2008 Dodge RAM Power Wagon Owners Manual

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† Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus- pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values specified in the Service Manual. † Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard, or they might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts. † After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, have brake drums and rotors, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as possible. † If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for packed material. Packed foreign material can cause a wheel imbalance and cleaning the wheels will correct the situation.

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WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power when you need it to prevent an accident. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary. Failure to do so may result is serious injury.

WINCH USAGE – IF EQUIPPED

Things To Know Before Using Your Winch

General Winch Information Your vehicle is equipped with an electric vehicle recovery winch. This winch uses the electrical power from the vehicle charging system to power a motor that winds

wire rope into the winch drum via planetary gear reduc- tion. By nature, a winch is capable of generating very high forces and should be used with care. Do not operate the winch without reading and understanding the com- plete winch owner’s manual. Tensioning the Wire Rope The winch rope must be properly tensioned before use. Follow the instructions below to tension the rope: 1. Un-spool the wire rope leaving 5 wraps of rope on the winch drum. 2. Attach the hook to a suitable anchor point.

CAUTION!

Be certain the anchor will withstand the load re- quired to tension the wire rope.

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Winch Motor Thermal Protection Your winch is equipped with a thermal protection device in the motor. If the winch is operated for an excessive duration, the device may interrupt motor function to protect the winch motor. During this time the winch will power-out but will not power-in. Allow the winch motor to cool for a few minutes before continuing to winch. The winch will resume normal function once the motor cools.

3. Apply at least 500 lbs. of tension to the rope while winding the rope in. Always use care to ensure the rope does not pile up on one side of the drum and is neatly wound onto the drum.

CAUTION!

Wire rope must spool on the winch drum in the direction indicated on the drum rotation decal on the winch.

Low Voltage Interrupt Your winch is equipped with a device that will interrupt winch function if the vehicle charging system voltage drops to a low level. The winch will not power-in or out for 30 seconds if this device is tripped. If the interrupt is tripped, the vehicle should be operated at high idle for a few minutes to allow the vehicle charging system to recover before continuing to winch.

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR WINCH

Winch Components

1. Motor: The winch motor is powered by the vehicle charging system and features a thermal protection switch that automatically stops motor function in the power-in direction if the motor gets too hot. 2. Remote Socket: The remote socket allows the remote control to be attached to the control pack to allow the winch to function. 3. Winch Drum w/ Integral Brake: The winch drum allows the wire rope to be stored on the winch and transmits force to the wire rope. The winch is equipped with an integral brake that will stop rotation of the winch drum if the winch motor is stopped. 4. 3 Stage Planetary Gear Set: Provides balance between speed and pulling power. 5. Wire Rope: The wire rope allows the winch to be connected to an anchor to provide a pulling force.

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6. Clutch Lever: The clutch lever allows the winch drum to be disconnected from the winch motor to allow the wire rope to be pulled from the winch by hand. 7. Remote Control: The remote control provides the interface between the winch operator and the winch. The remote control provides the ability to power the winch in, out, and stop the winch. To operate the winch, the toggle switch is pressed down to power the winch in and up to power the winch out. The winch will stop if the switch is left in the neutral (center) position.

CAUTION!

If not installed, the hook strap must be placed on the hook.

Fairlead: The fairlead acts as a guide for the wire rope and minimizes damage to the rope.

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WINCH ACCESSORIES

The following accessories are necessary to attach the winch to anchors, change direction of pull, and for safe winching.

Gloves: Wire rope, through use, will develop 9barbs9
which can slice skin. It is ex- tremely important to wear protective gloves while oper- ating the winch or handling the wire rope. Avoid loose fit- ting clothes or anything that could become entangled in the wire rope and other mov- ing parts.

Snatch/Block Pulley: Used properly, the multi-purpose snatch block allows you to (1) increase our winch’s pulling power; and (2) change your direction without pulling damaging the wire rope. Proper use of the snatch block is covered in 9Before You Pull.9

The Clevis/D-Shackles: D-Shackle is a safe means of connecting the looped ends of cables, and snatch blocks. The shackle’s pin is threaded to allow easy re- moval.

straps

Tree Trunk Protector: Typi- cally made of tough, high- quality nylon, it provides the operator an attachment point for the winch rope to a wide variety of anchor points and objects, as well as protect liv- ing trees.

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OPERATING YOUR WINCH

WARNING!

wire rope drum is moving.

during operation and when spooling.

† Always use supplied hook strap to hold hook when spooling wire rope in or out. † Never use as a hoist. † Never use to move persons. † Never exceed winch or wire rope rated capacity. † Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling the wire rope. † Never touch wire rope or hook while in tension or under load. † Never engage or disengage clutch if winch is under load, wire rope is in tension, or † Always stand clear of wire rope and load and keep others away during winching. † Always keep hands and clothing clear of the wire rope, hook and fairlead opening † Never wrap wire rope back onto itself. Always use a choker chain, wire choker rope † Never attach a recovery strap to the winch hook to increase the length of a pull. † Never attempt to tow a vehicle with the recovery strap attached directly to the † Never use (bungee( straps that develop tremendous and potentially dangerous † Always disconnect the remote control when not in use. † Never winch when there are less than 5 wraps of wire rope around the winch drum. † Always pass remote control through a window to avoid pinching lead in door, then † Never leave the remote control plugged into the winch while free spooling, rigging

or tree trunk protector on the anchor.

amounts of force when stretched.

using remote inside a vehicle.

winch hook.

or sitting idle.

Failure to observe any of these warnings regarding proper winch usage may result in severe injury.

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General Information Practice using your winch before you get stuck. Some key points to remember when using your winch are: 1. Always take your time to assess the situation and plan your pull carefully. 2. Always take your time when using a winch. 3. Use the right equipment for the situation. 4. Always wear leather gloves and do not allow the wire rope to slip through your hands when handling the rope. 5. Only the operator should handle the wire rope and remote control. 6. Think safety at all times.

Vehicle Recovery Using the Winch:

CAUTION!

† Always Know Your Winch: Take time to fully read and understand the included Installation and Operations Guide, and Basic Guide to Winching Techniques, in order to understand your winch and the winching opera- tion. † Always inspect winch installation and wire rope condi- tion before operating winch. Frayed, kinked or damaged wire rope must be replaced immediately. Loose or dam- aged winch installation must be corrected immediately. † Always be sure any element which can interfere with safe winching operations is removed prior to initiating winching. † Always keep remote control lead clear of the drum, wire † Inspect for cracks, pinches, frayed wires, or loose con-

rope and rigging.

nections. Replace if damaged.

CAUTION!

Be careful not to pull the Winch Cable Collar through the rollers. Watch and listen to Winch for proper snugness.

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1. Inspect the winch, winch mount, and wire rope for damage. Do not use the winch if the mount is loose or rope shows excessive wear or damage. 2. Put on gloves.

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3. Disengage clutch to allow free spooling of the winch drum, rotate the clutch lever on the winch to disengage. Freespooling conserves battery power.

Free Spool

4. Free the winch hook and attach hook strap. Free the winch hook from its anchor point. Attach hook strap to the hook (if not attached).

Hook Strap

5. Pull wire to anchor point. Pull out enough wire rope to reach your anchor point. Be sure to keep a certain amount of tension on the wire as it can become twisted and over-wrap when slackened, leading to wire rope damage. To prevent losing the end, hold the hook strap while you work.

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6. Secure to the anchor point. Once you’ve established your anchor point, secure the tree-trunk protector or choker-chain around the object.

Tree Trunk Protector

CAUTION!

Always be certain the anchor you select will with- stand the load.

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NOTE: How to choose an anchor point: A secure anchor is critical to winching operations. An anchor must be strong enough to hold while winching. Natural an- chors include trees, stumps and rocks. Hook the cable as low as possible. If no natural anchors are available when recovering another vehicle, your vehicle becomes the anchor point. In this case, be sure to put the transmission in neutral, apply the hand brake and block its wheels to prevent your vehicle from moving. Ideally, you’ll want an anchor point that will enable you to pull straight in the direction the vehicle will move. This allows the wire rope to wind tightly and evenly onto the spooling drum. An anchor point as far away as possible will provide the winch with its greatest pulling power. 7. Attach the Clevis/D-shackle and Tree Trunk Protector. Attach the shackle to the two ends of the strap or chain and through the hook loop, being careful not to over tighten (tighten and back-off 1/2 turn).

Clevis/D-Shackles

8. Lock the clutch. Lock the winch drum by rotating the clutch lever on the winch to engage. NOTE: Always ensure the clutch is fully engaged or disengaged.

