2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS differential

▫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

NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer
than 21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
towing. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way and pushing or towing a
vehicle equipped with a manual transmission may over-
heat and damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed
or towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 337
6

Drain and Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or to provide the correct viscosity grade, drain
and refill.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Moparlimited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Recommended
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluidtype. The Moparlimited slip additive should be added
to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Ram 2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 148
Climate Control......................... 208
Clock................................ 173
Clutch............................... 374
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 374
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 207
Compact Disc Player..................180,187
Compact Spare Tire...................... 272
Compass...........................133,134
Compass Calibration..................... 134
Compass Variance....................... 136
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 130
Console, Overhead....................... 129
Contract, Service........................ 430
Converter, Catalytic...................... 291
Cooling System......................... 368
Coolant Capacity...................... 403
Coolant Level......................... 369Disposal of Used Coolant................ 371
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 369
Inspection........................... 368
Radiator Cap......................369,371
Selection of Coolant...............370,403,405
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 125
Cup Holder............................ 149
Customer Assistance..................... 428
Daytime Running Lights................... 118
Dealer Service.......................... 352
Defroster, Rear Window..............81,214,218
Defroster, Windshield..................210,213
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 121
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 253
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 377
Power Steering........................ 363
438 INDEX

Center Mounted Stop................... 397
Check Engine......................... 165
Courtesy/Reading..................... 129
Cruise.............................. 169
Daytime Running...................... 118
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 400
Fog ............................. 118,402
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 245
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 320
Headlights........................... 117
High Beam........................120,166
High Beam Indicator.................... 166
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 120
Instrument Cluster..................... 165
Intensity Control....................... 116
Interior........................... 115,129
Lights On Reminder.................... 118
Low Washer Fluid..................... 172
Passing............................. 120Seat Belt Reminder..................... 166
Service...........................390,391
Side Marker.......................... 401
Transfer Case......................... 245
Transmission Warning................173,304
Turn Signal.................. 119,166,391,395
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 165
Limited-Slip Differential................253,375
Loading Vehicle......................... 293
Tires ............................... 264
Locks................................. 15
Child Protection........................ 20
Door................................ 15
Ignition.............................. 13
Keys................................ 11
Power Door........................... 16
Steering Wheel......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricants............................. 380
INDEX 443
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