2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS automatic transmission

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
2

depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering
wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns
easily. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the
LOCK position. Push in on the key in the ignition lock
cylinder to rotate to the LOCK position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will the lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees from center clockwise and around 65 degrees
counterclockwise.
Manual Transmissions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:On vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the key cannot be turned to LOCK until the
selector is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
DOOR KEY
The same key used to start the vehicle is also used to
unlock the doors. To unlock the vehicle doors, insert the
key into the lock and turn.
To lock the doors, insert the key and turn.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Locks
Front and Rear doors may be locked, by moving the lock
plunger up or down.
All doors may be opened with the inside door handle
without lifting the lock plunger. Doors locked before
closing will remain locked when closed.
The ignition key will unlock all the locks on your vehicle.
Automatic Transmissions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........137
▫Programming Homelink................138
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 141
▫Using Homelink......................142
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............142
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 142
▫Security............................143

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............143
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............144
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............144
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................145
▫Pinch Protect Override.................145▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............145
▫Sunshade Operation...................145
▫Wind Buffeting.......................146
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................146
▫Ignition Off Operation..................146
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................146

Electrical Power Outlets..................147

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............148

Cupholders...........................149
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
Automatic Transmission Only............149
▫Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab — If
Equipped...........................149
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5–speed-manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear or lower under the above
conditions.
Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Automatic
Transmission Only
Your new Ram truck is equipped with dual-opening
adjustable cupholders. The cupholder is opened and
closed by pushing on the front surface. Each opening in
the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups and mugs
of various sizes.
To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the
cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the
cup until it is held stable.
Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab — If Equipped
Quad Cab vehicles may be equipped with a rear cup-
holder that consists of two cupwells for rear passenger
convenience.
Cupholders with Automatic
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
3

CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.16. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

20. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
If the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
NOTE:There is also an engine hour function. This
indicates the number of hours the engine has been
running. To display the engine hours perform the follow-
ing: Place the ignition in RUN, but do not start the
engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the trip
button down for a period of 6 seconds. The odometer willchange to trip value first, then it will display the engine
hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a
period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned off or the
engine is started.
21. TOW/HAUL (Automatic Transmissions Only)
The TOW/HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. (See page 236 for more
information.)
22. LAMP OUT Light
The LAMP OUT indicator in the instrument cluster alerts
the driver if a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected
for most of the exterior lamps - headlamps, turn signal
lamps, and stop lamps.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4