fuel DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2006 3.G Owners Manual

A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States are diesel powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads. Cummins engines power well over half of
these trucks. Now this same technology and proven
performance is yours in your new Dodge Ram truck
equipped with the Cummins 5.9 liter, Turbocharged,
Charge Air Cooled, Diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple tofollow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
Thank you for choosing the Dodge Ram truck with
Cummins Turbo Diesel power.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
INTRODUCTION 5
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•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN
Your Cummins 24 Valve Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, provided the following recommen-
dations are followed:
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation, will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
•Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
•Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
Because of the construction of the Cummins Diesel
engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating
conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
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Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.)
or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any question
regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light the
seatbelt light will flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Adjustment.........................129

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......130
▫To Activate..........................130
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............131
▫To Deactivate........................131
▫To Resume Speed.....................131
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............132
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............132

Overhead Console— If Equipped...........133
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................134

Overhead Console With Compass/Temperature
Mini-Trip Computer — If Equipped..........134
▫US/M Button........................135▫Reset Button.........................135
▫Global Reset.........................136
▫Step Button.........................136
▫Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)........136
▫Distance To Empty (DTE)...............136
▫Trip Odometer (ODO)..................137
▫Elapsed Time (ET).....................137
▫C/T Button.........................138
▫Automatic Compass Calibration...........138
▫Manual Compass Calibration.............139
▫Recalibrating The Compass..............139
▫Outside Temperature...................140
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
3

This overhead console allows you to choose between a
compass/temperature display and one of four trip con-
ditions being monitored.
US/M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.
RESET Button
Use this button to reset the following displays:
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
Trip Odometer (ODO)
Elapsed time (ET)
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
3

Global Reset
If the RESET button is pressed twice within 2 seconds
while in any of the 3 resettable displays (AVG ECO,
ODO, ET), the Global Reset will reset all 3 displays.
Step Button
Use this button to choose or cycle through the four trip
conditions.
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
Average fuel economy is a running average of the
amount of fuel used and the distance the vehicle has
traveled.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will momen-
tarily blank. Then, the history information will be erased,
and the averaging will continue from where it was before
the reset. The reset value is based on a minimal amount
of fuel used and the distance traveled from the previous
drive cycle. The display may take several miles for this
value to change dependent upon driving habits.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. This is not resettable
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles estimated
driving distance, the DTE display will change to an
alternating test display of “LO” and “FUEL”. This dis-
play will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will
turn off the “LO FUEL” text and a new DTE value will be
displayed, based on the current values in the DTE
calculation and the current fuel tank level.
NOTE:It is possible for DTE to display “LO FUEL”
before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru-
ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning
is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an
estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy
and remaining fuel tank volume.Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
•26 gallons - 1500 short box models
•34 gallons - 1500 Quad Cab (if equipped)/2500/3500
short box models
•35 gallons - 1500/2500/3500 long box models
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset. Resetting of this screen will cause the trip odometer
to change to Zero.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset. Resetting the Elapsed Time will cause
the display to change to Zero.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltage Gauge
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. Ifthe pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating. (See page 124 for more informa-
tion.)
4. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.
Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a
period of time may result in the red brake light illumi-
nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS
equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should
extinguish the red brake light.
19. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS
light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
20. Cargo Light
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo Light Button on
the headlight switch.
21. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.22. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
23. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter bowl. Refer to the Maintenance section,
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 387 for more infor-
mation.)
24. Low Washer Fluid Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
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