2015 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab maintenance

▫Tire Markings ....................... .382
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........386
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........387
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........389
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........394
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .394
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................395
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .397
▫ Tire Maintenance and Replacement .........397
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .398
▫ Tire Types .......................... .398
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............400
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............400 ▫
Tire Spinning ....................... .403
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................403
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .404
▫ Replacement Tires .....................405

SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .406
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......407
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....409
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .....................410
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .411
▫ Base System — If Equipped ..............414
▫ Premium System ..................... .414
▫ Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
Chassis Cab — If Equipped ..............419
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▫Operating Tips ...................... .450
▫ General Maintenance ...................450
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................451
▫
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .451
▫ Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ............................ .452
▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ............................ .453
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Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to your authorized tire dealer or original
equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe operat-
ing speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Tire Maintenance and Replacement
You should follow all maintenance procedures specified
by the manufacturer of this vehicle’s tires. The tires
originally installed on this vehicle were designed to
conform to EPA greenhouse gas standards and NHTSA
fuel economy standards.
If you need to replace your tires, you should do so with
tires that meet those standards. Check with your autho-
rized dealer or with the tire manufacturer for appropriate
replacement tires.
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TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.NOTE:
On Canadian vehicles only, if your vehicle is
equipped with All-Season type tires on the front and
On/Off Road type tires mounted on the rear, do not use
a front to back rotation pattern. Instead, rotate your tires
side to side at the recommended intervals.
Tire Rotation
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CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have
been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equip-
ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Us-
ing aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to be-
come inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the TPMS sensor. NOTE:
•
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light.”
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If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the transmission fluid
and filter(s) as specified forpolice, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed. •
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
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completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator
should be familiar with the area and surface to be
cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when
plowing unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery
terminals clean and free of corrosion.When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drive-
train damage, the following precautions should be ob-
served.
•
Operate with transfer case in 4L when plowing small
or congested areas where speeds are not likely to
exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in
4H.
• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4L
range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
• Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has
returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a
practice of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting
the transmission.
450 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ..........487
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L ..........488
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . .489
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............489
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .490
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................491
 DEALER SERVICE ..................... .492
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........492
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .493▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... .496
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................496
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ...........500
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............502
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............503
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — Four-Wheel
Drive Models ....................... .504
▫ Body Lubrication .....................505
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............505
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................510
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