2020 Ram 2500 emergency towing

7
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............. 302 AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................304
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ........................................................... 305
AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................311
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE ............ 312
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE ..... 312
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................313
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 313
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................314
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................. 317
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......317
Payload .......................................................317
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............317
Tire Size ......................................................317
Rim Size......................................................318
Inflation Pressure ......................................318
Curb Weight................................................318
Loading .......................................................318
TRAILER TOWING .............................................. 318
Common Towing Definitions .....................318
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.........................................................322 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..........................................323 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 323
Towing Requirements ...............................323
Towing Tips ................................................328 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 329
Before Plowing ........................................... 329
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 330 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 330 Operating Tips ............................................ 330
General Maintenance................................ 330
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 331
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 332
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 335
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 335
Driving Through Water .............................. 335
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 336
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................338
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 338
General Information .................................. 342 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 342
Jack Location ............................................. 343
Removal Of Jack And Tools....................... 343
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 345
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 346
Jacking Instructions................................... 347
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ....................... 350
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 352
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 352
FUSES .................................................................. 353
Power Distribution Center ........................ 354
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 362
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 363
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 363
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 365
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 366
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 367
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 367
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 369
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 370
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 370
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 371

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STARTING AND OPERATING235
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
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 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 all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteris
-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, trav -
eling into strong head winds, or while towing a
heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or 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 condi -
tions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmis -
sion temperature as well as vehicle speed.
Normal operation will resume once the trans -
mission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move 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! (Continued)
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.
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20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 235

240STARTING AND OPERATING
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission 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, trav
-
eling into strong head winds, or while towing a
heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” 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 transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to over -
heating.
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. NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer
up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic)
during hot weather. In these conditions, torque
converter slip can impose a significant addi
-
tional heat load on the cooling system. Down -
shifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to
NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can
help to reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera -
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis -
sion fluid is warm refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section. On
Pickup models with 68RFE transmission, top
overdrive gear is also inhibited until the trans -
mission fluid is warm, and during extremely cold
temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera -
tion may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. On trucks with AS69RC transmis -
sion, fifth and sixth gears may be inhibited
briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY369
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as
described under “Recreational Towing” in the
“Starting And Operating” section. NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Air Suspension
System must be placed in Transport mode,
before tying them down (from the body) on a
trailer or flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be
placed in Transport mode (for example, engine
will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the
axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set
and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for more informa
-
tion.
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 equipment 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 mode, not the ACC
mode.
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”
Automatic Transmission in
PARK
Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
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370IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to ”Manual Park
Release” in this section for instructions on
shifting the 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 rear wheels ON the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. NOTE:
Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the 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
30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed transmission.
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 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 the rear wheels raised and the front wheels
on the ground.
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 (N) and the transmission is in PARK.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information and detailed
instructions.
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 suspen -
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY371
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.
Front Tow Hooks

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Acci
-
dent 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).
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
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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 disen -
gaged, 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.
6

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE433
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at
sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For
speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to orig -
inal equipment or an authorized tire dealer for
recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for tempo -
rary emergency use.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option, refer to an autho -
rized tire dealer for the recommended tire rota -
tion pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than
one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emer
-
gency use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a collapsible spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
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542
Differential, Limited Slip
................................ 264
Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 369
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
....................... 414
Do Not Disturb............................................... 532
Door Ajar........................................................ 133
Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic
.................................................... 31
Doors............................................................... 27Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 403
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 32
DrivingOff-Pavement
............................................ 255
Off-Road.................................................... 255Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 335
Dual Rear Wheels................................ 437, 444
E
Electric Brake Control System
....................... 145
Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144
Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153
Electrical Power Outlets................................... 88Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 236, 241
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.............. 244
Emergency Braking........................................ 229
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck
..................... 367
Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 338
Jump Starting........................................... 362
Emission Control System Maintenance........ 142
Engine......................................... 391, 392, 393
Air Cleaner................................................ 398Block Heater.................................... 218, 227
Break-In Recommendations..................... 228
Compartment.................................. 392, 393Compartment Identification...................... 391
Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 452, 454
Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 208, 448
Fails To Start............................................ 214
Flooded, Starting...................................... 214Fuel Requirements.......................... 446, 451
Identifcation.................................... 392, 393
Idling........................................................ 224
Jump Starting........................................... 362Oil..................................396, 451, 452, 454
Oil Filler Cap.................................... 391, 397
Oil Filter.................................................... 398
Oil Reset................................................... 119
Oil Selection.................................... 396, 451
Oil Synthetic............................................. 398
Overheating.............................................. 367
Runaway................................................... 312
Starting..................................................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 397
Enhanced Accident Response
Feature
................................................ 189, 371
Entry System, Illuminated................................55
Ethanol.......................................................... 446
Exhaust Brake............................................... 230
Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 208, 448
Exhaust System..........................208, 410, 419Exterior Lighting...............................................49
Exterior Lights........................................ 49, 210
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 398
Air Conditioning................................. 70, 401
Engine Fuel............................................... 403
Engine Oil...............................398, 452, 454
Engine Oil Disposal................................... 398
FlashersTurn Signals
.............................. 52, 140, 210
Flash-To-Pass...................................................51
Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 350
Fluid Capacities............................................ 451
Fluid Leaks.................................................... 210
Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 415
Fluid, Brake................................................... 454
Fluids And Lubricants........................... 452, 454
Fog Lights.............................................. 52, 376
Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................86
Fold-Flat Seats.................................................32

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