brakes RAM CHASSIS CAB 2007 User Guide

CAUTION!• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
WARNING!Your vehicle may require special axle lubricant.
Please refer to the fluids section of this manual.
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings. WARNING!Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.348 STARTING AND OPERATING

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.350 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness. STARTING AND OPERATING 351
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Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE: Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE: Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“FULL” dot and an “ADD” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap. With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type.
WARNING!Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
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Automatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only) ..... 441
AxleFluid .......................... 437,471
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 437
BallJoints ............................. 422
Battery ............................ 418,419
Blanket .......................... 260,420
Emergency Starting ..................... 382
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 123
Bearings .............................. 444
Belts,Drive ............................ 406
Belts, Seat .............................. 35
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 423
B-Pillar Location ........................ 310
Brake Fluid ............................ 471
Brake System ........................ 301,434
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 302
Disc Brakes .......................... 434 Fluid Check .......................... 435
Hoses .............................. 434
Master Cylinder ....................... 435
Parking ............................. 299
Warning Light ........................ 177
Bulb Replacement ....................... 462
Bulbs,Light ............................ 461
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 466
Calibration, Compass .................. 138,148
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 468
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 468
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ....................... 401,403
Power Steering ........................ 421
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 429
Car Washes ............................ 452
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 75,330
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 228 INDEX 515
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... 428,469
Temperature Gauge ..................... 174
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 132
CupHolder ............................ 152
Customer Assistance ..................... 504
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights ................... 124
Dealer Service .......................... 395
Defroster, Rear Window ................. 86,160
Defroster, Windshield ................ 76, 232,234
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake ..................... 265
Diesel Fuel ............................ 331
Diesel Fuel Requirements .................. 331
Bulk Storage of ........................ 336
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 295
Dipsticks .............................. 398
Power Steering ........................ 421 Disc Brakes ............................ 434
Disposal .............................. 405
Engine Oil ........................... 405
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 430
Door Ajar ............................. 180
Door Locks ............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 145
Downshifting ........................ 281,282
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 410
DriveBelts ............................ 406
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 326,378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 222
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............. 86,160
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 132
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 142
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 288
Emergency Brake ........................ 299 INDEX 517
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