brakes Ram 2500 (Diesel) 2007 User Guide

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.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
An EXAMPLE of a loaded vehicle is shown in the
following chart. Note that neither GVWR nor GAWR
capabilities are exceeded. Overloading can cause poten-
tial safety hazards and shorten service life.NOTE: The weights shown in this chart are not
necessarily the weights for your vehicle. Also, the
amount of load added to both the front and rear axles
can be computed after the vehicle has been weighed
both in itscurb weightcondition, and in itsloaded
and ready for operationcondition.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 6500 LBS.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause aloss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
5

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a“FULL” dot and an “ADD” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard prolonged
braking. You could have an accident.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Shifting ..........................291,297
Special Additives...................... 458
Autostick............................. 201
AxleFluid ..........................454,491
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 454
BallJoints ............................. 440
Battery............................... 437
Blanket..........................285,438
Emergency Starting..................... 399
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 130
Bearings.............................. 458
Belts,Drive ............................ 422
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 441
B-Pillar Location........................ 330
Brake Fluid............................ 491
Brake System........................321,451Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 322
Disc Brakes.......................... 451
Fluid Check.......................... 452
Hoses.............................. 453
Master Cylinder....................... 452
Parking............................. 320
Warning Light........................ 203
Bulb Replacement....................... 474
Bulbs,Light ............................ 473
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 482
Calibration, Compass..................147,158
Camper............................... 188
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 487
Capacities, Fluid........................ 487
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 418
Power Steering........................ 439
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 447
INDEX 535
10

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 446
Inspection........................... 448
Points to Remember.................... 449
Pressure Cap......................... 447
Radiator Cap......................... 447
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........446,488
Temperature Gauge..................... 200
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 139
CupHolder ............................ 172
Customer Assistance..................... 524
Customer Programmable Features............ 153
Data Recorder, Event...................... 58
Daytime Running Lights................... 131
Dealer Service.......................... 411
Defroster, Rear Window................. 88,181
Defroster, Windshield................ 77,258,261
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 135
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 290Diesel Fuel............................ 348
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 348
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 317
Dipsticks .............................. 414
Power Steering........................ 439
Disc Brakes............................ 451
Disposal.............................. 421
Engine Oil........................... 421
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 448
Door Locks............................. 25
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 153
Door Opener, Garage..................... 160
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......427,430
DriveBelts ............................ 422
Dual Rear Wheels.....................347,396
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 249
Electric Rear Window Defrost............. 88,181
Electrical Power Outlets................... 169
INDEX 537
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