2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL transmission

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

speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation isencountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mIgnition/Starter Switch...................204
NLock..............................204
NOff ...............................204
NOn................................204
NStart..............................204
NACC ..............................205
NManual Transmission Key Release Button....205
NKey Reminder.......................205
mStarting Procedures.....................205NNormal Starting Procedure Ð Engine
Manifold Airtemperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC) . . 206
NStarting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)...........207
NStarting Fluids.......................210
mNormal Operation......................211
NCold Weather Precautions...............211
NEngine Idling Ð In Cold Weather..........214
NStopping The Engine...................215
NEngine Speed Control..................216
5

NOperating Precautions..................216
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................216
mTransmission Shifting....................218
NFour-Speed Overdrive Automatic
Transmission Ð If Equipped.............218
NManual Transmission ± 5±Speed
(NV- 4500) Ð If Equipped...............222
NManual Transmission Ð 6-Speed
(NV-5600) Ð If Equipped...............224
mFour-Wheel- Drive Operation Ð If Equipped . . . 226
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................226
NShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................229NTransfer Case Reminder Light............230
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions........230
NShifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................234
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......237
mParking Brake.........................238
mBrake System..........................239
NBrake Noise.........................240
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........240
mPower Steering........................242
mTire Safety Information...................243
NTire Markings........................243
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........246
200 STARTING AND OPERATING

NTrailer Towing Ð Hitches...............275
NConnecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................276
NTrailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....278
NTrailer Towing Information
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........279
NTrailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped......279
NCooling System Tips Ð Trailer Towing......280
NAutomatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................281
NTowing With An Automatic Transmission....281
mSnowplow............................282
NBefore Plowing.......................283
NSnowplow Prep Package Model Availability . . 283NOver The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................284
NMethods For Removing Snow............284
NOperating Tips.......................284
NGeneral Maintenance...................285
mRecreational Towing Ð 4±Wheel Drive Vehicles
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................286
NRecreational Towing Procedure Ð Manual
Shift Transfer Case Ð If Equipped.........286
NReturning To Normal Operation Ð Manual
Shift Transfer Case....................287
NRecreational Towing Procedure Ð Electronic
Shift Transfer Case Ð If Equipped.........288
NReturning To Normal Operation Ð Electronic
Shift Transfer Case....................290
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

IGNITION/STARTER SWITCH
LOCK
Locks the automatic transmission shift control into the
PARK position. It also engages the steering wheel lock (if
equipped) when the steering wheel is turned.NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
OFF
Unlocks the steering wheel (if equipped with locking
wheel) and the automatic transmission shift control with
engine off.
ON
This is the normal running position.
START
Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition key will return to the ON position for
normal driving.
204 STARTING AND OPERATING