9. Connect the remote control to the winch control box, located behind the front bumper. Be careful not to let the remote control cord dangle in front of the winch. If you choose to control the winch from inside your vehicle, always pass the remote through a window to avoid pinching the cord in the door. Always disconnect the remote control when not in use.

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10. Put wire rope under tension. Using the remote con- trol switch, slowly wind the wire rope until no slack remains. Once the wire rope is under tension, stand well clear and never step over it.

11. Check your anchor. Make sure all connections are secured and free of debris before continuing with the winching procedure.

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12. Check wire rope. The wire rope should be neatly wound around the spooling drum. Improper winding can cause damage to the wire rope.

13. In certain situations you may decide to throw a heavy blanket or similar object over the wire rope. A heavy blan- ket can absorb energy should the wire rope break. Place it on the wire rope midway be- tween the winch and the an- chor point. Do this before the wire rope is put under ten- sion. Do not approach or move the blanket once tension is applied. Do not allow it to get pulled into the fairlead. If necessary to move or remove the blanket, slack the tension on the wire rope first. 14. Establish (no people( zones: Make your intentions clear. Be sure that everyone in the immediate vicinity surrounding the winching operation is completely aware of your intentions before you pull. Declare where the spectators should not stand - never behind or in front of

the vehicle and never near the wire rope or snatch block. Your situation may have other (no people( zones.

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For additional assistance, the winched vehicle can be slowly driven while being pulled by the winch. Continue pulling until the vehicle is on stable ground. If you are able to drive the vehicle, the winching operation is complete.

No People Zones

15. Begin winching. With the winching vehicles engine on and light tension already on the wire rope, begin winching slowly and steadily. Be sure that the wire rope is winding evenly and tightly around the spooling drum.

Using The Remote Control

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NOTE: Avoid overheating the winch motor. For ex- tended winching, stop at reasonable intervals to allow the winch motor to cool down. NOTE: What to look for under load: The wire rope must always spool onto the drum as indicated by the drum rotation decal on the winch. As you power-in, make sure the wire rope winds evenly and tightly on the drum. This prevents the outer wire wraps from drawing into the inner wraps, binding and damaging the wire rope. Avoid shock loads by using the control switch intermittently to take up wire rope slack. Shock loads can momentarily far exceed the winch and wire rope ratings. During side pulls the wire rope tends to stack up at one end of the drum. This stack can become large enough to cause serious damage to the winch. So, line up pulls as straight ahead as possible and stop winching if the wire rope comes close to the tie rods or mounting plate. To fix

an uneven stack, spool out that section of the rope and reposition it to the opposite end of the drum, which will free up space for continued winching. 16. Secure vehicle. Once recovery of the vehicle is com- plete, be sure to secure the vehicle’s brakes and put the transmission in 9park9 (automatic) or 9low9 gear for 9manual9 transmissions. Release tension in the wire rope. 17. Disconnect wire rope. Disconnect from the anchor. 18. Rewind wire rope. The person handling the wire rope should walk the rope in and not let it slide through the hand, control the winch at all times.

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NOTE: How to spool under no load: Arrange the remote control lead so it cannot be caught in the winch. Arrange the wire rope so it will not kink or tangle when spooled. Be sure any wire rope already on the spooling drum is wound tightly and evenly layered. Tighten and straighten the layer if necessary. Keep the wire rope under light tension and spool the wire rope back and onto the winch drum in even layers. Stop frequently to tighten and straighten the layers as necessary. Repeat this process until the winch hook is the same distance as the full length of the remote control from the winch. Pinch the hook between your thumb and forefinger and attach the hook strap. Hold the hook strap between the thumb and forefinger to keep tension on the wire rope. Walk the wire rope towards the fairlead, carefully spooling in the remaining wire rope. By pulsing the remote control switch.

WARNING!

To prevent serious injury, NEVER put your fingers inside the hook area as you are powering-in.

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19. Store the hook on the most outboard loop of the tow hook.

NOTE: Always store the remote control in a protected, clean, dry area. RIGGING TECHNIQUES

Various winching situations will require application of other winching techniques. These could range from too little distance to achieve maximum pull using straight line rigging, simply increasing pulling power, or main- taining a straight-line pulling situation. You will have to assess what technique is correct for your situation. Think 9safety9 at all times.

20. Disconnect remote control. Disconnect the remote control cord from the control box and store in a clean and dry place. Winching operations are now complete. Put the cap on the solenoid plug-in.

