DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2005 3.G Owners Manual

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

WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.
2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF
position along with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (50
km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more
than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km)
the vehicle must be towed with the rear wheels raised
and the front wheels on the ground. It may also be towed
on a flatbed or with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on a dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment....................338
▫5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel...........338

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........339

Replacement Parts......................339

Dealer Service.........................340

Service Information.....................340

Maintenance Procedures..................343
▫Engine Oil..........................343
▫Drive Belt...........................348▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................349
▫Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......351
▫Maintenance Free Batteries...............354
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............355
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............356
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............357
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............357
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication.............358
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▫Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings............................358
▫Body Lubrication.....................358
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................359
▫Windshield Washers...................359
▫Exhaust System......................360
▫Cooling System.......................361
▫Fan ...............................365
▫Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)..........365
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......366
▫Brake System........................366
▫Clutch Linkage.......................368
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................369▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................369
▫Transfer Case — If Equipped.............370
▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped.......370
▫Automatic Transmission................370
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................373
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........373
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................374
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................379

Fuse And Relay Center...................383

Vehicle Storage........................384

Replacement Light Bulbs.................384
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Bulb Replacement......................385
▫Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................385
▫Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........389
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light..............................391
▫Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped....393
▫Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels).......394▫Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......396
▫Fog Lights..........................396

Fluid Capacities........................397

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................398
▫Engine.............................398
▫Chassis............................399
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT
5.9L HO CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
CARB emission control vehicles are equipped with a
sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called OBDII.
This system monitors the performance of the emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission control systems.
When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle
will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as
well as engine emissions well within current government
regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Mopar Fluids, Lubricants and Parts are available from
your dealer and will help you keep your vehicle operat-
ing at its best. Your dealer also has the qualified service
personnel, special tools and equipment to perform all
service operations in an expert manner. Service manuals
are available which include detailed service information
for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempt-
ing any procedure yourself. See Service Publications
information at the back of this manual.
NOTE:Failure to perform maintenance service at the
specified intervals as outlined in theMaintenance
Schedulesmay void provisions of your Vehicle Warranty.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE