2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS brake light

These airbags are certified to the new Federal regulations
that allow less forceful deployments.
This vehicle may also be equipped with window bags to
protect the driver and passengers in the first and second
row sitting next to a window. If the vehicle is equipped
with window bags, they are located above the side
windows. Their covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or
attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags
and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. These protective covers for the airbag cushions
are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as trailer
brake controllers, snowplow controllers, auxiliary light
switches, radios, etc. on or behind the knee bolster. Knee
bolsters are designed to work with the air bag and seat belt
to protect you. Mounting any additional equipment on or
behind the knee bolster can cause injury during a crash.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not stack
luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location
of the window bag. The area where the window bag is
located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not have
any accessory items installed which will alter the roof,
including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof
racks that require permanent attachments (bolts or screws)
for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof
of the vehicle for any reason.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada and Fleet
Vehicles Only)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started. This provides a constantLights ON
condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights
illuminate at less than normal intensity. If the parking
brake is applied the Daytime Running Lights will turn
off.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned off, a
continuous chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The foglights are turned ON by placing the headlight
rotary control in the parking light or headlight position
and pulling out the headlight rotary control. The fog
lights will operate only when the parking lights are ON
or when the vehicle headlights are ON low beam. An
indicator light located left of the switch will illuminate
when the fog lights are on. The fog lights will turn off
when the switch is pressed in, when the headlight switch
is rotated to the OFF position or the high beam is
selected.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a
period of time may result in the red brake light illumi-
nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS
equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should
extinguish the red brake light.
19. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS
light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates
that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫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

▫Cruising Range.......................291
▫Replacement Parts.....................291
▫Maintenance.........................291

Catalytic Converter.....................291

Vehicle Loading........................293
▫Certification Label.....................293

Trailer Towing.........................296
▫Definitions..........................296
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........298
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........298
▫Trailer Towing — Hitches...............299
▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................300▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....301
▫Trailer Towing Information
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........302
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped......303
▫Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing......303
▫Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................304
▫Towing With An Automatic Transmission....304

Snowplow............................305
▫Dodge Ram 1500 Models................305
▫Before Plowing.......................306
▫Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 306
▫Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................307
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Manual Transmission
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged before
leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline.
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position
straight across and back into Reverse.Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on
the clutch.Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts
during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in
increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
Manual Transmission – 5–Speed (NV4500)
2500 and 3500 models are equipped with the NV4500
manual transmission. This transmission has a “creeper”
1st gear which should be used to start from a standing
position when carrying a payload or towing a trailer.
Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may
be launched in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical
order – do not skip a gear.
For most city driving you may find it easier to use only
1st through 4th gear ranges. For steady highway driving
with light accelerations, 5th gear is recommended. To
shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right
beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward.
When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down
toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply
left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and
damage the transmission.5 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in mph
(km//h)
Engine Model Axle Mode1to
22to
33to
44to
5
5.7L2500/
3500ALLAccel
&
Cruise15
(24)25
(40)40
(65)45
(72)
Manual Transmission — 6-Speed
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged before
leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline.
This model is equipped with a clutch interlocking igni-
tion system. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to
start the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage / disen-
gage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator
pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force
when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H or 4H⇔4L
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift automatic
transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn
engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
NOTE:Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located in
the instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5