catalytic converter DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2004 3.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
4

NMaintenance.........................265
mCatalytic Converter.....................266
mVehicle Loading........................267
NCertification Label.....................267
mTrailer Towing.........................270
NTo Maintain Warranty Coverage...........270
NAxle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........272
NTrailer Towing Recommendations..........273
NTrailer Towing Ð Hitches...............274
NConnecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................275
NTrailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....276
NTrailer Towing Information
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........277NTrailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped......278
NCooling System Tips Ð Trailer Towing......278
NAutomatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................279
NTowing With An Automatic Transmission....279
mSnowplow............................280
NDodge Ram 1500 Models................280
NBefore Plowing.......................281
NSnowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 281
NOver The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................282
NMethods For Removing Snow............283
NOperating Tips.......................283
NGeneral Maintenance...................284
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasolines
blended with MMT provide no performance advantage
beyond gasolines of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT reduce spark plug
life and reduce emission system performance. We recom-
mend that gasolines free of MMT be used in your vehicle.
The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on
the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso-
line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains
MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels
higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro-
hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasolines.
Sulfur In Gasoline
If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with Cleaner-Burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of
California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which
may affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic
converter. This may cause the Check Engine or Service
Engine Soon light to illuminate. We recommend that you
try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower
sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for ser-
vice.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal
operating conditions, the catalytic converter will not
require maintenance. However, you must keep the en-
gine maintained to assure proper operation and prevent
possible damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
As with any vehicle, do not park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible materials such as grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may be detected if you continue to run
a malfunctioning engine. The odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
towing. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way and pushing or towing a
vehicle equipped with a manual transmission may over-
heat and damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed
or towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
312 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine CompartmentÐ 3.7L/4.7L...........322
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L...............323
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........324
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................324
mDealer Service.........................326
mReplacement Parts......................327
mMaintenance Procedures..................327
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............327NEngine Oil..........................329
NEngine Oil Filter......................333
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................333
NSpark Plugs.........................333
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................334
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................334
NCatalytic Converter....................335
NEmission-Related Components............336
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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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 ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
7

B-Pillar Location........................ 239
Brake Fluid............................ 382
Brake System........................230,348
Anti-Lock.........................231,232
Disc Brakes.......................... 348
Hoses.............................. 349
Master Cylinder....................... 348
Parking............................. 229
Warning Light........................ 147
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 67
Bulb Replacement....................... 366
Bulbs, Light............................ 366
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 374
Calibration, Compass..................... 117
Camper............................... 135
Capacities, Fluid........................ 379
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 339Car Washes............................ 361
Carbon Monoxide Warning............69,136,262
Cargo Light............................ 103
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 183
Cassette Tape Player................151,154,158
Catalytic Converter....................266,335
CD Changer...................155,166,172,173
CD Player..................164,168,171,175,177
Cellular Phone.......................... 79
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 372
Center Lap Belts......................... 42
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 129
Certification Label....................... 267
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 236
Check Engine Light...................... 143
Child Restraint........................55,56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,63
Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 127
INDEX 415
10