wheel's protective finish. Only MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is
recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
182
AdjustablePedals ...........24
Airbag..................14
Air Conditioning.....34,35,36,37
Air Suspension .............32
Alarm (Security Alarm) .........13
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .132
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ................13
Automatic Headlights .........27
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............36
Automatic Transmission FluidType ............162
AxleFluid...............162
Back-Up Camera ............38
Battery Charging System Light .....132
Belts, Seat ...............13
Brake Fluid ..............162
Brake System WarningLight ..........132
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .............25
BulbReplacement ..........183
Calibration,Compass .........98
CargoLight...............27
ChangeOilIndicator.........133
Charging System Light ........132
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .132
Child Restraint .............15
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ....15
Climate Control ........34,35,36
Compass Calibration ..........98
Cooling System Coolant Capacity .........162
Crankcase Emission Control System ................27
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ....28
CruiseLight...............28
Customer Assistance .........184
Customer Programmable Features . .99 Defects, Reporting
..........185
Defroster, Rear Window ......34,35
Defroster, Windshield .......34,35
DimmerControl.............27
Disarming, Theft System .......13
Driver Cockpit ..............6
Electronic Range Select (ERS). .30, 31
Electronics Your Vehicle's Sound System . . .42
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........28
Electronic Throttle Control WarningLight ...........133
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ............98
Emergency, In Case of Overheating ............134
Engine BlockHeater ...........120
Break-In
Recommendations .....25,120
Compartment ...........157
Malfunction Indicator
(CheckEngine) ..........132
Oil Selection ...........162
Overheating ............134
Starting ...............12
Stopping ..............12
Event Data Recorder .........155
Exhaust Brake .............121
Exterior Lights .............183
FlatTireStowage...........146
Fluid Capacities ............162
Fluids .................162
FogLights................27
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .......154
Front Heated Seats ...........22
Fuel Specifications ..........162
Fuse ..................178
Fuses..................178
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). .101
INDEX
187
SIRIUS Travel Link...........89
SparkPlugs..............162
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....28
Starting Cold Weather ...........121
Remote ...............13
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) ..........120
SunRoof ................40
Tailgate ................108
Temperature Control, Automatic(ATC)...........36
Theft System Arming ..........13
Theft System Disarming ........13
Tires Air Pressure ...........182
Changing .............137
FlatChanging ..........137
Jacking ..............137
Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) ...............38
Pressure Warning Light .....130
Tow/Haul................116
Tow Hooks, Emergency ........150
Towing Disabled Vehicle .........153
Recreational ...........118 Towing Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome .............118
Trailer Towing Trailer and Tongue Weight . . .114
Transfer Case Fluid ................162
Transmission Fluid ................162
WarningLight ..........133
TurnSignals...............26
Uconnect
®3.0.............54
Uconnect®5.0.............56
Uconnect®8.4A ............62
Uconnect®8.4AN ...........79
Ventilated Seats ............22
Washers, Windshield ..........26
Water in Fuel .............120
WheelandWheelTrimCare.....182
Wheel Cover ..............144
WheelNutTorque...........144
Wind Buffeting .............41
Windshield Washers ..........26
Windshield Wipers ...........26
INDEX
189