2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL Operation

ADDING FUEL Ð 24±VALVE CUMMINS TURBO
DIESEL
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
You may try priming as described below. However, if the
engine will not start, refer to the fuel priming procedure
in the Service Manual or have the vehicle towed to an
authorized Dodge dealer.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19 to 38L).
2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 297
6

1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the numbered sequence to a
snug fit.
2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the
torques listed in the table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific torque has been
achieved. Retighten to specifications at 100 miles (160
km) and after 500 miles (800 km).
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued
to specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the
bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is
especially important during the first few hundred miles
of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly
set. All nuts should first be firmly seated against the
308 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 313
6

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Mopar Fluids, Lubricants and Parts are available from
your dealer and will help you keep your vehicle operat-
ing at its best. Your dealer also has the qualified service
personnel, special tools and equipment to perform all
service operations in an expert manner. Service manuals
are available which include detailed service information
for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempt-
ing any procedure yourself. See Service Publications
information at the back of this manual.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent.
They can be unstable under certain conditions and be
hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
²If an engine has been operating and the coolant is hot,
allow the engine to cool before you slowly loosen the
filler cap and relieve the pressure from the cooling
system.
²To avoid burns, remember that the engine components
will stay hot after the engine is shut off.
²Do not use gasoline or other flammable materials to
clean parts. Always use approved cleaning solvents.
²Relieve all pressure in the fuel, oil and cooling systems
before any lines, fittings or related items are removed
or disconnected. Be alert for possible pressure when
disconnecting any device from a system that utilizespressure. Do not check for pressure leaks with your
hand. High pressure oil or fuel can cause personal
injury.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
²Important:All maintenance other than that listed in
this manual, as well as some procedures listed here,
MUSTbe performed by your local Dodge Truck
Dealer. Your authorized Dodge Dealer has been
trained and has the necessary parts to maintain your
engine.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Checking the vehicle while it's on level ground will also
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil
only when the level on the dipstick is below the ªADDº
mark. The total capacity from the low mark to the high
mark is 2 quarts (1.9 liters).
Never operate the engine with oil level below the ªADDº
mark or above the upper ªSAFEº mark.Change Engine Oil
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190É F (66É C ) coolant temperature).
²Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32É F (0É
C).
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Frequent trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule9B9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B.9
Engine Oil Selection
1. Engine Oil Quality
Use only oils conforming to API
Service CI-4. A sulfated ash limit
is specified for lubrication oil used
in Cummins engines. Oils with a
high ash content may produce de-
posits on valves that can progress
to guttering and valve burning. A
maximum sulfated ash content of
1.85 mass % is recommended for
all oil used in the engine.
2. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
The proper SAE viscosity of engine oil for the expected
ambient temperature range should be selected, as indi-
cated in the following chart:
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19L to 38L).
2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage black top paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
7