2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL instrument cluster

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.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning
light, located in the instrument cluster. When the light is
illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake System is not function-
ing. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
POWER STEERING
Your power steering system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will experience a substantial increase in
steering effort.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7

Glass Cleaning.......................... 365
GVWR............................... 269
Hands-Free Phone........................ 79
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 296
Head Restraints.......................... 93
Headlights..........................101,367
High Beam........................... 104
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 104
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
Passing............................. 104
Switch.............................. 101
Heated Mirrors....................78,191,195
Heated Seats............................ 96
Heater............................... 187
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 104
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 275
Hoisting.............................. 309Homelink Transmitter.................... 120
Hood Release........................... 97
Hoses.............................348,350
Hub Caps............................. 306
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 351
Ignition.............................14,204
Key ............................... 11,14
Lock................................ 14
Infant Restraint........................55,56
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 259
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 75
Instrument Cluster....................142,143
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 141
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 365
Interior Appearance Care.................. 364
Intermittent Wipers...................... 105
Introduction............................. 4
INDEX 417
10

Jack Location........................... 298
Jack Operation.......................... 300
Jump Starting.......................... 310
Key, Replacement........................ 12
Key, Sentry............................. 11
Key-In Reminder......................... 11
Keyless Entry System...................... 22
Keys................................ 11,16
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 103
Lap Belts.............................. 42
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 34
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 59
Lights...............................70,99
Airbag............................55,144
Anti-Lock Warning..................146,242
Battery Saver......................... 100
Brake Warning........................ 147Bulb Replacement...................... 367
Cap Top Clearance..................... 375
Center Mounted Stop................... 373
Check Engine......................... 143
Courtesy/Reading..................... 113
Cruise.............................. 147
Daytime Running...................... 102
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 376
Fog .............................102,378
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 230
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 296
Headlights........................... 101
High Beam........................104,144
High Beam Indicator.................... 144
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 104
Instrument Cluster..................... 143
Intensity Control....................... 100
Interior...........................99,113
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
418 INDEX

Low Washer Fluid..................... 149
Passing............................. 104
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 145
Service.............................. 367
Side Marker.......................... 378
Transfer Case......................... 230
Transmission Warning................150,281
Turn Signal..................103,144,367,371
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 143
Limited-Slip Differential................237,352
Loading Vehicle......................... 269
Tires ............................... 247
Locks................................. 16
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 16
Ignition.............................. 14
Keys................................ 11
Power Door........................... 17
Steering Wheel......................... 14Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 59
Lubricants............................. 356
Lubrication, Body....................... 340
Lug Nuts............................. 305
Lumbar Support......................... 94
Maintenance........................... 322
Maintenance Procedures................... 325
Maintenance Schedule.................... 384
Schedule9A9......................... 396
Manual, Service......................... 408
Manual Transmission...............222,224,352
Fluid Level Check...................... 352
Lubricant Selection..................352,381
Mirrors................................ 75
Automatic Dimming..................... 76
Electric Powered....................... 77
Outside.............................. 76
Rearview............................. 75
INDEX 419
10

Mirrors...........................79,279
Tips ................................ 280
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 278
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 279
Trailer Weight.......................... 279
Transfer Case
Fluid............................... 381
Transmission
Automatic........................218,353
Fluid............................352,381
Maintenance.......................... 353
Manual........................222,224,352
Shifting............................. 218
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 120
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 257
Trip Computer.......................... 113
Trip Odometer.......................148,149
Turn Signals...................103,144,367,371Underhood Fuses........................ 366
Universal Transmitter..................... 120
Variance, Compass....................... 118
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................248,269
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 366
Voltmeter............................. 144
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 143
Warnings and Cautions..................... 5
Warranty Information..................... 405
Washers, Windshield..................106,341
Washing Vehicle......................... 362
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 258
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 363
Wheel Changing........................ 299
Wheel Mounting........................ 300
INDEX 425
10