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²Highway Driving Ð
reduce your speed.
²Up Steep Hills Ð
select a lower transmission gear, but try and keep the
torque converter locked.
²Air Conditioning Ð
turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the
minimum oil pressures required are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM............... 10psi(69kPa)
Full speed and load.............. 30psi(207 kPa)
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
Practically all failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
²engine misfiring or vibrating severely
²sudden loss of power
²unusual engine noises
²fuel, oil or coolant leaks
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²sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
²excessive smoke
²oil pressure drop
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Four-Speed Overdrive Automatic Transmission Ð
If Equipped
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
ªPº Park
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use Park while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the
selector in Park position. On 4-wheel drive vehicles be
sure that the transfer case is in a drive position!
WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without first
pulling it toward you after you have set it in P. Make
sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
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²Highway DrivingÐreduce your speed.
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 heavy duty transmission oil cooling are
equipped with a transmission sump oil temperature
sensor and warning light. If elevated transmission tem-
peratures are encountered, the engine controller will
select the most desirable gear until the transmission
temperatures are reduced. If transmission oil tempera-
tures continue to rise, a warning light located in theinstrument 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, press the ªTOW/HAULº
button 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:
²5.9L Diesel Engines 3200 RPM.
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Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made every 12
months (prior to the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core. Check coolant bottle
tube for condition and tightness of connections at coolant
bottle and radiator.Check the coolant pressure cap and coolant bottle for
proper vacuum sealing. With the engine at normal oper-
ating temperature, note the level of the coolant in the
coolant bottle. Without removing the pressure cap (with
the engine off), drain a small amount of coolant from the
radiator drain cock. If the coolant level in the coolant
bottle drops, the system is sealing properly.
Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the
addition of a ªwinter frontº for effective operation of the
cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent-
age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow
through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission
oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased
with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or
engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling
frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter
front.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin vehicles equipped with
10.5º/11.5º AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case Ð If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission Ð If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4º below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection for NV-4500 (5-Speed Manual
Transmission) Ð If Equipped
This transmission does not require periodic changing. If
it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid, be
sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct lubricant type.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 355 of 426
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band
adjustment and filter change should be made at the time
of the oil change.
The fluid and filter should be changed and the bands
adjusted as specified in the Maintenance Schedule (Sec-
tion 8). Vehicles having severe usage should follow
Maintenance Schedule ªBº of the Maintenance Schedule
(Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
²Off-the-highway operation;
²Trailer towing;
²Snow plow operation;
²Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided,
since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
ªpurgeº excess grease and the bearing housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
²Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
²Check Filter MinderŸ. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 389 of 426
Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water in fuel
sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 389
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