RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2017 year). Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)

in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Next, shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or 2nd gear and
REVERSE (with manual transmission) while gently press-
ing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator
pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.

CAUTION!

Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of clutch or transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

NOTE:

Push the

⬙ESC Off⬙ switch, to place the Electronic

Stability Control (ESC) system in

⬙Partial Off⬙ mode, before

rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information. Once
the vehicle has been freed, push the

⬙ESC Off⬙ switch again

to restore

⬙ESC On⬙ mode.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.

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439

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CAUTION!

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between

DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.

• 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 transmis-
sion shifting occurring).

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.

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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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE

If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the following
procedure to temporarily move the gear selector:

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.

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

Gear Selector Override Access Port

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

441

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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.

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

See instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”

• Auto Transmission in PARK

• Manual Transmission in gear ( NOT
NEUTRAL)

• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL

• Tow in forward direction

Wheel Lift

or Dolly

Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

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 man-
datory. 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.

442

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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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 “Gear Selector Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out
of PARK for towing.

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. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper 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.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).

• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
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), 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!

Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

443

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direction, with ALL wheels on the ground), IF the transfer
case is in NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission is in PARK
(for automatic transmissions) or in gear (NOT in NEU-
TRAL, for manual transmissions). Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion and detailed instructions.

CAUTION!

• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used. 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.

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)

This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.

Please refer to “Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags” in “Occupant Restraints” for further information
on the Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) func-
tion.

EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain
crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed.

Please refer to “Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags” in “Occupant Restraints” for further information
on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).

444

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L

1 — Coolant Pressure Bottle

6 — Battery

2 — Transmission Dipstick

7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)

3 — Engine Oil Fill

8 — Washer Solvent

4 — Engine Oil Dipstick

9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

10 — Air Cleaner Filter

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447

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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 trans-
mission control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions 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. Although
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.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity

Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to ac-
cess this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.

WARNING!

• ONLY an authorized service technician should con-

nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.

• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD

II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:

• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety

related systems, could be impaired or a loss of

(Continued)

448

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.

• Access, or allow others to access, information

stored in your vehicle systems, including personal
information.

For further information, refer to “Privacy Practices — If
Equipped With Uconnect 8.4 Radio” and “Uconnect Cy-
berSecurity” in “All About Uconnect Access” in your
Owner’s Manual Radio Supplement and “Cybersecurity”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed,
or damaged, a loose gascap indicator will dis-
play in the instrument cluster telltale display

area. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and push the SELECT

button to turn off the message. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is started.

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not on

when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

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449

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Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the follow-
ing:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not

crank or start the engine.

NOTE:

If you crank or start the engine, you will have to

start this test over.

2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON

position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.

3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will

happen:

• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return

to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is not ready and you should not proceed
to the I/M station.

• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully

illuminated until you place the ignition in the off posi-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M
station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine MOPAR parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the

450

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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use of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

DEALER SERVICE

Your authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available
which include detailed service information for your ve-
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any
procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-

tems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform

repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a

(Continued)

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451

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CAUTION! (Continued)

flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause oil
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.

Engine Oil Selection — 6.4L Engine

For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.

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American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum In-
stitute (API). The manufacturer only rec-
ommends API Certified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-
30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 6.4L Engine

Use MOPAR SAE 0W-40 engine oil approved to FCA
Material Standard MS-12633 such as Pennzoil Ultra
equivalent is recommended for all operating temperatures.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifi-
cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number
should not be used.

Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are
followed.

Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service sta-
tion or governmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.

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453

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Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil filter.
Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only high-quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service.
MOPAR engine oil filters are a high-quality oil filter and
are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the “Maintenance
Schedules” section for the proper maintenance intervals.

WARNING!

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

near the engine compartment before starting the ve-
hicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection

The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air cleaner
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement

Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or debris, if you
find evidence of either dirt or debris you should change
your air cleaner filter.

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RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2017 year). Manual - part 28