2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS brake light

WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(Service 4WD(light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2WD/AWD or 4HI
positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over-
speed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because 4 wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
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PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
NOTE:The instrument cluster red brake warning light
will come on and flash to indicate that the parking brake
is applied. You must be sure that the parking brake is
fully applied before leaving the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When
parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake
before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK.
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3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering oil reaches
operating temperature.
Brake Noise
During normal operation of the brake system certain
noises may be present from time to time. Occasional
9groan9or9squeal9noises may occur during normal
operation of the brake system which may not be indica-
tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time
the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during
the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture,
hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris mayalso contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con-
tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that
the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð RWAL
The Anti-lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.
The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This may cause the rear
brakes to lockup through the drivetrain, which may
reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Brake System.
During severe braking conditions, particularly with
changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight
drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
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WARNING!
Both Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated
electronic equipment. It may be susceptible to inter-
ference caused by improperly installed or high out-
put radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capabil-
ity. Installation of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð If
Equipped
This Anti-lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.The system's pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation. This is
normal.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
This is the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system and is normal.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning.
ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning
light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake
System is not functioning. The system reverts to standard
non-anti-lock brakes.
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2500/3500 Models
²
The Axles on 2500/3500 Modelsare trailer tow ready
andDO NOT REQUIREany special axle lubes or
additives.
Trailer Towing Recommendations
²
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer.
²Donotinterconnect 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 electrically±actuated electric trailer
brake controller is recommended.
²Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1000
lbs (454 kg) and are required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg)
²Use an approved wiring harness connector on the
trailer. Standard equipment on all RAM pickup mod-
els provides a 4-way trailer tow connector located
under the bumper. This connector contains the follow-
ing vehicle circuits: park/tail lamps, left stop/turn
lamp, right stop/turn lamp, and ground. With the
optional Trailer Tow Prep package a 7-way connector
is provided with the following additional circuits:
backup lamp, trailer battery and electric brake.
NOTE:Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory
harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake
circuits.
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Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric Trailer
Brakes
NOTE:A 4-way trailer tow connector, located behind
the bumper, is standard equipment on all Ram pickup
models. This connector contains the following vehicle
circuits: park/tail lamps, left stop/turn lamp, right stop/
turn lamp, and ground. With the optional Trailer Tow
Prep package a 7-way connector is also provided with the
following additional circuits: backup lamp, trailer battery
and electric brake.
NOTE:There is also a 4±way connector located under
the instrument panel, located to the left of the brake
pedal that is used for the electric brake. This connector
contains the following vehicle circuits; power ground,
battery, stop lamp switch and electric brake feed. The
4±way is optional with the trailer tow prep package.
CAUTION!
Adding lights or electrical devices to the headlamp/
park lamp circuit can be accomplished by connecting
to the standard 4-way trailer tow connector located
behind the rear bumper. The maximum current ca-
pacity for the park lamp circuit should not exceed 15
amps total (a typical park lamp bulb can draw from
0.5 to 1.0 amperes of current).
No connections can be made to the headlamp switch
itself, because it is not designed for high current
applications. Connections to the headlamp switch
will cause the exterior lights to malfunction.
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CAUTION!
Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory
harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the
brake circuits. Use an approved wiring harness con-
nector on the trailer.
Trailer Weight and Trailer Tongue Weight
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual under-
way towing condition. The recommended way to mea-
sure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported
by the scale.
Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle's
trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60%to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places
10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle.
Trailer sway control and equalizing hitch are required for
Class III or IV trailer hitches and tongue weights above
350 lbs (159 kg).
Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but
no more than 15% of GTW.
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