2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL automatic transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................11
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................11
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................11
mIgnition And Steering Lock.................14
NManual Transmissions...................14
NAutomatic Transmissions.................15
mDoor Key.............................16
mDoor Locks............................16
NManual Locks.........................16NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........17
NChild Protection Door Lock...............21
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped.........22
NTo Unlock The Doors...................23
NTo Lock The Doors.....................24
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................25
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........26
NGeneral Information....................27
NTransmitter Battery Service...............28
2

Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering
wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns
easily. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the
LOCK position. Push in on the key in the ignition lock
cylinder to rotate to the LOCK position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will the lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees from center clockwise and around 65 degrees
counter-clockwise.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the key cannot be turned to LOCK until the
selector is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
Automatic Transmissions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NErasing Homelink Buttons...............124
NReprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 125
NSecurity............................125
mElectrical Power Outlets..................126
mCigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............127
mCupholders...........................128
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð
Automatic Transmission Only............128
NRear Cupholder Ð Quad Cab Ð If
Equipped...........................128mStorage..............................129
NCenter Storage Compartment Ð If Equipped . . 129
NStorage And Seats Ð If Equipped..........130
mFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped.........130
NFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped........130
mPickup Box...........................133
mSlide-In Campers.......................135
NCamper Applications...................135
mEasy-Off Tailgate.......................135
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.
Tapping the ACCEL button once will result ina2mph
(3km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the button three times
will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
Tapping the COAST button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed will decrease. For example, tapping the button 3
times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (5 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the COAST button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56
km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If
this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5±speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear under the above condi-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð Automatic
Transmission Only
Your new Ram truck is equipped with dual-opening
adjustable cupholders. The cupholder is opened and
closed by pushing on the front surface. Each opening in
the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups and mugs
of various sizes.
To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the
cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the
cup until it is held stable.
Rear Cupholder Ð Quad Cab Ð If Equipped
Quad Cab vehicles may be equipped with a rear cup-
holder that consists of two cupwells for rear passenger
convenience.
Cupholders with Automatic
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
14. Security
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
Tranmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.17. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter bowl. Refer to the Maintenance section,
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147
4

hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a
period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned off or the
engine is started.
21. LAMP OUT Light
The LAMP OUT indicator in the instrument cluster alerts
the driver if a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected
for headlamps, turn signal lamps, and stop lamps.
22. TOW/HAUL (Automatic Transmissions Only)
The TOW/HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected.
23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD lightstays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
24. LOW WASH Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and one minute has elapsed.
25. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
26. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
4

27. Low Fuel Warning Light
Glows when the pointer is between ªEº and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge
pointer is on ªEº (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren't many gas stations.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²34 gallons - 2500/3500 short box models
²35 gallons - 2500/3500 long box models28. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.
29. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
150 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL