engine DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2007 3.G Service Manual

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures – Gas Engines...........302
▫Manual Transmission..................302
▫Automatic Transmission................302
▫Normal Starting......................303
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................303
▫After Starting........................305

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........306

Automatic Transmission..................306
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive.....307
Manual Transmission....................312
▫Manual Transmission — 6 Speed (G56)......313
▫Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds........314
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed (G238).....314
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............315
▫Downshifting – All Manual Transmissions....315

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 316
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................317
5

▫TCS (Traction Control System) –
If Equipped With ESP..................345
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............346
▫Hsa (Hill Start Assist)..................347
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........351
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........352

Multi Displacement System (MDS) -
5.7L Engine Only.......................357

Tire Safety Information...................358
▫Tire Markings........................358
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........361
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........362

Tires — General Information...............366
▫Tire Pressure.........................366▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................367
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................369
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........370
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........371
▫Tire Spinning........................371
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................372
▫Life Of Tire.........................373
▫Replacement Tires.....................373
▫Alignment And Balance.................374

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information –
If Equipped...........................375

Tire Chains...........................375

Snow Tires...........................377
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

Tire Rotation Recommendations............377
▫Dual Rear Wheels.....................379

Fuel Requirements......................380
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................381
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............381
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................381
▫Materials Added To Fuel................382
▫Fuel System Cautions..................382
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............383

Adding Fuel..........................384
▫Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)..............384

Flexible Fuel— (Fleet Vehicles Only).........386
▫E-85 General Information................386▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................386
▫Fuel Requirements....................387
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......387
▫Starting............................388
▫Cruising Range.......................388
▫Replacement Parts.....................388
▫Maintenance.........................388

Vehicle Loading........................389
▫Certification Label.....................389

Trailer Towing.........................392
▫Common Towing Definitions.............392
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............396
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES – GAS ENGINES
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.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
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.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting
Normal starting of 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).
Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transmission Only
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running.
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.
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
5

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.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. 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.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the normal starting procedure should be
repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING