ECU Ram 2500 (Diesel) 2007 Owner's Guide

CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
14. Security Light
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved on vehicles with
the 48RE transmission, this indicator shows the auto-
matic transmission gear range selected (PRND21).
When the gear selector lever is moved on vehicles with
the 68RFE transmission, this indicator shows the auto-
matic transmission gear range selected (P R N D). Ve-
hicles equipped with Auto-6/Electronic Range Select
(ERS) will display the selection of the desired top gear, in
the position next to the D (Drive).
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
If the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Fan
Inspection
Check the fan for cracks and bent or broken blades. If any
of these conditions exist, you must replace the fan. Make
sure it is securely mounted.
NOTE:This service procedure must be performed by a
trained service technician. Make arrangements with your
authorized Dodge Truck Dealer for this inspection.
Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50 to 100
degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more
efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Adding Fuel........................... 352
Adjustable Pedals....................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)............422,424,460
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 438
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............438,439
Air Conditioning System................259,438
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 262
AirFilter ...........................422,424
Air Pressure, Tires....................335,343
Airbag.............................. 46,52
Airbag Light......................... 77,199
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 52
Airbag, Side............................ 55
Alarm, Out of Park Sense...............296,302
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,201
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 342Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 252
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............446,447
Capacities........................... 487
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............204,324
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System..................... 18,201
Appearance Care........................ 463
Ashtray............................... 171
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 85
Automatic Door Locks.................... 153
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission................... 455
Adding Fluid......................... 456
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 457
Fluid Level Check...................... 455
FluidType ........................457,491
Shift Indicator........................ 201
534 INDEX

Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 77
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 77
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 527
Safety Information, Tire................... 325
Safety Tips............................. 75
Satellite Radio.......................245,249
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 252
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 467
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 44
Seat Belts.......................... 33,34,77
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 42
And Pregnant Women................... 45
Child Restraint....................... 60,74
Extender............................. 46
Front Seat............................ 34
Pretensioners.......................... 44
Reminder............................ 199
Seats................................. 115
Adjustment.......................... 115Child ............................... 74
Cleaning............................ 465
FoldingFloor ......................... 183
Heated............................. 125
Lumbar Support....................... 118
Power.............................. 118
Rear Folding.......................120,122
Reclining ............................ 116
Reclining Rear........................ 120
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 18,201
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........446,488
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 15
Service Assistance....................... 524
Service Contract......................... 526
Service Information...................... 411
Service Manuals........................ 528
Setting the Clock.............207,211,219,232,245
Settings, Personal........................ 153
Shifting ............................... 291
546 INDEX