snow chains DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2005 3.G Owners Manual

▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................271
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........272
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........273
▫Tire Spinning........................273
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................274
▫Replacement Tires.....................275
▫Alignment And Balance.................276

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......276

Tire Chains...........................276

Snow Tires...........................278

Tire Rotation Recommendations............279
▫Dual Rear Wheels.....................280

Engine Runaway.......................281
Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Adding Fuel.........................282
▫Bulk Fuel Storage.....................284
▫Fuel Specifications....................284

Vehicle Loading........................286
▫Certification Label.....................286

Trailer Towing.........................289
▫Definitions..........................289
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........291
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........291
▫Trailer Towing — Hitches...............292
▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................293
▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....294
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
•Because 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.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after
driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe 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 recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of Ram
4X2 trucks.
NOTE:The use of class “U” chains is permitted on the
front and rear of 4X4, 2500 Ram Trucks with LT245/
70R17E tires.
NOTE:The use of class “U” chains is permitted on the
front and rear of 4X4, 3500 Ram Trucks with Dual Rear
Wheels and LT235/80R17E tires.
NOTE:On 4X2 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, class “U” snow
chains are permitted on the rear wheels only of vehicles
equipped with LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17, and LT235/
80R17 size tires.
NOTE:On 4X4 2500/3500 Single Rear Wheel (SRW)
Ram Trucks, class “U” snow chains are permitted on the
rear wheels only of vehicles equipped with LT265/70R17.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Ram trucks equipped
with P265/70R17, LT275/70R17 tires. There may not
be adequate clearance for the chains and you are
risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.
Do not use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of
2500/3500 SRW (Single Rear Wheels) equipped with
LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17 tires or 4X4 front tires of
Ram Trucks equipped with LT265/70R17tires. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your
vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Transfer Case......................... 246
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer
Case Neutral (N)..................303,306
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N)..................305,308
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage.............. 41
Shoulder Belts........................... 34
Side Airbag............................. 54
Signals, Turn........................... 118
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 276
Snow Plow............................ 298
Snow Tires............................ 278
Spare Tire..........................272,273
Speed Control.......................... 124
Speedometer........................... 164
Starting............................... 224
Engine Block Heater.................224,231
Steering
Column Controls...................... 118Column Lock.......................... 14
Linkage............................. 357
Power...........................259,356
Wheel, Tilt........................... 122
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 147
Storage Compartment, Center Seat........... 147
Storage, Vehicle......................... 384
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 384
Sun Roof.............................. 140
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 276
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 233
Tachometer............................ 163
Tailgate............................... 153
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............60,63
Tilt Steering Column..................... 122
Tire and Loading Information Placard....264,265,276
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 263
Tire Markings.......................... 260
INDEX 443
10

Tire Safety Information.................... 260
Tires ...............................70,268
Air Pressure.......................... 268
Alignment........................... 276
Chains.............................. 276
Changing............................ 317
Compact Spare........................ 272
Dual............................280,324
General Information.................... 268
High Speed.......................... 271
Inflation Pressures..................... 269
Jacking............................. 318
Load Capacity.....................264,265
Radial.............................. 271
Replacement......................... 275
Rotation............................. 279
Safety...........................260,268
Sizes............................... 261
Snow Tires........................... 278Spare Tire........................... 317
Spinning............................ 273
Tread Wear Indicators................... 274
Wheel Mounting....................... 318
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 322
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 294
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 241
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 331
Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 332
Guide.............................. 295
Recreational.......................... 302
Trailering............................ 291
Weight.............................. 295
Traction............................... 311
Traction Control......................... 370
Trailer Towing.......................... 289
Hitches............................. 292
Mirrors...........................81,296
444 INDEX