index DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2006 3.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE..............................73
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL...................................171
5STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................247
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES..............................................349
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE...............................................371
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES..................................................441
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.........................................469
10INDEX....................................................................477
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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
1

Operation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio
Play)
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC
position to operate the radio.
NOTE:Note: This Radio is capable of playing compact
discs (CD), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable
compact discs (CD-RW) compact discs with MP3 tracks
and multisession compact discs with CD and MP3 tracks.
Inserting Compact Disc(s)
Gently insert one CD into the CD player with the CD
label facing up. The CD will automatically be pulled into
the CD Player and the CD icon will illuminate on the
radio display.
CAUTION!
This CD player will accept 4 3/4 inch (12 cm) discs
only. The use of other sized discs may damage the
CD player mechanism.
You may eject a disc with the radio OFF.
If you insert a disc with the ignition ON and the radio
ON, the unit will switch from radio to CD mode and
begin to play when you insert the disc. The display will
show the disc number, the track number, and index time
in minutes and seconds. Play will begin at the start of
track 1.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

compact discs (CD-RW) compact discs with MP3 tracks
and multisession compact discs with CD and MP3 tracks
and WMA.
Inserting Compact Disc(s)
CAUTION!
This CD player will accept 4 3/4 inch (12 cm) discs
only. The use of other sized discs may damage the
CD player mechanism.
You may eject a disc with the radio OFF.
If you insert a disc with the ignition ON and the radio
ON, the unit will switch from radio to CD mode and
begin to play when you insert the disc. The display will
show the disc number, the track number, and index time
in minutes and seconds. Play will begin at the start of
track 1.
SEEK Button (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)
Press the right side of the SEEK button for the next
selection on the CD. Press the left side of the button to
return to the beginning of the current selection, or return
to the beginning of the previous selection if the CD is
within the first 5 seconds of the current selection.
SCAN Button (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)
Press the Scan button to scan through each track on the
CD currently playing.
LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio
Play)
LOAD/EJECT - Load
Press the LOAD/EJT button and the push-
button with the corresponding number where
the CD is being loaded. The radio will display
PLEASE WAIT and prompt when to INSERT
DISC. After the radio displaysINSERT DISCinsert the
CD into the player.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
4

EXAMPLE:
Service Description:
95= Load Index
—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.
H= Speed Symbol
—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding
to its load index under certain operating conditions.
—The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un-
der specified operating conditions. (i.e. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits).
Load Identification:
....blank....= Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire
Extra Load (XL)= Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire
Light Load= Light Load Tire
C,D,E= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load— Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry.
Maximum Pressure— Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this
tire.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unap-
proved tires and wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, resulting in changes
to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use only
the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other
than what was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using
a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire over-
loading and failure. You could lose control and have an
accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate
speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

INDEX
10

Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 385,412
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 391
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............391,392
Air Conditioning System................234,391
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 238
Air Filter.............................. 385
Air Pressure, Tires....................301,309
Airbag..............................43,49
Airbag Light.........................72,178
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 49
Airbag, Side............................ 52
Alarm, Out of Park Sense.................. 271
Alarm (Security Alarm).................26,180
Alignment and Balance................... 308
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 227
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 400
Capacities........................... 437
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............182,290Anti-Theft System.....................26,180
Appearance Care........................ 416
Ashtray............................... 152
Automatic Transmission................... 407
Adding Fluid......................... 407
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 408
Fluid Level Check...................... 407
Fluid Type........................408,439
Shift Indicator........................ 180
Shifting............................. 266
Special Additives...................... 409
Axle Fluid..........................406,439
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 406
Ball Joints............................. 393
Battery............................... 390
Blanket..........................261,391
Emergency Starting..................... 363
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 121
478 INDEX

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

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