2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL oil

Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low coolant temperature below
the normal range on the gauge (140°F/60°C) can be
harmful to the engine. Low coolant temperature can
cause incomplete combustion which allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings and injector nozzles.
Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting
the lubricating oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
•City Driving —
when stopped, put transmission in neutral and increase
engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving —
reduce your speed.
•Up Steep Hills —
select a lower transmission gear, but try and keep the
torque converter locked.
•Air Conditioning —
turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the
minimum oil pressures required are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM............ 10psi(69kPa)
Full speed and load............ 30psi(207 kPa)
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
Practically all failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
•sudden loss of power
•unusual engine noises
•fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive— If
Equipped
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

ENGINE RUNAWAY
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from gasoline spills or turbocharger oil leaks being
sucked into the engine do the following to help
avoid personal injury and/or vehicle damage:
1. Shut off engine ignition switch.
2. Using a CO
2or dry chemical type fire extin-
guisher, direct the spray from the fire extinguisher
into the grille on the passenger side so that the spray
enters the engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind the
passenger side headlamp and receives air through the
grille
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your Dodge truck. For most year-round service, No. 2
diesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 will pro-
vide good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C), or is required to
operate at colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged
periods, use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No.
2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide
better protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the
fuel filters.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature Warning
Light
All vehicles with heavy duty transmission oil cooling are
equipped with a transmission sump oil temperature
sensor and warning light. If elevated transmission tem-
peratures are encountered, the engine controller will
select the most desirable gear until the transmission
temperatures are reduced. If transmission oil tempera-
tures continue to rise, a warning light located in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. If this should occur,
stop the vehicle, shift to Neutral, and run the engine at
idle or faster until the light goes off.
Towing With An Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may
shift into and out of Overdrive, or a lower gear, when
driving in hilly areas, when heavily loaded, or when
towing into heavy winds.When this condition occurs, press the “TOW/HAUL”
button or shift into a lower gear to prevent excessive
transmission wear and/or overheating, and to provide
better engine braking.
NOTE:Do not exceed the following RPM while manu-
ally downshifting:
•5.9L Diesel Engines 3200 RPM.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you
tow a trailer frequently, change transmission fluid and
filter(s) according to Maintenance Schedule “B.”
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain and
follow the recommendations contained within the Dodge
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

(SRW) models and 145 ft. lbs. (197 N·m) for 3500 dual rear
wheel models. If in doubt about the correct tightness,
have them checked with a torque wrench by your dealer
or at a service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the extra tire and
wheel in the places provided.
7. Install wheel center cap and remove wheel blocks. Do
not install chrome or aluminum wheel center caps on the
spare wheel. This may result in cap damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack
will not lower by turning the dial (thumb wheel) byhand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in
order to lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and
tools as previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Hub Caps
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.
For 2500/3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry the cap off.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the
rear hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the
ratchet firmly. The cap should pop off. The wheel skins
can now be removed. For the front hub cap on 3500
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 323
6

models use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry
the caps off. The wheel skin can now be removed.
You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry off the
wheel skins. Insert the flat tip completely and using a
back and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this
procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.
Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When
replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the
lugnut bolt circle and strike the high side down with a
rubber mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins
are firmly seated around the wheel.
8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The lug
nuts are a two piece assembly. When the tires are being
rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and add 2 drops
of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the
inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be
completely off the ground when tightening to insure
wheel centering and maximum wheel clamping.
324 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment....................338
▫5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel...........338

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........339

Replacement Parts......................339

Dealer Service.........................340

Service Information.....................340

Maintenance Procedures..................343
▫Engine Oil..........................343
▫Drive Belt...........................348▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................349
▫Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......351
▫Maintenance Free Batteries...............354
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............355
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............356
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............357
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............357
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication.............358
7

•If an engine has been operating and the coolant is hot,
allow the engine to cool before you slowly loosen the
filler cap and relieve the pressure from the cooling
system.
•To avoid burns, remember that the engine components
will stay hot after the engine is shut off.
•Do not use gasoline or other flammable materials to
clean parts. Always use approved cleaning solvents.
•Relieve all pressure in the fuel, oil and cooling systems
before any lines, fittings or related items are removed
or disconnected. Be alert for possible pressure when
disconnecting any device from a system that utilizes
pressure. Do not check for pressure leaks with your
hand. High pressure oil or fuel can cause personal
injury.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
•Important:All maintenance other than that listed in
this manual, as well as some procedures listed here,
MUSTbe performed by your local Dodge Truck
Dealer. Your authorized Dodge Dealer has been
trained and has the necessary parts to maintain your
engine.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE