DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2005 3.G Owners Manual

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341
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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.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
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
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.
2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF
position along with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (50
km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more
than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km)
the vehicle must be towed with the rear wheels raised
and the front wheels on the ground. It may also be towed
on a flatbed or with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on a dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment— 3.7L/4.7L...........348

Engine Compartment— 5.7L...............349

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........350

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................351

Dealer Service.........................352

Replacement Parts......................353

Maintenance Procedures..................353
▫Engine Oil..........................353▫Engine Oil Filter......................357
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................357
▫Spark Plugs.........................358
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................358
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................358
▫Catalytic Converter....................359
▫Emission-Related Components............361
▫Maintenance Free Battery................361
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▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............362
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............363
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............364
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............365
▫Half-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........365
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models........................365
▫Body Lubrication.....................366
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................366
▫Windshield Washers...................366
▫Exhaust System......................367
▫Cooling System.......................368
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......372▫Brake System........................372
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................374
▫Clutch Linkage.......................374
▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................374
▫Transfer Case........................375
▫Manual Transmission..................376
▫Automatic Transmission................377
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................380
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........380
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty For 3500 2-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel
Drive Models Over 10,000 Lbs. (4 535 Kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..............381
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................385

Fuse And Relay Center...................389

Vehicle Storage........................390

Replacement Light Bulbs.................390

Bulb Replacement......................391
▫Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................391
▫Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........395
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light..............................397▫Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped....398
▫Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels).......400
▫Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......401
▫Fog Lights..........................402

Fluids And Capacities...................403

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................405
▫Engine.............................405
▫Chassis............................406
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT— 3.7L/4.7L
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT— 5.7L
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE