2013 Ram 1500 towing

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Mod-
els
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Automatic trans-
mission in PARK
• Manual transmis-
sion in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward
direction
Dolly Tow Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK
Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Firmly set the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in Neutral).
• Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
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Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer cases must be shifted into
NEUTRAL (N) for recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (NOT in
NEUTRAL) for recreational towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmissiondamage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmis-
sion or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause
severe damage to the transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in the PARK position for recreational
towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in Neutral) for recreational
towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under “Shifting
Into NEUTRAL” to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL.
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
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119

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recom-
mendations are followed: • Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
• For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recommended.
• For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
• The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
• Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
•The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
Water In Fuel Message
•
If a Water In Fuel message orindicator appears in the cluster and a chime
sounds five times, the fuel/water separator will need to be drained immediately to
prevent engine damage.
• Refer to “Draining Fuel Water Separator” in this guide for draining instructions or see your dealer.
DIESEL
120

BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
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132

- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
133

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
• If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are mounted in the front.
• For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow hooks tominimize the risk of damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a vehicle stranded off-road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle. Tow straps are recommended when towing the vehicle; chains may cause
vehicle damage.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break,
causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may
break, causing serious injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the PARKposition, you can use the following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever.
• Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized dealer immediately if the shift lever override has been used.
Column Shifter
•
Tilt the steering wheel to the full up
position and firmly set the parking brake.
•Turn the Key Fob to the ACC or ON/RUN
position without starting the engine.
•Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver, press and hold the override tab through the access
port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position and start the vehicle.
• Release the parking brake.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
150

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground2WD Models4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistance •
Auto Transmission in PARK
• Manual Transmission in gear
(NOT NEUTRAL)
• Transfer 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
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
153

Maintenance Chart – Gasoline EngineMileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary.
XX X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the
fluid level. If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing,
change axle fluid. XX X X X X XInspect the brake linings, parking brake function.
XX X X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace the top row (intake side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** XX X X X
Replace the side row (exhaust side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X X X X X
Replace the ignition cables (4.7L Engine). X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
170