specifications DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2004 3.G Owners Manual

NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........247
mTiresÐGeneral Information................251
NTire Pressure.........................251
NTire Inflation Pressures.................252
NRadial-Ply Tires......................255
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........255
NTire Spinning........................256
NTread Wear Indicators..................257
NReplacement Tires.....................257
NAlignment And Balance.................258
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information.......259
mTire Chains...........................259
mSnow Tires...........................261mTire Rotation Recommendations............261
NDual Rear Wheels.....................263
mEngine Runaway.......................264
mFuel Requirements......................264
NAdding Fuel.........................265
NBulk Fuel Storage.....................267
NFuel Specifications....................267
mVehicle Loading........................269
NCertification Label.....................269
mTrailer Towing.........................272
NTo Maintain Warranty Coverage...........272
NAxle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........274
NTrailer Towing Recommendations..........274
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on a ªSupplemental Tire Pressure Inflationº
label located on the face of the driver's door or in the Tire
Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS
Use ªClass Uº chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type ªUº specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe
the following precautions:
²Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains
in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause
serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions
for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the
speed recommended by the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system which is not
covered by the warranty. Proper maintenance of the
engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential. (See Section 7
for Maintenance Procedures).
NOTE:Climatized diesel fuel is a blend of Number 2
and Number 1 Diesel fuel which reduces the temperature
at which wax crystals form in the fuel.
Bulk Fuel Storage
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of ªmicrobes.º These
microbes form ªslimeº that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins Turbocharged, Charge Air Cooled, Diesel
engine has been developed to take advantage of the high
energy content and generally lower cost No. 2 diesel fuel
or No. 2 climatized diesel fuels. Experience has shown
that it also operates on No. 1 diesel fuels or other fuels
within the specifications in the following chart.
NOTE:As sufficient testing has not been completed,
organically blended diesel fuels (e.g. biodiesel, ethanol,
and methanol blends) are not recommended or approved
for use with your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram
Truck.
NOTE:In addition, commercially available fuel addi-
tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck.
NOTE:No. 1 diesel fuel should only be used where
extended arctic conditions (-10ÉF or 23ÉC) exist.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

Number 2 Diesel Fuel Specifications
Fuel Properties - No. 2 - Diesel Reference
Viscosity - 1.9to 4.1 centistokes (ASTM D-445)
Cetane Number - 40 min. (ASTM D613)
Sulfur Content -.05% by weight (ASTM D-2622)
Water & Sediment - less than
0.05 % by volume(ASTM D-2709)
Carbon Residue - Less
than.35%(Ramsbottom ASTM
D-524
Flash Point - 125ÉF min. (ASTM D-93)
Density - 40-34 API gravity (ASTM D-287)
Cloud Point 15ÉF (ASTM D-97)
Active Sulfur (ASTM D-130)
Copper Strip
Corrosion - #3 rating
Ash - 0.01% by mass (ASTM D-482)
Distillation - curve is smooth &
cont.(ASTM D-86)Number 1 Diesel Fuel SpecificationsFuel Properties - No. 1 - Diesel Reference
Viscosity - 1.3 to 2.4 centistokes (ASTM D-445)
Cetane Number - 40 min. (ASTM D613)
Sulfur Content -.05% by weight (ASTM D-2622)
Water & Sediment - less than
0.05 % by volume(ASTM D-2709)
Carbon Residue - Less
than.15%(Ramsbottom ASTM
D-524
Flash Point - 100ÉF min. (ASTM D-93)
Density - 40-34 API gravity (ASTM D-287)
Cloud Point - (- 30FÉ) (ASTM D-97)
Active Sulfur (ASTM D-130)
Copper Strip
Corrosion - #3 rating
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the numbered sequence to a
snug fit.
2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the
torques listed in the table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific torque has been
achieved. Retighten to specifications at 100 miles (160
km) and after 500 miles (800 km).
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued
to specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the
bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is
especially important during the first few hundred miles
of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly
set. All nuts should first be firmly seated against the
308 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:The same oil change interval is to be followed
for synthetic oil as for petroleum based oil. Also, syn-
thetic oil must meet the same performance specifications
as petroleum oil.Engine Oil Filter
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct part number. The engine oil filter
should be changed ateveryengine oil change.
Engine Oil And Filter Ð Change
WARNING!
Hot oil can cause personal injury.
Operate the engine until the coolant temperature reaches
140ÉF (60ÉC). Shut the engine off. Remove the oil drain
plug.
Use a container that can hold at least 12 quarts (11.3
Liters) to hold the used oil.
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and damaged
parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps, and U-bolts
should be tight and in good condition. Damaged compo-
nents, burned or blown out mufflers, burned or rusted
out exhaust pipes should be replaced according to the
procedures and specifications outlined in the appropriate
service manual.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and that the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
cleaner for tightness. The air filter element must also be
clean and serviced according to the instructions outlined
in the Maintenance Schedule Section of this manual.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.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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information that students and professional technicians
need in diagnosing/troubleshooting, problem solving,
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408 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Exterior Lighting........................ 101
Fan .................................. 347
Filters
Engine Oil.....................325,328,380
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 103
Flat Tire Stowage.....................299,309
Fluid, Brake........................... 381
Fluid Capacities......................... 379
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 348
Manual Transmission................... 352
Power Steering........................ 339
Transfer Case......................... 352
Fog Lights..........................102,378
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 130
Four Wheel Drive....................... 226
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 296Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 313
Front Axle..........................340,351
Fuel..............................264,297
Diesel.........................264,297,380
Gauge.............................. 149
Requirements......................... 264
Specifications......................... 267
Tank Capacity........................ 379
Fuses................................ 366
Garage Door Opener..................... 120
Gauges............................... 150
Coolant Temperature.................... 146
Fuel................................ 149
Oil Pressure.......................... 145
Speedometer......................... 145
Tachometer.......................... 144
Voltmeter............................ 144
Gear Ranges........................... 218
416 INDEX