DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2004 3.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Use the Jump Start Procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in
the center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If charge indicator (if equipped) has a green
dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of
booster battery and the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the discharged battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 311
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2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of
the discharge battery. The resulting electrical
spark could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.
3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
312 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
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
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 313
6

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 Ð 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.
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.
314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 vehicleÐnot 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
off the 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).
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 315
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment....................320
N5.9L/5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel.......320
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........321
mReplacement Parts......................322
mDealer Service.........................322
mService Information.....................322
mMaintenance Procedures..................325
NEngine Oil..........................325
NDrive Belt...........................331NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................331
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......334
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............336
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............338
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............339
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............340
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............340
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings............................340
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NBody Lubrication.....................340
NWindshield Wiper Blades................341
NWindshield Washers...................341
NExhaust System......................342
NCooling System.......................343
NFan ...............................347
NCharge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)..........347
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......348
NBrake System........................348
NClutch Linkage.......................350
NClutch Hydraulic System................351
NPropeller Shaft Universal Joints...........351NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................351
NTransfer Case Ð If Equipped.............352
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......352
NAutomatic Transmission................353
NFront Wheel Bearings..................355
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........356
NNoise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty................357
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................362
mFuse And Relay Center...................366
mVehicle Storage........................366
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mReplacement Light Bulbs.................367
mBulb Replacement......................367
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................367
NTail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........371
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light..............................373
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....375
NTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels).......376NSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......378
NFog Lights..........................378
mFluid Capacities........................379
mRecommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................380
NEngine.............................380
NChassis............................381
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT
5.9L/5.9L HO CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE