2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS warning

²Air ConditioningÐturn it off temporarily.
²Hilly TerrainÐTurn overdrive off.
See Cooling System Operating information in the Service
and Maintenance section of this manual for more infor-
mation.
Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature Warning
Light
All vehicles with automatic transmissions are equipped
with a transmission sump oil temperature sensor and
warning light. If elevated transmission temperatures are
encountered, the engine controller will select the most
desirable gear until the transmission temperatures are
reduced. If transmission oil temperatures continue to
rise, a warning light located in the instrument cluster will
illuminate. If this should occur, stop the vehicle, shift to
Neutral, and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
goes off.
Towing With An Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may
shift into and out of Overdrive, or a lower gear, when
driving in hilly areas, when heavily loaded, or when
towing into heavy winds.
When this condition occurs, select TOW/HAUL mode or
shift into a lower gear to prevent excessive transmission
wear and/or overheating, and to provide better engine
braking.
NOTE:Do not exceed the following RPM while manu-
ally downshifting:
²5800 rpm with 3.7L engines.
²5800 rpm with 4.7L engines.
²5600 rpm with 5.7L engines.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
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If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you
tow a trailer frequently, change transmission fluid and
filter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km)
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
Dodge Ram 1500 Models
NOTE:Do not use Dodge Ram 1500 Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
On 1500 Models, snowplows, winches, and other
aftermarket equipment should not be added to the
front end of your vehicle. The airbag crash sensors
may be affected by the change in the front end
structure. The airbags could deploy unexpectedly or
could fail to deploy during a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Using 1500 Model vehicles for snowplow applica-
tions can cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain and
follow the recommendations contained within the Dodge
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

2004 BODY BUILDER'S GUIDE. See your dealer, installer
or snowplow manufacture for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be connected to
properly assure operator safety and prevent overloading
vehicle systems that would void the vehicle warranty.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The ªLamp Outº indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Before plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4 mm
to13 mm) above ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability
For Detailed Information Visit www.dodge.com or refer
to the 2004 Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide.
1. The 1500 models are NOT available for snowplow
applications.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the automatic transmission may occur if
the transmission is shifted into P (PARK) with the
transfer case in N (NEUTRAL) and the engine RUN-
NING. With the transfer case in N (NEUTRAL)
ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the
transmission into P (PARK)
Returning to Normal Operation Ð Manual Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
5. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
6. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case N (NEUTRAL)
position disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts from the powertrain and will allow the ve-
hicle to move regardless of the transmission posi-
tion. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position
indicator lights will flash continuously until all require-
ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Lights..................294
mAdding Fuel..........................295
mJack Location..........................296
NRemoval (All Models)..................296
NReinstalling The Scissors-Type Jack And Tools
(1500 Models)........................298
mChanging A Flat Tire....................301
NRemoving The Spare Tire................301
NTire Changing Procedure................302mHoisting.............................312
mJump-Starting.........................312
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................316
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........316
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................317
N4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles.................317
N2±Wheel- Drive Vehicles................317
6

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.
To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signalswill flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
294 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ADDING FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
fuel container, it should have a flexible nozzle long
enough to force open the restricting door.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is in a vehicle or on a truck
bed. You could be burned. Always place gas contain-
ers on the ground while filling.
WARNING!
Remove the gas cap slowly to prevent fuel spray
from the filler neck which may cause injury.
The volatility of present gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a spray
of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove the cap
from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap slowly allows
the pressure to vent and prevents fuel spray.
Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the tank.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 295
6