2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................11
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................11
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................11
mIgnition And Steering Lock.................14
NManual Transmissions...................14
NAutomatic Transmissions.................15
mDoor Key.............................16
mDoor Locks............................16
NManual Locks.........................16NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........17
NChild Protection Door Lock...............21
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped.........22
NTo Unlock The Doors...................23
NTo Lock The Doors.....................24
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................25
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........26
NGeneral Information....................27
NTransmitter Battery Service...............28
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IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Manual Transmissions
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Manual Transmissions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.
Tapping the ACCEL button once will result ina2mph
(3km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the button three times
will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
Tapping the COAST button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed will decrease. For example, tapping the button 3
times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (5 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the COAST button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56
km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If
this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5±speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear under the above condi-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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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
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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
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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

ACC
Allows the electrical accessories to be used when the
engine is not running.
Manual Transmission Key Release Button
To remove the key on vehicles equipped with manual
transmissions, turn the key to the Lock position and press
the button to remove the ignition key.
Key Reminder
An alarm will sound to remind you if the key is left in the
ignition and the driver's door is opened.
STARTING PROCEDURES
The Cummins Diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
²The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110±115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
²A 12±volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids
in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
STARTING AND OPERATING 205
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