2019 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab emergency towing

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DRIVING TIPS................................................................... 363
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................................... 363
Driving Through Water ............................................. 364
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............................. 366
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 366
 BULB REPLACEMENT .................................................. 371
Replacement Bulbs ..................................................... 371
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................ 373
 FUSES.................................................................................. 380
Power Distribution Center ......................................... 381
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 390
4500/5500 Models ....................................................... 391
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 391
Jacking Instructions 4500 And 5500 Series............... 392
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped .......... 396
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped .............. 397
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 398
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 399
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 400
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 401
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION .............................................................. 402 
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ...............................................................403
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ......................................405
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...............................406
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 407
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 408
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....................408
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............................................................409
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)................................. 409
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ............................................410
Maintenance Plan ........................................................411
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................414
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......................................... 415
6.4L Engine ..................................................................415
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........................416
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................416
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 417

260 STARTING AND OPERATING
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be started
in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, and third gears,
direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera
-
tion” in this section for further information) to select a lower
gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the powertrain controller will modify the transmis -
sion shift schedule and expand the range of torque converter
clutch engagement. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger of
overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

268 STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not blinking.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage
the drivetrain.
• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

396 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Dual Rear Wheels
Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the inner
and outer wheels. Align these slots when assembling the
wheels for best access to the tire valve on the inner wheel.
The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off the
ground when tightening to insure wheel centering and
maximum 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 (if equipped) 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 loca-
tion. The correct direction of rotation for dual tire installa -
tions must also be observed
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to
specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifi -
cations at each lubrication interval.
Refer to “Wheel And Tire Torque Specifications” in “Tech -
nical Specifications” for further information. 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.
Refer to “Wheel And Tire Torque Specifications” in “Tech
-
nical Specifications” for further information.
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builder’s Guide for information on
stowing your spare tire (if equipped).

406 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmis-
sion and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also
be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in the
“Starting And Operating” section.

• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead
to transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage
the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
CAUTION!
(Continued)
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
The Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (6–speed
transmission)
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance (8–speed
transmission) See instructions in “Recreational Towing”
under “Starting And Operating”

• Auto Transmission in PARK
• 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

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 407
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equip-
ment designed for this purpose, following equipment manu-
facturer’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
mode, not the ACC mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's battery is
discharged, refer to “Manual Park Release” or “Gear Selector
Override” in this section for instructions on shifting the auto -
matic transmission out of PARK for towing.Two-Wheel Drive Models
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 towed (with the rear wheels on
the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section for instructions on shifting the
8–speed transmission to NEUTRAL when the engine is off.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed
transmission.
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) for 6–speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for
8–speed transmission, tow with the rear wheels OFF the
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 rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground.
CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension components. Damage
to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
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408 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Four-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF
the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the opposite
end on a towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transfer case is
operable, the vehicle may be towed (in the forward direction,
with ALL wheels on the ground), IF the transfer case is in
NEUTRAL and the transmission is in PARK (P). Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information and detailed instructions.
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow hooks.
NOTE:
For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the
front tow hooks to minimize the risk of damage to the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine and/or
transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if the remaining wheels are on the ground). Internal damage
to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front
or rear wheel lift is used when towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require -
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 409
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM (EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Enhanced Accident Response
System (EARS) function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).
WARNING!
• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious
injury.
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.
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