How to change the pulling direction:

Change Pulling Directions

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All winching operations should have a straight line from the winch to the object being pulled. This minimizes the wire rope collecting on one side of the drum affecting pulling efficiency and damaging wire rope. A snatch block, secured to a point directly in front of the vehicle will enable you to change your pulling direction while still allowing the wire rope to be at 90° to wind properly onto the spooling drum.

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Increasing pulling power:

Double Line:

Increase Pulling Power

In some cases, you may find yourself needing more pulling power. The use of snatch blocks increases me- chanical advantage and that increases your pulling power:

Because pulling power decreases with the number of layers of wire rope on the winch drum, you can use a snatch block to double line out more wire rope. This decreases the number of layers of wire rope on the drum, and increases pulling power. Start by feeding out enough wire rope to free the winch hook. Attach the hook to your

vehicle’s frame/tow hook and run the wire rope through a snatch block. Disengage the clutch and, using the snatch block, pull out enough wire to reach your anchor point. Do not attach hook to mounting kit. Secure to the anchor point with a tree trunk protector or choker chain. Attach the clevis/shackle. Attach the shackle to the two ends of the strap/chain, being careful not to over tighten (tighten and back-off 1/2 turn).

PARKING BRAKE The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. NOTE: The instrument cluster red brake warning light will come on and flash to indicate that the parking brake is applied. You must be sure that the parking brake is fully applied before leaving the vehicle.

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Parking Brake Release

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out of PARK.

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WARNING!

† Always fully apply the parking brake when leav- ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic transmission in Park, a manual transmission in Reverse or First gear. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury. † Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power win- dows, other controls, or move the vehicle. † Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake problems due to excessive heating of the rear brakes.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

BRAKE SYSTEM If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. However, you will experience a substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle. If either the front or rear hydraulic systems lose normal capability, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa- tion of the BRAKE warning lamp and the ABS lamp (if equipped) during brake use.

Brake Noise During normal operation of the brake system certain noises may be present from time to time. Occasional 9groan9 or 9squeal9 noises may occur during normal operation of the brake system which may not be indica- tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture, hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris may also contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con- tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement. Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – If Equipped This Anti-lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The system operates with a separate com- puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.

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The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor makes a low humming noise during operation. This is normal. When you are in a severe braking condition involving use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This is the result of the system reverting to the base brake system and is normal. Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi- cate that the system is functioning. ABS Warning Light The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake System is not functioning. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.

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WARNING!

Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.

WARNING!

† Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. † The ABS cannot prevent accidents,

including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. † The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

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WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid temperature and should be avoided when pos- sible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi- tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers. Increased noise levels at the end of the steering NOTE: wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system. Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal, and does not in any way damage the steering system.

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MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) — 5.7L Engine Only This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills required. NOTE: The MDS system may take some time to return to full functionality after a battery disconnect.

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE: † P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex- ample: P215/65R15 95H.

† European Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter 9P9 is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H † LT (Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced- ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

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† Temporary Spare tires are high-pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M. † High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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Tire Sizing Chart

Size Designation:

EXAMPLE:

P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards (....blank....( = Passenger car tire based on European design standards LT = Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards T = Temporary Spare tire 31 = Overall Diameter in Inches (in) 215 = Section Width in Millimeters (mm) 65 = Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.

10.5 = Section Width in Inches (in) R = Construction Code

—9R9 means Radial Construction. —9D9 means Diagonal or Bias Construction.

15 = Rim Diameter in Inches (in)

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Service Description:

95 = Load Index

EXAMPLE:

—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.

H = Speed Symbol

—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions. —The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un- der specified operating conditions (i.e. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits).

Load Identification:

(....blank....( = Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire Extra Load (XL) = Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire Light Load = Light Load Tire C,D,E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load — Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry. Maximum Pressure — Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

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Tire Identification Number (TIN) The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including date code

located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT = Department of Transportation

—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location. (2 digits) L9 = Code representing the tire size. (2 digits) ABCD = Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits) 03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)

—01 means the year 2001. —Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire and Loading Information Placard

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Tire Placard Location NOTE: The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the driver’s side “B” pillar.

Tire and Loading Information

This placard tells you important information about the: 1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle 2) the total weight your vehicle can carry 3) the tire size designed for your vehicle 4) the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires.

