2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS warning light

WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Before plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4 mm
to13 mm) above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability
For Detailed Information Visit www.dodge.com or refer
to the 2004 Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide.
1. The 1500 models are NOT available for snowplow
applications.
2. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.
3. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
4. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid
loss will damage internal parts.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Lights..................320

Adding Fuel..........................321

Jack Location..........................322
▫Removal (All Models)..................322
▫Reinstalling The Scissors-Type Jack And Tools
(1500 Models)........................323

Changing A Flat Tire....................326
▫Removing The Spare Tire................326
▫Tire Changing Procedure................327
Hoisting.............................337

Jump-Starting.........................337

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................341

Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped........341

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................342
▫4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles.................342
▫2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles................342
6

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.
To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signalswill flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
320 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:If the 2500/3500 bottle jack will not lower by
turning the dial (thumb wheel) by hand, it may be
necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to lower the
jack.
4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on 2500/3500 single rear
wheel (SRW) models. On 3500 dual rear wheel models
(DRW) the lug nuts are a two piece assembly with a flat
face. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the nuts until the
vehicle has been lowered.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ft.
lbs. (183 N·m) torque for 2500/3500 single rear wheel
(SRW) models and 145 ft. lbs. (197 N·m) for 3500 dual rear
wheel models. If in doubt about the correct tightness,
have them checked with a torque wrench by your dealer
or at a service station.
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341
6

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type
Hanger — If Equipped
Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for
rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. SLIGHT
CRACKING DUE TO WEATHERING DOES NOT AD-
VERSELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE. If, however, exces-
sively deep localized cracks are present, or any part of the
exhaust system abnormally contacts the underbody hard-
ware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced.
Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................285,321
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 358,382
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............362,363
Air Conditioning System................ 211,362
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 215
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,277
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................71,166
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,169
Alignment and Balance................... 277
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............370,403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 256
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............170,258
Anti-Theft System.....................29,169
Appearance Care........................ 385Ashtray............................... 148
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 378
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 379
Fluid Level Check...................... 377
Fluid Type........................379,406
Shift Indicator........................ 169
Shifting............................. 232
Special Additives...................... 379
Axle Fluid.......................298,374,406
Axle Lubrication.....................298,374
Ball Joints............................. 364
Battery............................... 361
Emergency Starting..................... 337
Bearings.............................. 380
Belts, Drive............................ 357
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 366
436 INDEX