2005 DODGE POWER WAGON catalytic converter

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157
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▫Materials Added To Fuel................309
▫Adding Fuel.........................309
▫Fuel System Cautions..................312
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............313

Catalytic Converter.....................313

Vehicle Loading........................315
▫Certification Label.....................315

Trailer Towing.........................318
▫To Maintain Warranty Coverage...........318
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........320
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........320
▫Trailer Towing—Hitches...............321▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric Trailer
Brakes.............................322
▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....323
▫Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................325
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors—If Equipped......326
▫Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing......326
▫Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................327
▫Towing With An Automatic Transmission....327

Snowplow............................328
▫Dodge Power Wagon Models.............328
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

Sulfur In Gasoline
If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with Cleaner-Burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of
California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which
may affect the performance of the vehicle’s catalytic
converter. This may cause the Check Engine or Service
Engine Soon light to illuminate. We recommend that you
try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower
sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for ser-
vice.CAUTION!
If the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is
flashing, immediate service is required; see onboard
diagnostics system section.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasolines sold in the United States are required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
ADDING FUEL
NOTE:If fuel is poured from a portable container, the
container should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
extend into the fuel filler tube.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
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Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every timethe vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal
operating conditions, the catalytic converter will not
require maintenance. However, you must keep the en-
gine maintained to assure proper operation and prevent
possible damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
As with any vehicle, do not park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible materials such as grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may be detected if you continue to run
a malfunctioning engine. The odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, thevehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Service, including a tune-up to
manufacturer’s specifications should be obtained imme-
diately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
towing. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way and pushing or towing a
vehicle equipped with a manual transmission may over-
heat and damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed
or towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immedi-
ately with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 volt system, i.e. Do
not use a 24 volt power source.
1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets which might make an unintended electrical
contact.
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment—5.7L...............352

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........353

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................353

Dealer Service.........................355

Replacement Parts......................356

Maintenance Procedures..................356
▫Engine Oil..........................356
▫Engine Oil Filter......................360▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................360
▫Spark Plugs.........................361
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................361
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................362
▫Catalytic Converter....................362
▫Emission-Related Components............364
▫Maintenance Free Battery................364
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............365
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