Tire Placard Location

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Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” sec- tion of this manual. NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWR’s, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to the “Vehicle Loading” section of this manual. To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The

combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas- sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. 6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

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NOTE: The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci- ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle. NOTE: For the following example, the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
kg).

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WARNING!

1. Safety—

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Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

Tire Pressure Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

WARNING!

† Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. † Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire failure. † Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause damage that result in tire failure. † Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle. † Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control. † Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left. † Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

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2. Economy— Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under inflation, also increases tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump- tion. 3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability— Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride. Tire Inflation Pressures The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed either on the face of the driver’s door or on the driver’s side “B” pillar. Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure Information for vehicle loads that are less than the

maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con- ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure Information” section of this manual.

Tire Placard Location

The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to

check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are under inflated.

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al- ways reinstall the valve stem cap (if equipped). This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sure molded into the tire sidewall.

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Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes. Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7 °C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the winter. Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12 °F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition. Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too low.

338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds 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 original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating 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 accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).

Radial-Ply Tires

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al- ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine them with other types of tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.

STARTING AND OPERATING 339

Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein- stalled 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. Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel on the vehicle at any given time.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph (80
km/h). Temporary-use spare tires 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.

Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the

340 STARTING AND OPERATING

original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire, replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.

WARNING!

The limited use spare tires are for emergency use only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly. Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.

Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, 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. Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in Section 6 of this manual for additional information.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener- ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam- age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some- one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 30
mph (48 km/h) or for more than 30 seconds continu- ously when you are stuck, and don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced.

STARTING AND OPERATING 341

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this point. Life of Tire The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to: † Driving style † Tire pressure † Distance driven

342 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.

Replacement Tires The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu- facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva- lent to the originals in size, quality and performance when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for the size designation of your tire. The service description and load identification will be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original equipment or an autho- rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifications or capability.

STARTING AND OPERATING 343

WARNING!

CAUTION!

† Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, result- ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and suspension components. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle. † Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose control and have an accident. † Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad- equate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer and odometer readings.

Alignment And Balance Poor suspension alignment may result in: † Fast tire wear. † Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided † Vehicle pull to right or left. Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right. Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer for proper diagnosis.

wear.

344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration. Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of- balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION — IF EQUIPPED A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen- gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo. Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle will be found on the face of the driver’s door.

TIRE CHAINS Use “Class U” chains on Power Wagon models, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications. NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain manufacturer.

CAUTION!

about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).

To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the following precautions: † Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other suspen- sion components, it is important that only chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain before further use. † Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after driving † Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h). † Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, espe- † Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles. † Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement. † Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the speed recommended by the manufacturer.

cially with a loaded vehicle.

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ- ing link and cable (radial) chains. NOTE: On 4x4 Power Wagon models, class “U” snow chains are permitted on the rear wheels only of vehicles equipped with LT285/70R17D.

CAUTION!

Do not use tire chains on the 4X4 front wheels of Ram Trucks equipped with LT285/70R17D. There may not be adequate clearance for the chains and you are risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING 345

SNOW TIRES Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc- tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed requirement associated with the tire. These tires should always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity inflation pressures under any load condition. 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 pro- hibit studded tires; local laws should be checked before using these tire types.

therefore,

346 STARTING AND OPERATING

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, and develop irregular wear patterns. 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. Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules” Section of this manual. 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 Ram truck 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 PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) — IF EQUIPPED The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recommended cold tire inflation placard pressure. The placard pressure is defined on the Tire and Loading Information label. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the drivers side B-pillar. Vehicles equipped to be operated in either the “max load inflation pressure” condition described on the Tire and Loading Information label or the alternative “light load inflation pressure” condition described on the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label, may also be equipped with a reset switch to choose the appropriate TPMS low pres- sure warning threshold levels based upon the vehicle load condition. The Supplemental Tire Pressure Informa- tion label is located on the rear face of the driver door. Operation of the “Light Load” reset switch is described later in this manual section.

STARTING AND OPERATING 347

The tire pressure will vary with temperature by approxi- mately 1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure after a vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1km/h) after a 3 hour period. Refer to the “Tires – General Information” in this section for information on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is normal and there should be no adjustment for this increased pres- sure. The TPM System will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning threshold for any reason, including low tem- perature effects, or natural pressure loss through the tire.

