differential DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2006 3.G Owners Manual

▫Operating Precautions..................264
▫Cooling System Tips —
Automatic Transmission................264

Transmission Shifting....................266
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive—
If Equipped.........................266
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed —
If Equipped.........................272

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 273
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................273
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case........................276
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............277▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions–If Equipped.......278
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................282

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......285

Parking Brake.........................286

Brake System..........................287
▫Brake Noise.........................288
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........288

Power Steering........................290

Tire Safety Information...................291
▫Tire Markings........................291
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........295
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........296
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

wheel. The nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening
the nut opposite to the nut just previously tightened until
final torque is achieved. Recommended torques are
shown in the following chart.
Disc
WheelsType Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs.Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin vehicles equipped with
10.5”/11.5” AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............60,64
Child Seat............................56,63
Cigar Lighter........................... 152
Climate Control......................... 231
Clock.....................185,188,196,209,223
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 405
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 230
Compact Spare Tire...................... 304
Compass.............................. 138
Compass Calibration..................... 138
Compass Variance....................... 139
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 134
Console, Overhead....................... 133
Contract, Service........................ 472
Cooling System......................... 397
Coolant Capacity...................... 437
Coolant Level......................... 398
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 398Inspection........................... 397
Radiator Cap......................... 401
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........400,438
Temperature Gauge..................... 179
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 130
Cup Holder............................ 153
Customer Assistance..................... 470
Data Recorder, Event...................... 54
Daytime Running Lights................... 123
Dealer Service.......................... 376
Defroster, Rear Window..............81,237,241
Defroster, Windshield..................233,235
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 126
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 285
Dipsticks.............................. 379
Power Steering........................ 392
Disc Brakes............................ 403
Disposal.............................. 384
480 INDEX

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 400
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution................71,169,397
Exhaust System.................71,396,397,412
Exterior Lighting........................ 122
Fan .................................. 402
Filters
Engine Oil.....................379,382,438
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 124
Flat Tire Stowage.....................352,362
Fluid, Brake........................... 439
Fluid Capacities......................... 437
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 403
Manual Transmission................... 406
Power Steering........................ 392
Transfer Case......................... 406Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 438
Fog Lights.......................123,183,436
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 162
Four Wheel Drive....................... 273
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 350
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 366
Front Axle (Differential)................394,405
Fuel..............................314,318
Diesel.........................314,318,438
Gauge.............................. 184
Requirements......................... 314
Specifications......................... 317
Tank Capacity........................ 437
Fuses................................ 420
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 141
Gauges............................... 177
Coolant Temperature.................... 179
Fuel................................ 184
482 INDEX

Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 277
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Headlights........................... 122
High Beam........................125,178
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 125
Instrument Cluster..................... 177
Intensity Control....................... 121
Interior..........................120,134
Lights On Reminder.................... 123
Passing............................. 125
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 178
Service.............................. 424
Side Marker.......................... 435
Transfer Case......................... 277
Transmission Warning................... 184
Turn Signal..................124,177,424,428
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 177
Limited-Slip Differential................285,406Loading Vehicle......................... 319
Tires ............................... 296
Locks................................. 17
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 17
Ignition.............................. 15
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 18
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricants............................. 410
Lubrication, Body....................... 394
Lug Nuts............................. 357
Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance........................... 376
Maintenance Procedures................... 379
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Schedule “A”......................... 459
INDEX 485
10

Radio (Sound Systems)..............186,194,208
Rear Axle (Differential).................405,406
Rear Seat, Folding..................... 112,114
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 410
Reclining Front Seats..................... 108
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 112
Recorder, Event Data...................... 54
Recreational Towing...................... 339
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....340,342
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 341,344
Refrigerant............................ 392
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 41
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 22
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 228
Replacement Tires....................... 307
Reporting Safety Defects................... 473
Restraint, Head......................... 108
Restraints, Child.......................55,63
Rotation, Tires.......................... 311Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 72
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 72
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 473
Safety Information, Tire................... 291
Safety Tips............................. 70
Satellite Radio.......................... 223
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 227
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 419
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 41
Seat Belts..........................30,31,72
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 38
And Pregnant Women................... 42
Child Restraint.......................55,68
Extender............................. 42
Front Seat............................ 31
Pretensioners.......................... 40
Reminder............................ 178
Seats..............................106,107
Adjustment.......................... 106
488 INDEX