brake DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 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.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10
inches (254 mm) away from the airbag located in the
center of the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, in the
direction you desire to move the pedals.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse) or when the Speed Control is SET.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle, or pressing the CAN-
CEL button will deactivate speed control without erasing
the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button to the OFF
position or turning off the ignition erases the memory.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control ON when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system to
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the
system OFF when you aren’t using it.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
(refer to the table below for the speed for your specific
engine).
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.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. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This
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.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................242
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................244
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............245
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................246
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................250

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......253

Parking Brake.........................254

Brake System..........................255
▫3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only........256
▫Brake Noise.........................256▫Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — RWAL.....................256
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — If Equipped..................257

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

Tire Safety Information...................259
▫Tire Markings........................259
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................272
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cruising Range.......................291
▫Replacement Parts.....................291
▫Maintenance.........................291

Catalytic Converter.....................291

Vehicle Loading........................293
▫Certification Label.....................293

Trailer Towing.........................296
▫Definitions..........................296
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........298
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........298
▫Trailer Towing — Hitches...............299
▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................300▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....301
▫Trailer Towing Information
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........302
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped......303
▫Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing......303
▫Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................304
▫Towing With An Automatic Transmission....304

Snowplow............................305
▫Dodge Ram 1500 Models................305
▫Before Plowing.......................306
▫Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 306
▫Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................307
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

IGNITION/STARTER SWITCH
LOCK
Locks the automatic transmission shift control into the
PARK position. It also engages the steering wheel lock (if
equipped) when the steering wheel is turned.NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
OFF
Unlocks the steering wheel (if equipped with locking
wheel) and the automatic transmission shift control with
engine off.
ON
This is the normal running position.
START
Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition key will return to the ON position for
normal driving.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

ACC
Allows the electrical accessories to be used when the
engine is not running.
Manual Transmission Key Release Button
To remove the key on vehicles equipped with manual
transmissions, turn the key to the Lock position and press
the button to remove the ignition key.
Key Reminder
An alarm will sound to remind you if the key is left in the
ignition and the driver’s door is opened.
STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5

Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Normal Startingof either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15–seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING