2013 Ram C/V towing

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial wrecker service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistanceWheel lift Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 599

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this 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 regarding
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 key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, seeShift Lever Override in this section for
instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Damage to the fascia will occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
600 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed. If flatbed
equipment is not available, and the transmission is
operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front wheels
OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift
equipment with the front wheels raised).CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not cov-
ered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 601

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 driveability.
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.
606 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
616 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mileage 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
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
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S664 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............625
Adding Fuel ............................ .546
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .622
Additives, Fuel .......................... .540
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .234
Airbag ..................................75
Airbag Deployment ........................87
Airbag Light .............................83
Airbag Maintenance ........................88
Airbag, Side ..............................78
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................79
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .614
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................618
Air Conditioning ......................... .437
Air Conditioning Controls ...................437
Air Conditioning Filter .....................459
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .................443
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................618
Air Conditioning System ....................437 Air Conditioning System, Zone Control
..........437
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .516
Alarm Light ............................ .324
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................377
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................624
Disposal ............................. .627
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................318
Anti-Theft System ..........................17
Appearance Care ........................ .633
Ashtray ............................... .279
Assistance Towing ........................ .159
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .499
Auto Down Power Windows ..................42
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................131
Automatic Door Locks ......................38
Automatic Headlights ..................... .222
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........446
678 INDEX

Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........626
Cooling System .......................... .623
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............625
Coolant Capacity ...................... .655
Coolant Level ......................... .623
Disposal of Used Coolant .................627
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................624
Inspection ........................... .627
Points to Remember .....................628
Pressure Cap ......................... .626
Radiator Cap ......................... .626
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............624
Corrosion Protection ...................... .633
Cupholders ............................ .275
Customer Assistance ...................... .669
Data Recorder, Event .......................90
Daytime Running Lights ....................223 Dealer Service
........................... .609
Defroster, Windshield ..................... .120
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................229
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................606
Dimmer Control ......................... .224
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................633
Oil (Engine) .......................... .610
Power Steering ........................ .486
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................599
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................627
Door Locks ..............................35
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .256
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .483
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......340
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INDEX 681