power steering fluid DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2006 3.G Owners 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
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment....................374
▫5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel...........374

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........375

Replacement Parts......................375

Dealer Service.........................376

Service Information.....................376

Maintenance Procedures..................379
▫Engine Oil..........................379
▫Drive Belt...........................385▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................385
▫Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......387
▫Maintenance Free Batteries...............390
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............391
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............392
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............393
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............393
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication.............394
7

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
Steering Linkage — Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent
leakage or contamination of the grease.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent. 2500/3500 axels do not require
limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

Bearings.............................. 409
Belts, Drive............................ 385
Belts, Seat.............................. 31
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 394
B-Pillar Location........................ 296
Brake Fluid............................ 439
Brake System........................287,403
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 288
Disc Brakes.......................... 403
Fluid Check.......................... 403
Hoses.............................. 405
Master Cylinder....................... 403
Parking............................. 286
Warning Light........................ 182
Bulb Replacement....................... 424
Bulbs, Light............................ 424
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 431
Calibration, Compass..................... 138Camper............................... 167
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 437
Capacities, Fluid........................ 437
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 392
Car Washes............................ 416
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............71,169
Cargo Light............................ 124
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 229
CD (Compact Disc) Player............186,194,208
Cellular Phone.......................... 83
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 430
Center Lap Belts......................... 40
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........157,158
Certification Label....................... 319
Charge Air Cooler....................... 402
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 293
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 181
Child Restraint........................55,56
INDEX 479
10

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

Out of Park Sense Alarm.................. 271
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 79
Overdrive............................. 268
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 268
Overhead Console....................133,134
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 134
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 474
Parking Brake.......................... 286
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 49
Passing Light........................... 125
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 129
Phone, Cellular.......................... 83
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 83
Pickup Box............................ 165
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 296
Power
Distribution Center..................... 420
Door Locks........................... 18Mirrors.............................. 80
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 150
Seats............................... 110
Sliding Rear Window.................... 29
Steering..........................290,392
Sunroof............................. 147
Windows............................. 28
Power Steering Fluid..................... 439
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 42
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 40
Programmable Electronic Features.........143,146
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................143,146
Radial Ply Tires......................... 303
Radio Operation...................186,194,208
Radio Remote Controls.................... 228
Radio, Satellite.......................... 223
INDEX 487
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