DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2006 3.G Owners Manual
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
Instruments And Controls.................175
Instrument Cluster......................176
Instrument Cluster Description.............177
Electronic Digital Clock..................185
▫Clock Setting Procedure.................185
Sales Code REF — AM/FM/CD (Single Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio And
Hands Free Phone Capability..............186
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode.......186
▫Operation Instructions - CD Mode.........190▫Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode.....192
▫Operating Instructions - Hands Free Phone —
If Equipped.........................193
▫Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio —
If Equipped.........................194
Sales Code RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio
With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free Phone,
And Vehicle Entertainment Systems (VES)
Capabilities...........................194
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode.......1944
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▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For CD
Audio Play).........................200
▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For CD
Audio Play).........................201
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files.............203
▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3
Audio Play).........................206
▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 206
Sales Code RAK – AM/FM/Cassette/CD (6-Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free
Phone, Video, MP3, And WMA Capabilities....208
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode.......208
▫Operating Instructions — Tape Player.......213
▫Seek Button.........................213
▫Fast Forward (FF).....................213▫Rewind (RW)........................213
▫Tape Eject...........................213
▫Scan Button.........................214
▫Changing Tape Direction................214
▫Metal Tape Selection...................214
▫Pinch Roller Release...................214
▫Noise Reduction......................214
▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For CD
Audio Play).........................214
▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For CD
Audio Play).........................215
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files.............217
▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3
And WMA Audio Play).................220
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▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 And
WMA Play).........................220
Sales Code REC — AM/FM/CD (6–Disc) Radio
With Navigation System..................222
▫Operating Instructions — Satellite Radio
(If Equipped)........................223
▫Clock Setting Procedure.................223
Video Entertainment System (Sales Code XRV) —
If Equipped...........................223
Satellite Radio — If Equipped..............223
▫System Activation.....................224
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID)....................224
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, RAQ, And
RAK Radios.........................225▫Selecting a Channel....................226
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......226
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped)........................226
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................226
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................227
▫Satellite Antenna......................227
▫Reception Quality.....................227
Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 228
▫Radio Operation......................228
▫Tape Player.........................229
▫CD Player..........................229
Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......229
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Compact Disc Maintenance................230
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........231
Climate Controls.......................231
▫Heater Only — Fleet Vehicles.............232
▫Air Conditioning And Heating —
If Equipped.........................234▫Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped..........237
▫Air Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature
Control — If Equipped.................238
▫Operating Tips.......................243
▫Operating Tips Chart...................245
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltage Gauge
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. Ifthe pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating. (See page 124 for more informa-
tion.)
4. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
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CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high rpm for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
5. Airbag Indicator Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8 seconds
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.
6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt isunbuckled, 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 30 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 379 for more
information.)
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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. Transfer Case Position
(See page 273 for more information.)
11 .TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once. (See page 269 for
more information.)
12.OD/OFF
the OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice. (See page 269 for more
information.)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 and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle.”
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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.
14. Security Light
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
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. 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.
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