2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL power steering

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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bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of
the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the side pillar molding out of the way and covers
the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds
(about one-quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes)
with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3
1¤2inches (8.9
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NAdjustable Head Restraints...............93
NManual Rotary Lumbar Support
Adjustment Ð If Equipped...............94
NPower Seats Ð If Equipped...............95
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............96
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............97
mLights................................99
NInterior Lights........................99
NBattery Saver........................100
NHeadlamp Delay Ð If Equipped..........101
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....101
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada And Fleet
Vehicles Only).......................102
NLights-On Reminder...................102NFog Lights Ð If Equipped...............102
NCargo Light.........................103
mMultifunction Control Lever...............103
NTurn Signals.........................103
NPassing Light........................104
NHigh Beam / Low Beam Select Switch......104
NWindshield Wipers....................105
NWindshield Washers...................106
mTilt Steering Column....................107
mDriver Adjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped......108
NAdjustment.........................108
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......109
NTo Activate..........................109
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10
inches (254 mm) away from the airbag located in the
center of the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, in the
direction you desire to move the pedals.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse) or when the Speed Control is SET.
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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
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