348 STARTING AND OPERATING

The TPM System will continue to warn the driver of low tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or above recom- mended cold placard pressure. Once the low tire pressure warning has been illuminated, the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended cold placard pressure in order for the TPMS warning lamp to be turned off. The system will automatically update and the TPMS warning lamp will extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information. As an example, assume your vehicle has a recommended cold tire inflation placard pressure (parked for more than 3 hours) of 35 psi (241 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68_F (20_C) and the measured tire pressure is 30 psi (207
kPa), a temperature drop to 20_F (-7_C) will decrease the tire pressure to approximately 26 psi (179 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough to turn ON the Tire

Pressure Monitoring lamp. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approximately 30 psi (207 kPa), but the Tire Pressure Monitoring lamp will still be ON. In this situation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring lamp will turn OFF only after the tires have been inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire placard pressure value.

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. After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois- ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor.

NOTE: † The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and maintenance, nor 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 349

† 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, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.” † Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure, and the TPM system will monitor the actual tire pressure in the tire.

350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) “Light Load” Reset Switch Description – If Equipped

WARNING!

Never operate your vehicle with the TPMS and tire pressures set to the Light Load Inflation Pressure settings if carrying more than two occupants ( 150 lbs each) plus 200 pounds of cargo. The vehicle “Light Load Definition” is found in the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information Label which is located on the rear face of the driver door. Failure to do so may cause you to lose control resulting in an accident, causing serious or fatal injury.

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system “Light Load” reset switch will allow the driver to switch between the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold and the light load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold depending on the vehicle’s load condition. The Tire and Loading Information label defines the recommended front and rear cold tire infla- tion pressures for the vehicle when operating in the Max Load condition. A Supplemental Tire Pressure Informa- tion label is also available defining Light Load tire inflation pressures when operating in the Light Load condition. When the “Light Load” reset switch LED is ON, the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system is using the light load inflation pressure (cold) low inflation warning thresholds and will warn the driver if one or more of the tire pressures are 25% or more below the vehicle’s defined light load inflation pressures.

STARTING AND OPERATING 351

“Light Load” Reset Switch Operation – If Equipped † This vehicle may have different recommended tire pressure values between the front and rear tires as shown in both the Tire Loading Information Label and the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information Label (located on the rear face of the driver door). It is also equipped to be driven with tire pressures appropriate to either a Light Load condition or the vehicle Max Load condition. † The “Light Load” reset switch will allow the driver to change between the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold and the light load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning thresh- old depending on the vehicle’s load condition. Refer to the “Supplemental Tire Pressure Information” label for the vehicle’s Light Load inflation pressures and “Tire and Loading Information ” label for the vehicle’s Max Load inflation pressures.

Light Load Reset Switch

352 STARTING AND OPERATING

† The TPMS system will always reset to the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning thresh- old condition when the system experiences a loss of electrical power. For example, by momentarily discon- necting the battery or IOD fuse.

Example Supplemental Tire Pressure Label

To switch from the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold to the light load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold, the driver must first lower all four road tire pressures to the Light Load Inflation Pressure values as listed on the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label. The Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label is located on the rear face of the driver door. Use an accurate tire gauge to check the tire pressures when lowering all four tire pressures. Next proceed to turning the ignition on to the Run position. This may cause the TPMS low pressure warning telltale lamp located in the Instrument Cluster to turn ON and a chime to sound since the tire pressures have been lowered below the max load inflation pressure (cold) pressures. After all four tire pressures have been lowered to the Light Load inflation pressures, press the “Light Load” reset switch. If the “Light Load” switch amber colored LED turns ON, the TPM system low pressure telltale lamp will illuminate at a tire pressure

25% or more below the light load inflation pressure (cold) tire pressure values. The light load inflation pressure (cold) tire pressure values are defined in the Supplemen- tal Tire Pressure Information label located on the rear face of the driver door. If the switch LED did not turn ON, you may need to drive the vehicle for one minute above 15 mph (25 km/h) and then press the “Light Load” reset switch again. Also, the TPM system low pressure telltale lamp will turn off once the vehicle has been driven for up to one minute above 15 mph (25 km/h). The TPM system will now remain in the Light Load vehicle pressure monitoring condition and the “Light Load” reset switch LED will remain ON for each subsequent key cycle, unless the system experiences a loss of electrical power as previously described.

