2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL Owners Manual

Operating Tips Chart
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Ignition/Starter Switch...................223
▫Lock..............................223
▫Off ...............................223
▫On................................223
▫Start..............................223
▫ACC ..............................224
▫Manual Transmission Key Release Button....224
▫Key Reminder.......................224

Starting Procedures.....................224▫Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Airtemperature Above 66°F (19°C).........225
▫Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C)...........226
▫Starting Fluids.......................229

Normal Operation......................230
▫Cold Weather Precautions...............231
▫Engine Idling — In Cold Weather..........233
▫Stopping The Engine...................234
▫Engine Speed Control..................235
5

▫Operating Precautions..................235
▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission........................236

Transmission Shifting....................237
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive— If
Equipped...........................237
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed — If
Equipped...........................241

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 243
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................243
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................246
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............247
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................247▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................251

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......254

Parking Brake.........................255

Brake System..........................256
▫Brake Noise.........................257
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........257

Power Steering........................259

Tire Safety Information...................260
▫Tire Markings........................260
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................271
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........272
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........273
▫Tire Spinning........................273
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................274
▫Replacement Tires.....................275
▫Alignment And Balance.................276

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......276

Tire Chains...........................276

Snow Tires...........................278

Tire Rotation Recommendations............279
▫Dual Rear Wheels.....................280

Engine Runaway.......................281
Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Adding Fuel.........................282
▫Bulk Fuel Storage.....................284
▫Fuel Specifications....................284

Vehicle Loading........................286
▫Certification Label.....................286

Trailer Towing.........................289
▫Definitions..........................289
▫Axle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........291
▫Trailer Towing Recommendations..........291
▫Trailer Towing — Hitches...............292
▫Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric
Trailer Brakes........................293
▫Trailer Weight And Trailer Tongue Weight....294
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

▫Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................295
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped......296
▫Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing......297
▫Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................298
▫Towing With An Automatic Transmission....298

Snowplow............................298
▫Before Plowing.......................299
▫Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . . 299
▫Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................300
▫Methods For Removing Snow............301
▫Operating Tips.......................301
▫General Maintenance...................301
Recreational Towing — 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................302
▫Recreational Towing – 2 Wheel Drive
Models............................302
▫Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual
Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped.........303
▫Returning To Normal Operation — Manual
Shift Transfer Case....................305
▫Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped.........306
▫Returning To Normal Operation — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case....................308

Driving Off-Road.......................310

Traction.............................311

Engine Data Plate......................311
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

IGNITION/STARTER SWITCH
LOCK
Locks the automatic transmission shift control into the
PARK position. It also engages the steering wheel lock (if
equipped) when the steering wheel is turned.NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
OFF
Unlocks the steering wheel (if equipped with locking
wheel) and the automatic transmission shift control with
engine off.
ON
This is the normal running position.
START
Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition key will return to the ON position for
normal driving.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

ACC
Allows the electrical accessories to be used when the
engine is not running.
Manual Transmission Key Release Button
To remove the key on vehicles equipped with manual
transmissions, turn the key to the Lock position and press
the button to remove the ignition key.
Key Reminder
An alarm will sound to remind you if the key is left in the
ignition and the driver’s door is opened.
STARTING PROCEDURES
The Cummins Diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
•The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopardealer.
•A 12–volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids
in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING