2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL tire pressure

CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Ram trucks equipped
with P265/70R17, LT275/70R17 tires. There may not
be adequate clearance for the chains and you are
risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.
Do not use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of
2500/3500 SRW (Single Rear Wheels) equipped with
LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17 tires or 4X4 front tires of
Ram Trucks equipped with LT265/70R17tires. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your
vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid
loss will damage internal parts.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep
hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL, or
diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain,
shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator
slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.
DO NOT REDUCE the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
NOTE:After off-road usage, particularly in sand or
mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumu-
lated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake
rotors and calipers.
Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud.
Check the exhaust system and all exposed components
for any sign of damage.
310 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

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
•Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
404 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 349,375
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 355
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............355,356
Air Conditioning System................207,355
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 211
Air Filter.............................. 349
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,276
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................70,163
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,166
Alignment and Balance................... 276
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 363
Capacities........................... 397
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............164,259
Anti-Theft System.....................29,166
Appearance Care........................ 379Ashtray............................... 144
Automatic Transmission................... 370
Adding Fluid......................... 371
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 372
Fluid Level Check...................... 370
Fluid Type........................371,399
Shift Indicator........................ 166
Shifting............................. 237
Special Additives...................... 373
Axle Fluid.......................291,369,399
Axle Lubrication.....................291,369
Ball Joints............................. 357
Battery............................... 354
Blanket..........................232,355
Emergency Starting..................... 327
Bearings.............................. 373
Belts, Drive............................ 348
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
432 INDEX

Exterior Lighting........................ 116
Fan .................................. 365
Filters
Engine Oil.....................343,346,398
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 118
Flat Tire Stowage.....................317,326
Fluid, Brake........................... 399
Fluid Capacities......................... 397
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 367
Manual Transmission................... 370
Power Steering........................ 356
Transfer Case......................... 370
Fog Lights.......................... 117,396
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 148
Four Wheel Drive....................... 243
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 314Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 331
Front Axle..........................358,369
Fuel..............................281,315
Diesel.........................281,315,398
Gauge.............................. 168
Requirements......................... 281
Specifications......................... 284
Tank Capacity........................ 397
Fuses................................ 383
Garage Door Opener..................... 134
Gauges............................... 169
Coolant Temperature.................... 165
Fuel................................ 168
Oil Pressure.......................... 164
Speedometer......................... 164
Tachometer.......................... 163
Voltmeter............................ 162
Gear Ranges........................... 237
436 INDEX

Glass Cleaning.......................... 382
GVWR............................... 286
Hands-Free Phone........................ 83
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 314
Head Restraints......................... 108
Headlights.......................... 116,385
High Beam........................... 119
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 119
Lights On Reminder.................... 117
Passing............................. 119
Switch.............................. 116
Heated Mirrors....................81,210,214
Heated Seats........................... 112
Heater............................... 207
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 119
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 292
Hoisting.............................. 327Homelink Transmitter.................... 134
Hood Release.......................... 113
Hoses.............................366,368
Hub Caps............................. 323
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 369
Ignition.............................14,223
Key ............................... 11,14
Lock................................ 14
Infant Restraint.......................... 56
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 276
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 78
Instrument Cluster....................161,162
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 160
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 382
Interior Appearance Care.................. 381
Intermittent Wipers...................... 120
Introduction............................. 4
INDEX 437
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