STARTING AND OPERATING 353

If the “Light Load” reset switch amber colored LED flashes on and off for 10 seconds, after all four tire pressures have been lowered to the Light Load inflation pressures, the pressure in any one of the four tires may not be at the light load inflation pressure (cold) values as indicated for the Light Load condition as defined in the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label located on the rear face of the driver door. Using an accurate tire pressure gauge, re-check the tire pressures for the light load inflation pressure (cold) value and drive the vehicle for up to one minute above 15 mph (25 km/h) and press the “Light Load” reset switch again.

354 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

It is the driver’s responsibility to change to the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold condition when not driving in the light load condition as defined as two occupants ( 150 lbs each) plus 200 pounds of cargo. The vehicle “Light Load Definition” is found in the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information Label located on the rear face of the driver door. Failure to do so may cause you to lose control resulting in an accident, causing serious or fatal injury.

To switch back to the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold, press the “Light Load” reset switch. It is not necessary to first fill the tires to the max load inflation pressure (cold) values to switch the TPMS system to the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold. If after pressing the “Light Load” reset switch and tire pressures are below the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning thresholds, the TPMS low pressure warning telltale lamp located in the Instrument Cluster will turn ON and a chime will sound. The tire pressures are now required to be inflated to the max load inflation pressure (cold) values described on the Tire and Loading Informa- tion label. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the drivers side B-pillar. If the “Light Load” reset switch LED turns OFF the TPMS has been reset and the low pressure telltale lamp will illuminate at tire pressures 25% or more below the max load inflation pressure (cold) values.

Tire Pressure Monitor System Components The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver Module. It is particularly important, for you to check the NOTE: tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain the proper pressure. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) consists of the following components: † Receiver Module † 4 Wheel Sensors † 2 Trigger Modules (mounted in the front wheel-wells) † “Light Load” Reset Switch (located in the instrument † Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp

panel)

STARTING AND OPERATING 355

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings

The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au- dible chime will be activated when one or more of the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle and inflate each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value. The system will automatically update and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Lamp will extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information. Check TPMS Warnings The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Warning Light located in the Instrument Cluster will flash on and off for 75 seconds and will remain on solid when a system fault is detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. If

356 STARTING AND OPERATING

the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. A system fault can occur by any of the following scenarios: 1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as the TPM sensors. 2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that affects ra- dio wave signals. 3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings. 4. Using tire chains on the vehicle. 5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors. 6. Loss of communication with the trigger modules or tire pressure monitoring sensors. NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a non-matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly.

1. This spare tire does not have a tire pressure monitor- ing sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the tire pressure in the spare tire. 2. If you install the full size spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a chime will sound and the TPM Telltale Light will still turn ON due to the low tire. 3. However, after driving the vehicle for up to 10 min- utes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. 4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will sound and the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. 5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the full size spare tire, the TPMS will update automatically and the TPM Telltale

Light will turn OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this information. General Information This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions: † This device may not cause harmful interference. † This device must accept any interference received, includ-

ing interference that may cause undesired operation.

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the following licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123

STARTING AND OPERATING 357

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

5.7L Engines

The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide satisfac- tory fuel economy and performance when using high quality unleaded gasoline hav- ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu- facturer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance.The routine use of premium gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and in some circumstances may result in poorer performance. Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required.

358 STARTING AND OPERATING

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be- fore considering service for the vehicle. Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World- wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance and durability for your vehicle. We recommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are available. Reformulated Gasoline Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.” Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe- cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im- prove air quality.

We strongly support the use of reformulated gasolines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will provide excellent performance and durability for the engine and fuel system components. Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy- genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and ETBE. Oxygen- ates are required in some areas of the country during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing METHANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage critical fuel system components.

MMT In Gasoline MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasolines blended with MMT provide no performance advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system performance. We recom- mend that gasolines free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso- line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro- hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasolines.

STARTING AND OPERATING 359

Sulfur In Gasoline If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle may have been designed to meet California low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning California reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emission standards, your ve- hicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for ser- vice.

360 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

If the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flashing, immediate service is required; see onboard diagnostics system section.

Materials Added To Fuel All gasolines sold in the United States are required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There- fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s performance:

† The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, damage the emission control system. † An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact your dealer for service assistance. † When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.

† The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.

Intentional tampering with emissions control in civil penalties being assessed

NOTE: systems can result against you. Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

STARTING AND OPERATING 361

† Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine running for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. † Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte- nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open. † Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex- haust gases from entering the vehicle.

