2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................11
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................11
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped................11

Ignition And Steering Lock.................13
▫Manual Transmissions...................13
▫Automatic Transmissions.................14

Door Key.............................15

Door Locks............................15
▫Manual Locks.........................15▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped..........16
▫Child Protection Door Lock...............20

Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped.........22
▫To Unlock The Doors...................22
▫To Lock The Doors.....................23
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters........26
▫General Information....................27
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............28
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Seats................................107
▫40-20-40 Front Seat....................108
▫Reclining Seats.......................109
▫Adjustable Head Restraints..............109
▫Manual Rotary Lumbar Support
Adjustment — If Equipped..............110
▫Power Seats — If Equipped..............111
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped.............112

To Open And Close The Hood.............113

Lights...............................115
▫Interior Lights.......................115
▫Battery Saver........................116
▫Headlamp Delay — If Equipped..........117▫Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....117
▫Daytime Running Lights
(Canada And Fleet Vehicles Only)..........118
▫Lights-On Reminder...................118
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............118
▫Cargo Light.........................119

Multifunction Control Lever...............119
▫Turn Signals.........................119
▫Passing Light........................120
▫High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch......120
▫Windshield Wipers....................121
▫Windshield Washers...................122

Tilt Steering Column....................123
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — 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.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................242
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................244
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............245
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................246
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................250

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......253

Parking Brake.........................254

Brake System..........................255
▫3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only........256
▫Brake Noise.........................256▫Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — RWAL.....................256
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — If Equipped..................257

Power Steering........................259

Tire Safety Information...................259
▫Tire Markings........................259
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................272
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering oil reaches
operating temperature.
Brake Noise
During normal operation of the brake system certain
noises may be present from time to time. Occasional
groanorsquealnoises may occur during normal
operation of the brake system which may not be indica-
tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time
the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during
the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture,
hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris mayalso contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con-
tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that
the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — RWAL
The Anti-lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.
The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This may cause the rear
brakes to lockup through the drivetrain, which may
reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Brake System.
During severe braking conditions, particularly with
changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight
drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............362
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............363
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............364
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............365
▫Half-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........365
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models........................365
▫Body Lubrication.....................366
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................366
▫Windshield Washers...................366
▫Exhaust System......................367
▫Cooling System.......................368
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......372▫Brake System........................372
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................374
▫Clutch Linkage.......................374
▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................374
▫Transfer Case........................375
▫Manual Transmission..................376
▫Automatic Transmission................377
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................380
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........380
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty For 3500 2-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel
Drive Models Over 10,000 Lbs. (4 535 Kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..............381
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information
book for further warranty information.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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.
Power Steering — 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 are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
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