brake light DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2005 3.G Owners Manual

These airbags are certified to the new Federal regulations
that allow less forceful deployments.
This vehicle may also be equipped with window bags to
protect the driver and passengers in the first and second
row sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped
with window bags, they are located above the side
windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or
attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags
and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. These protective covers for the airbag cushions
are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as trailer
brake controllers, snowplow controllers, auxiliary light
switches, radios, etc. on or behind the knee bolster. Knee
bolsters are designed to work with the air bag and seat belt
to protect you. Mounting any additional equipment on or
behind the knee bolster can cause injury during a crash.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not stack
luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location
of the window bag. The area where the window bag is
located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not have
any accessory items installed which will alter the roof,
including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof
racks that require permanent attachments (bolts or screws)
for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof
of the vehicle for any reason.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada and Fleet
Vehicles Only)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started. This provides a constantLights ON
condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights
illuminate at less than normal intensity. If the parking
brake is applied the Daytime Running Lights will turn
off.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned off, a
continuous chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The foglights are turned ON by placing the headlight
rotary control in the parking light or headlight position
and pulling out the headlight rotary control. The fog
lights will operate only when the parking lights are ON
or when the vehicle headlights are ON low beam. An
indicator light located left of the switch will illuminate
when the fog lights are on. The fog lights will turn off
when the switch is pressed in, when the headlight switch
is rotated to the OFF position or the high beam is
selected.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert™)in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information. (See page 33 for more
information.)
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour.
9. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained. (See page 343 for more
information.)NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Cargo Lamp
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated from the dimmer control switch,
located next to the headlight switch.
11. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when any
door is opened. When the ignition is ON the
Door Ajar light will stay illuminated until the
open door is closed. When the ignition is OFF
the Door Ajar light will stay illuminated until the open
door is closed or the battery saver feature automatically
turns the light off.
12. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS
light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates
that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the “245°F” mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF andallow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle.”
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4

14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Tranmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter bowl. Refer to the Maintenance section,
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 351 for more infor-
mation.)18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a
period of time may result in the red brake light illumi-
nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS
equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should
extinguish the red brake light.
19. Wait To Start Indicator
The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition key is first turned to the ON position.
Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator turns OFF then start
the vehicle.
20. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
If the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
NOTE:There is also an engine hour function. This
indicates the total number of hours the engine has been
running. To display the engine hours perform the follow-
ing: Place the ignition in RUN, but do not start the
engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the trip
button down for a period of 6 seconds. The odometer will
change to trip value first, then it will display the engine
hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a
period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned off or the
engine is started.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
4

▫Operating Precautions..................235
▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission........................236

Transmission Shifting....................237
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive— If
Equipped...........................237
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed — If
Equipped...........................241

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 243
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................243
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................246
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............247
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................247▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................251

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......254

Parking Brake.........................255

Brake System..........................256
▫Brake Noise.........................257
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........257

Power Steering........................259

Tire Safety Information...................260
▫Tire Markings........................260
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................271
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........272
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........273
▫Tire Spinning........................273
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................274
▫Replacement Tires.....................275
▫Alignment And Balance.................276

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......276

Tire Chains...........................276

Snow Tires...........................278

Tire Rotation Recommendations............279
▫Dual Rear Wheels.....................280

Engine Runaway.......................281
Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Adding Fuel.........................282
▫Bulk Fuel Storage.....................284
▫Fuel Specifications....................284

Vehicle Loading........................286
▫Certification Label.....................286

Trailer Towing.........................289
▫Definitions..........................289
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........291
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........291
▫Trailer Towing — Hitches...............292
▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................293
▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....294
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

•A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
AirTemperature Above 66°F (19°C)
Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster lights when start-
ing the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. Fully
depress and hold the clutch and shift into NEUTRAL for
a manual transmission. Models with manual transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.The lamps in the instrument panel cluster will illuminate
when the ignition key is first turned to the ON position.
This is a bulb check programmed to last for approxi-
mately 3 seconds. After the bulb check is completed, the
Malfunction Indicator Light and Brake Warning light will
remain on. After the bulb check is complete and the
WAIT TO START indicator goes out proceed to step 4.
CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. See Section 7 —
Maintaining Your Vehicle, for water drain proce-
dures.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5

CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.
5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C)
NOTE:The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. The wait-to-start lamp
will illuminate momentarily for a bulb check when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position, however whencertain engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C) the
lamp will remain on indicating the intake manifold
heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least 2 minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
•The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture) after completion of the bulb check.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING