2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS octane

CAUTION!
3500 Dual Rear Tires have only one approved direc-
tion of rotation. This is to accommodate the asym-
metrical design (tread pattern) of the ON/OFF road
tire and the use of Outline White Letter (OWL) tires.
•When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to
be remounted on the rim or installed at a different
location to maintain the correct placement of the
tire on the wheel relative to the tire/wheel posi-
tion on the truck. For example, if the spare is used
to replace an outer rear tire it will have to be
remounted on the rim so that the wheel is dished
inward. That way the tread design of asymmetri-
cal tires and the white writing of the OWL tires
will maintain proper position.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
All engines (except 5.7L engines) are de-
signed to meet all emissions regulations
and provide excellent fuel economy and
performance when using high quality un-
leaded “regular” gasoline having an oc-
tane rating of 87. The routine use of pre-
mium gasoline is not recommended.
Under normal conditions the use of premium fuel will
not provide a benefit over high quality regular gasolines
and in some circumstances may result in poorer perfor-
mance.
The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance.The routine use
3.7L/4.7L
Engines
5.7L Engines
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing METHANOL.
Gasoline containing methanol may damage critical
fuel system components.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasolines
blended with MMT provide no performance advantage
beyond gasolines of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT reduce spark plug
life and reduce emission system performance. We recom-
mend that gasolines free of MMT be used in your vehicle.
The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on
the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso-
line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains
MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels
higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro-
hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasolines.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

•When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90°F,
you may experience hard starting and rough idle follow-
ing start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil. (See page 355 for more information.)
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In the range
of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an increase in the time
it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in
drivability (sags and/or hesitations) until the engine is
fully warmed up.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
3.7L/4.7L, 87 Octane
5.7L, 89 Octane
1500 Shortbed Models 26 gal. 98L
1500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
1500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
3500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
3500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
3.7/4.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (all except 5.7L) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method, Mid-Grade Preferred (87 Octane acceptable)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 370
Exhaust Gas Caution..............70,158,288,368
Exhaust System....................70,367,368
Exterior Lighting........................ 117
Filters
Air Cleaner........................358,382
Engine Fuel.......................... 358
Engine Oil........................357,405
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 357
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 119
Flat Tire Stowage.....................326,336
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 291
Engine Oil........................... 290
Fuel Requirements..................289,290
Maintenance.......................... 291
Replacement Parts..................... 291Starting............................. 290
Flooded Engine Starting................... 230
Fluid, Brake........................... 406
Fluid Capacities......................... 403
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 377
Power Steering........................ 363
Fog Lights.......................... 118,402
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 152
Four Wheel Drive....................... 241
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 320
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 341
Front Axle............................. 374
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 380
Fuel................................. 282
Adding............................. 285
Filter............................... 358
Gauge.............................. 172
Octane Rating......................282,405
440 INDEX

Lubrication, Body....................... 366
Lug Nuts............................. 332
Lumbar Support........................ 110
Maintenance........................... 353
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 361
Maintenance Procedures................... 353
Maintenance Schedule.................... 408
ScheduleA......................... 422
ScheduleB.......................... 411
Malfunction Indicator Light................ 351
Manual, Service......................... 433
Manual Transmission...............238,239,376
Fluid Level Check...................375,376
Lubricant Selection...............376,377,406
Shift Speeds.......................... 238
Mirrors................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 80Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
Trailer Towing......................81,303
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................353,432
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 119
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 381
Tampering Prohibited................381,382
Noise Emission Warranty.................. 383
Occupant Restraints....................... 33
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 282
Odometer..........................171,172
Trip .............................171,172
Off-Pavement Driving.................... 317
Off-Road Driving........................ 317
Oil, Engine.........................353,405
444 INDEX