Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Instruction

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.

WARNING!

Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause a collision. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel (SRW)
models. On dual rear wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts
are a two-piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten
the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been
lowered.

6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. The correct nut tightness is
135 ft lbs (183 N·m) torque for single rear wheel (SRW)
models and 145 ft lbs (197 N·m) for dual rear wheel
models. If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer
or at a service station.

WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.

7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and remove
wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel
center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap
damage.

380

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack
will not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand,
it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to
lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as
previously described.

9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.

NOTE:

Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do

not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.

Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.

CAUTION!

Use extreme caution when removing the front and
rear center caps. Damage can occur to the center cap
and/or the wheel if screwdriver type tools are used. A
pulling motion, not a pry off motion, is recom-
mended to remove the caps.

For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the blade on the
end of the lug wrench to pry the hub cap off. Insert the
blade end into the pry off notch and carefully pop off the
hub cap with a back and forth motion.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

381

On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the
rear hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the
ratchet firmly. The hub cap should pop off. The wheel
skins can now be removed. For the front hub cap on
models use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry
the caps off. The wheel skin can now be removed.

CAUTION!

• Use a back and forth motion to remove the hub

cap. Do not use a twisting motion when removing
the hub cap, damage to the hub cap; finish may
occur.

• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two

pry off notches. Make sure that the hook of the
jack handle driver is located squarely in the cap
notch before attempting to pull off.

You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry off the
wheel skins. Insert the flat tip completely and using a
back and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this
procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.

Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When
replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lug
nut bolt circle and strike the high side down with a
rubber mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins
are firmly seated around the wheel.

382

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Dual Rear Wheels
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The lug
nuts are a two-piece assembly. When the tires are being
rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two
drops of oil at the interface between the hex and the
washer.

Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the
inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be
completely off the ground when tightening to insure
wheel centering and maximum wheel clamping.

Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to cor-
rectly tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to
remove and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle
lifting device.

NOTE:

When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part

of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of
the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.

Oiling Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

383

1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the numbered sequence to a
snug fit.

2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the
torques listed in the table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific torque has been
achieved. Retighten to specifications at 100 miles
(160 km) and after 500 miles (800 km).

It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued
to specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.

Wheel Nut Torque
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the
bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is
especially important during the first few hundred miles/
kilometers of operation to allow the wheel nuts to
become properly set. All nuts should first be firmly
seated against the wheel. The nuts should then be
tightened to recommended torque. Tighten the nuts to
final torque in increments. Progress around the bolt
circle, tightening the nut opposite to the nut just previ-
ously tightened until final torque is achieved. Recom-
mended torques are shown in the following chart.

Disc Wheels

TypeNut

StudSize

Hex Size

TorqueFt Lbs

TorqueNewtonMeters

Cone

M14 x 1.5

22 mm

120-150

160-200

Flanged

M14 x 1.5

22 mm

130-160

190-220

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

385

To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (if equipped).

HOISTING

A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts of the underbody.

CAUTION!

Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES

If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster

pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.

NOTE:

When using a portable battery booster pack

follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and
precautions.

CAUTION!

Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any
other booster source with a system voltage greater
than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.

WARNING!

Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen.
It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.

386

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations For Jump-Start

The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.

NOTE:

The positive battery post is covered with a

protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post.

WARNING!

• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-

ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.

• Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or

bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.

• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your

skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.

1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.

Positive Battery Post

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

387

3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park
the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

WARNING!

Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.

Jump-Starting Procedure

WARNING!

Failure to follow this procedure could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage due to battery ex-
plosion.

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle
or the discharged vehicle.

1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the
positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper
cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

3. Connect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the booster battery.

4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper
cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of the
discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.

388

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the
discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.

5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start
the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in
the reverse sequence:

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

7. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable
from the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

9. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable
from the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

389

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE/1st and REVERSE while
applying slight pressure to the accelerator.

CAUTION!

• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may

lead to transmission overheating and failure. Al-
low the engine to idle with the shift lever in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize over-
heating and reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-

tween DRIVE/1st 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
transmission shifting occurring).

390

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated 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 vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

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!

• Chains are not recommended 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, caus-
ing 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.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

391

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE

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

1. Firmly set the parking brake.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
without starting the engine.

3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.

4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

5. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold the
override tab through the access port (ringed circle) on the
bottom of the steering column.

6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

Shift Lever Override Access Port

392

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the
transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF

the Ground

2WD Models

4WD Models

Flat Tow

NONE

If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL

• 30 mph max(48 km/h)

• 15 miles (24 km) max distance

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

• Auto Transmission in PARK

• Instruction 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

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

393

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the
PARK position for towing.

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.

Towing Without The Ignition Key Fob

Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK/OFF position. The only
approved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.

394

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL

. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the

distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).

CAUTION!

Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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 the rear wheels raised and the
front wheels on the ground.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

395

Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Instruction - part 24