362 STARTING AND OPERATING

ADDING FUEL

Adding Fuel (Gas Engines) The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable fuel container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the restricting door.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys- tem could result from using an improper fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel system. Also a poorly fitted after-market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping from the system.

CAUTION!

A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to turn on.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.

WARNING!

† Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank filled. † Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is running. This is in violation of most state and federal fire regulations and will cause the Mal- function Indicator Light to turn on.

NOTE: Tighten the gas cap 1/4 turn until you hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened. If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction Indicator Light will come on, Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.

STARTING AND OPERATING 363

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be burned. Always place gas containers on the ground while filling.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the problem persists, the message will appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice

364 STARTING AND OPERATING

the system will

in a row, turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn the MIL light off.

VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin- istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification label affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar. This label contains the month and year of manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo. The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded. Payload The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver, all passengers, options and cargo. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle, springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes specified by purchasers for in- creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi- cle’s GVWR. Tire Size The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size. Rim Size This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size listed. Inflation Pressure This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

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Curb Weight The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are added. Loading The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation. The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer- cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be determined separately to be sure that the load is properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front

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or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving. Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the brakes operate.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.

An EXAMPLE of a loaded vehicle is shown in the following chart. Note that neither GVWR nor GAWR capabilities are exceeded. Overloading can cause poten- tial safety hazards and shorten service life.

NOTE: The weights shown in this chart are not necessarily the weights for your vehicle. Also, the amount of load added to both the front and rear axles can be computed after the vehicle has been weighed both in its (curb weight( condition, and in its (loaded and ready for operation( condition.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 6500 LBS.

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TRAILER TOWING In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re- view this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible. To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning ve- hicles used for trailer towing. Common Towing Definitions The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.

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Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its 9loaded and ready for operation9 condition. The recom- mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in- clude a 68 kg (150 lbs) allowance for the presence of a driver).

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.

WARNING!

It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident.

Tongue Weight (TW) The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.

Frontal Area The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer. Trailer Sway Control The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling. Weight-Carrying Hitch A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.

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Weight-Distributing Hitch A weight-distributing system works by applying lever- age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration / loading to comply with gross axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.

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WARNING!

An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, braking per- formance, and could result in an accident. Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional information.

Weight Distributing Hitch System

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Gooseneck Hitch The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed. Trailer Hitch Classification The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000
lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000
lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your dealer for package content. The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition. Refer to “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Improper Adjustment of Weight Distributing System

Fifth-Wheel Hitch A special high platform with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. Connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.

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Weight Ratings)” for the website address that contains the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

Trailer Hitch Classification

Class

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)

Class I - Light Duty Class II - Medium Duty Class III - Heavy Duty Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty Fifth Wheel/ Gooseneck All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

5,000 lbs (2268 kg) 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)

Greater than 10,000 lbs

(4540 kg)

NOTE: For additional trailer towing information (maxi- mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website addresses: † http:// www.dodge.com/towing. † http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada). Trailer and Tongue Weight Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle: † The tongue weight of the trailer.

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put in or on your vehicle.

† The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment † The weight of the driver and all passengers. NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac- ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual. Towing Requirements To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv- etrain components the following guidelines are recom- mended:

374 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

† Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your axles, driveline and vehicle. † During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer

towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible: Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have an accident.

† When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over- load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas- sis structure or tires.

† Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners. † Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral. Always, block or 9chock9 the trailer wheels.

† GCWR must not be exceeded. † Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded: 1. GVWR

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2. GTW 3. GAWR 4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).

Towing Requirements — Tires − Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

− Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the Tires–General Information section of this manual on Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.

− Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation

pressures before trailer usage.

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− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General Information section of this manual on Tread Wear Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.

− When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor- mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits. Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes − Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.

− An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.

− Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy- draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys- tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident. Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis- tance. When towing you should allow for additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

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Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety. The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector. NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring harness.

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The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations.

4 - Pin Connector

7- Pin Connector

WARNING!

Any work done to the vehicles electrical system, or wiring, should be performed by a qualified automo- tive technician, if done improperly it may cause damage to the electrical system wiring and could result in serious or fatal injury.

The following chart identifies the maximum electrical loads that the trailer tow output circuits are capable of supporting.

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Trailer Tow Additional Lamp Loads

Output Functions