engine DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2005 3.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage. If a non-
HOAT coolant is introduced into the cooling sys-
tem in an emergency, it should be replaced with
the specified coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent the loss of coolant and to insure that the coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant bottle. The
pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is
any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX 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 Recommended 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 is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
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7

Lubricant Selection Getrag G56 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only
lubricant recommended for use in the Getrag G56 trans-
mission.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check – 45RFE/545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7

Required Maintenance for Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (9 600 km), whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise
control systems. In addition, inspection and service
should be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
cleaner for tightness. The gasket between the air cleaner
housing and throttle body must be intact and in good
condition. The engine air cleaner filter must also be clean
and serviced according to the instructions outlined in the
appropriate maintenance schedule.
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo-
rated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle
after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
•Removal of the air cleaner.
•Inverting the air cleaner lid.
•Removal of the air ducting.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EXHAUST SYSTEM
•Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust system
components including the muffler or tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
•Removal or rendering inoperative the fan clutch.
•Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as manufac-
tured by the manufacturer, was designed, built and
equipped to conform at the time it left the manufacturers
control with all applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regu-
lations.This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built and
equipped by the manufacturer, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle
manufactured by the manufacturer. Defects in design,
assembly or in any part, component or system of the
vehicle as manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturers control, caused noise
emissions to exceed Federal standards, are covered by
this warranty for the life of the vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSE AND RELAY CENTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuse and relay center
located in the engine compartment near the battery.
Located on the underside of the cover is a label that
identifies each component.
1. Disconnect the battery negative (-) cable before remov-
ing the cover.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

2. Use specified fuses only.
3. Always properly reinstall the cover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Fuse and Relay Center, located in the
engine compartment. The I.O.D. cavity includes a
snap-in retainer that allows the fuse to be discon-
nected, without removing it from the fuse block.
•The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may, discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights............... TS212-2
Dome Light............................7679
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS — Outside Bulb No.
Back-Up..............................3057
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp............. 912
Fog Lamp...........................9006LL
Headlamp (Halogen)...................9007QL
Park & Turn Signal...................3157NAK
Rear License Plate Lamp................... 168
Rear Cargo Light......................... 912
Tail & Stop............................3057
Cab Clearance Lights...................... 168
Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3)......... 168
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

U.S. Metric
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.7L Engine V-6, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 5.0 qts. 4.7L
4.7L Engine V-8, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 6.0 qts. 5.7L
5.7L Engine V-8, SAE 5W-20, API Certified 7.0 qts. 6.6L
Cooling System
3.7L (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 17 qts. 16L
4.7L (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 17 qts. 16L
5.7L (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 18.7 qts. 17.7L
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
3.7/4.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (all except 5.7L) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method, Mid-Grade Preferred (87 Octane acceptable)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typein this section (Section 8) must be done at the times
or mileages specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
408 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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