2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL steering

CAUTION!
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your vehicle.
²When first towing a trailer, limit your speed to 50
mph (80 km/h) during the first 500 miles (805 km)
of towing.
Perform the maintenance listed in the ªMaintenance
Schedulesº section of this manual (Section 8). When
towing a trailer, never exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR), or Gross Combined Vehicle Weight
(GCVW).
CAUTION!
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, body structure or tires.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle:
²the tongue weight of the trailer
²the weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle
²the weight of passenger's and driver
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.
To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signalswill flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
296 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment....................320
N5.9L/5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel.......320
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........321
mReplacement Parts......................322
mDealer Service.........................322
mService Information.....................322
mMaintenance Procedures..................325
NEngine Oil..........................325
NDrive Belt...........................331NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................331
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......334
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............336
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............338
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............339
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............340
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............340
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings............................340
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
Steering Linkage Ð Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent
leakage or contamination of the grease.
Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings
The front axle universal joint and pivot bearings are
permanently lubricated and do not require servicing.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 4500 Mopart75W-85 Synthetic, API grade GL4, Mopar P/N 4874459,
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 5600 Mopartmanual transmission fluid P/N 4874464.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Limited-Slip AAM Rear AxlesDO NOT RE-
QUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 340
B-Pillar Location........................ 247
Brake Fluid............................ 381
Brake System........................239,348
Anti-Lock........................... 240
Disc Brakes.......................... 348
Fluid Check.......................... 348
Hoses.............................. 350
Master Cylinder....................... 348
Parking............................. 238
Warning Light........................ 147
Bulb Replacement....................... 367
Bulbs, Light............................ 367
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 375
Calibration, Compass..................... 117
Camper............................... 135
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 379
Capacities, Fluid........................ 379Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 339
Car Washes............................ 362
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............69,136
Cargo Light............................ 103
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 183
Cassette Tape Player................152,154,158
CD Changer......................156,167,172
CD Player..................164,168,171,175,177
Cellular Phone.......................... 79
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 373
Center Lap Belts......................... 42
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 129
Certification Label....................... 269
Charge Air Cooler....................... 347
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 244
Check Engine Light...................... 143
Child Restraint........................55,56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,63
INDEX 413
10

Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 127
Climate Control......................... 185
Clock................................ 151
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 350
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 184
Compact Disc Player..................158,164
Compact Spare Tire...................... 255
Compass.............................. 117
Compass Calibration..................... 117
Compass Variance....................... 118
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 113
Console, Overhead....................... 112
Contract, Service........................ 404
Cooling System......................... 343
Coolant Capacity...................... 379
Coolant Level......................... 344
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 346
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 344Inspection........................... 343
Radiator Cap......................343,346
Selection of Coolant..................345,380
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Cruise Control.......................... 109
Cup Holder............................ 128
Customer Assistance..................... 402
Daytime Running Lights................... 102
Dealer Service.......................... 322
Defroster, Rear Window..............78,191,195
Defroster, Windshield..................186,189
Delay Wipers........................... 105
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 237
Dipsticks.............................. 325
Power Steering........................ 339
Disc Brakes............................ 348
Disposal.............................. 331
Engine Oil........................... 331
414 INDEX