steering DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2005 3.G User Guide

CARGO LIGHT
The cargo lights are turned on by rotating the dimmer
control to the optional fully upward position. The cargo
lights will also turn on for 30 seconds when a key fob
Unlock is pressed, as part of the illuminated entry
feature.
MULTIFUNCTION CONTROL LEVER
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. Also, the
LAMP OUTindicator in the instrument cluster will beilluminated and a chime will be heard. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction control lever fully toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from HIGH or
LOW beam.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3

TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the turn
signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Release the lever to lock the column firmly in
place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
122 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become
limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in
the adjustable pedal’s path.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tion at speeds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h). The
controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. An indi-
cator light in the instrument cluster illuminates when the
system is on.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch willincrease the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume. The center button of the
right hand control will allow you to change the mode.
The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. The function of the left hand control
is different depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the left side switch will SEEK up for
the next listenable station and pressing the bottom of the
switch will SEEK down for the next listenable station.
The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set push-buttons.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

▫Operating Precautions..................235
▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission........................236

Transmission Shifting....................237
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive— If
Equipped...........................237
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed — If
Equipped...........................241

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 243
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................243
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................246
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............247
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................247▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................251

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......254

Parking Brake.........................255

Brake System..........................256
▫Brake Noise.........................257
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........257

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

Tire Safety Information...................260
▫Tire Markings........................260
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
220 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
Practically all failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
•sudden loss of power
•unusual engine noises
•fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive— If
Equipped
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
This Anti-lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation. This is
normal.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
This is the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system and is normal.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING