2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL manual transmission

of the exhaust system abnormally contacts the under-
body hardware, the isolator and/or hanger should be
replaced.
Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core witha garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core. Check coolant bottle
tube for condition and tightness of connections at coolant
bottle and radiator.
Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the
addition of a “winter front” for effective operation of the
cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent-
age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow
through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission
oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased
with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or
engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling
frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter
front.
Coolant bottle level check
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method of determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
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Transfer Case — If Equipped
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 the correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped
If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid,
be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct lubricant type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 4500 Mopar75W-85 Synthetic, API grade GL4, Mopar P/N 4874459 or equiva-
lent
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 5600 Moparmanual transmission fluid P/N 4874464 or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent Limited-Slip AAM Rear Axles
DO NOT REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
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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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Miles 60,000 63,750 67,500 71,250 75,000
(Kilometers) (96 000) (102 000) (108 000) (114 000) (120 000)
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56) fluid
2500/3500 models only.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump filter (545 RFE only).X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48RE only).X
410 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 116,250 120,000 123,750 127,500 131,250 135,000
(Kilometers) (186 000) (192 000) (198 000) (204 000) (210 000) (216 000)
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water in
fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56)
fluid 2500/3500 models only.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump and spin-on cooler
return filter (if equipped) (545 RFE only).X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands (48RE only).X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
SCHEDULE “B” 415
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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

Low Washer Fluid..................... 168
Passing............................. 119
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 163
Service...........................384,385
Side Marker.......................... 396
Transfer Case......................... 247
Transmission Warning................169,298
Turn Signal.................. 118,163,385,389
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 162
Limited-Slip Differential................254,369
Loading Vehicle......................... 286
Tires ............................... 264
Locks................................. 16
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 16
Ignition.............................. 14
Keys................................ 11
Power Door........................... 17
Steering Wheel......................... 14Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricants............................. 373
Lubrication, Body....................... 358
Lug Nuts............................. 322
Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance........................... 340
Maintenance Procedures................... 343
Maintenance Schedule.................... 402
ScheduleA......................... 416
Manual, Service......................... 429
Manual Transmission..................241,370
Fluid Level Check...................... 370
Lubricant Selection..................... 399
Mirrors................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 80
Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
INDEX 439
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