warning light DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2005 3.G Owner's Manual

ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning
light, located in the instrument cluster. When the light is
illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake System is not function-
ing. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
POWER STEERING
Your power steering system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will experience a substantial increase in
steering effort.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature Warning
Light
All vehicles with heavy duty transmission oil cooling are
equipped with a transmission sump oil temperature
sensor and warning light. If elevated transmission tem-
peratures are encountered, the engine controller will
select the most desirable gear until the transmission
temperatures are reduced. If transmission oil tempera-
tures continue to rise, a warning light located in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. If this should occur,
stop the vehicle, shift to Neutral, and run the engine at
idle or faster until the light goes off.
Towing With An Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may
shift into and out of Overdrive, or a lower gear, when
driving in hilly areas, when heavily loaded, or when
towing into heavy winds.When this condition occurs, press the “TOW/HAUL”
button or shift into a lower gear to prevent excessive
transmission wear and/or overheating, and to provide
better engine braking.
NOTE:Do not exceed the following RPM while manu-
ally downshifting:
•5.9L Diesel Engines 3200 RPM.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you
tow a trailer frequently, change transmission fluid and
filter(s) according to Maintenance Schedule “B.”
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain and
follow the recommendations contained within the Dodge
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

2005 BODY BUILDER’S GUIDE. See your dealer, installer
or snowplow manufacture for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be connected to
properly assure operator safety and prevent overloading
vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Before plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the 2005 Dodge Truck Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position
indicator lights will flash continuously until all require-
ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Lights..................314

Adding Fuel — 24–Valve Cummins Turbo
Diesel...............................315

Jack Location..........................316
▫All Models..........................316

Changing A Flat Tire....................317
▫Removing The Spare Tire................317
▫Tire Changing Procedure................318

Hoisting.............................327
Jump-Starting.........................327
▫With Portable Starting Unit..............330

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................331

Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped........331

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................332
▫4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles.................332
▫2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles................333
6

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.
To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signalswill flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on 2500/3500 single rear
wheel (SRW) models. On 3500 dual rear wheel models
(DRW) the lug nuts are a two piece assembly with a flat
face. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the nuts until the
vehicle has been lowered.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ft.
lbs. (183 N·m) torque for 2500/3500 single rear wheel
322 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with thetransmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 331
6

Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 349,375
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 355
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............355,356
Air Conditioning System................207,355
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 211
Air Filter.............................. 349
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,276
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................70,163
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,166
Alignment and Balance................... 276
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 363
Capacities........................... 397
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............164,259
Anti-Theft System.....................29,166
Appearance Care........................ 379Ashtray............................... 144
Automatic Transmission................... 370
Adding Fluid......................... 371
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 372
Fluid Level Check...................... 370
Fluid Type........................371,399
Shift Indicator........................ 166
Shifting............................. 237
Special Additives...................... 373
Axle Fluid.......................291,369,399
Axle Lubrication.....................291,369
Ball Joints............................. 357
Battery............................... 354
Blanket..........................232,355
Emergency Starting..................... 327
Bearings.............................. 373
Belts, Drive............................ 348
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
432 INDEX

Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 358
B-Pillar Location........................ 264
Brake Fluid............................ 399
Brake System........................256,366
Anti-Lock........................... 257
Disc Brakes.......................... 366
Fluid Check.......................... 367
Hoses.............................. 368
Master Cylinder....................... 367
Parking............................. 255
Warning Light........................ 166
Bulb Replacement....................... 385
Bulbs, Light............................ 384
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 393
Calibration, Compass..................... 132
Camper............................... 153
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 397
Capacities, Fluid........................ 397Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 356
Car Washes............................ 379
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............69,155
Cargo Light............................ 118
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 202
Cassette Tape Player................170,173,177
CD Changer......................175,186,191
CD Player..................183,187,190,193,196
Cellular Phone.......................... 83
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 391
Center Lap Belts......................... 42
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 147
Certification Label....................... 286
Charge Air Cooler....................... 365
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 261
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 162
Child Restraint.......................... 56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............60,63
INDEX 433
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