2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS Owners Manual

Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and those located on the floor.
NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Heat
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield and side window demist outlets.NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if
the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies
the air to help dry the windshield.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of
the control panel is the
blower control. Turn the knob
clockwise to one of the four
positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the
blower off, turn the knob to
the far left position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

Dual Zone Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air
inside the passenger compartment. This is accomplished
by having separate temperature control slides for both
the driver and front passenger. The blue area of the scale
indicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates
warmer temperatures.
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
side view mirrors are activated by pressing the
heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel,
with the ignition On. Turning Off the ignition will
deactivate the Electric Rear Window Defroster and
Heated side view mirrors feature. These features also
turn off after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed.
To reactivate, simply press the button again.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use.
NOTE:When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
Operating Tips
Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, turn the blower fan rotary knob to
the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the
panel fresh position, press the snowflake button to turn
on the air conditioning, and drive with the windows
open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been
expelled, close the windows and press the Recirculation
pushbutton. When a comfortable condition has beenreached, choose a mode position and adjust the tempera-
ture control slide and blower speed as necessary to
maintain comfort. For high humidity conditions it may
be necessary to remain in the Recirculation mode to
maintain comfort.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219
4

speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation isencountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Ignition/Starter Switch...................228
▫Lock..............................228
▫Off ...............................228
▫On................................228
▫Start..............................228
▫ACC ..............................229
▫Manual Transmission Key Release Button....229
▫Key Reminder.......................229

Starting Procedures.....................229▫Manual Transmission..................229
▫Automatic Transmission................230
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................230
▫Engine Block Heater— If Equipped.........231
▫After Starting........................232

Transmission Shifting....................232
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive.....232
▫Manual Transmission..................238

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 241
5

▫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