2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB battery

346IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
6. Once the engine is started, follow the
disconnecting procedure below.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the
jumper cable from the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the
negative (-) post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the
positive (+) post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the
fuses on the positive battery terminal. The
resulting electrical current will blow the fuse.
CAUTION!

Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices,
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough
without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 346

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY347
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such
as a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release
is available.

1. Turn the engine OFF.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal. 5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the
access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column, and push and hold the
override release lever up.

Gear Selector Override Access Port Location Gear Selector Override Access Port Engaging The Access Port

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
7

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348IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such
as a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release
is available. Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool,
remove the Manual Park Release access
cover, which is just above the parking brake
release handle, below and to the left of the
steering column.

Manual Park Release Cover

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Manual Park Release lever locking tab
(just below the middle of the lever) upwards.
Manual Park Release Pull Strap

5. While holding the locking tab in the disengaged position, pull the tether strap to
rotate the lever rearward, until it locks in
place pointing towards the driver's seat.
Release the locking tab and verify that the
Manual Park Release lever is locked in the
released position.
6. The vehicle is now out of PARK and can be towed. Release the parking brake only when
the vehicle is securely connected to a tow
vehicle.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake before activating the
Manual Park Release. In addition, you should
be seated in the driver’s seat with your foot
firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual
Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll
away if it is not secured by the parking brake,
or by proper connection to a tow vehicle.
Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury
or death for those in or around the vehicle.

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350IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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 Ú page 215.
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
fascia/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, Ú
page 348.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf 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) Detailed instructions Ú
page 215
• 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
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.

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354SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect engine cooling system protection
and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if using in
dusty or off-road conditions. Replace the
engine air cleaner filter, if necessary.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect automatic transmission fluid if
equipped with dipstick.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
hoses and parking brake.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty
conditions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:

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364SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.4L ENGINE
1 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 7 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Power Steering Reservoir Cap
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 364

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE365
6.7L ENGINE
1 — Battery 7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 8 — Battery
3 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Power Steering Reservoir Cap
6 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 12 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
8

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366SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine
oil must be maintained at the correct level.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as
every fuel stop. The best time to check the
engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end
of the range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at
the MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:
Always maintain the oil level within the cross -
hatch markings on the dipstick. Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is
at the low end of the dipstick range will raise the
oil level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID

The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and
should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid containers.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the
defroster for a few minutes to reduce the
possibility of smearing or freezing the fluid on
the cold windshield. Windshield washer solution
used with water as directed on the container,
aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point
to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to
paint or trim.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free
battery. You will never have to add water, and
periodic maintenance is not required.

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure.
This could damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.

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