2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL fuel filter

14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Tranmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter bowl. Refer to the Maintenance section,
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 351 for more infor-
mation.)18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

•A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
AirTemperature Above 66°F (19°C)
Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster lights when start-
ing the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. Fully
depress and hold the clutch and shift into NEUTRAL for
a manual transmission. Models with manual transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.The lamps in the instrument panel cluster will illuminate
when the ignition key is first turned to the ON position.
This is a bulb check programmed to last for approxi-
mately 3 seconds. After the bulb check is completed, the
Malfunction Indicator Light and Brake Warning light will
remain on. After the bulb check is complete and the
WAIT TO START indicator goes out proceed to step 4.
CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. See Section 7 —
Maintaining Your Vehicle, for water drain proce-
dures.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
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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
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Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
(See Section 7 for Maintenance Procedures).
NOTE:Climatized diesel fuel is a blend of Number 2
and Number 1 Diesel fuel which reduces the temperature
at which wax crystals form in the fuel.
Bulk Fuel Storage
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” These
microbes form “slime” that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins Turbocharged, Charge Air Cooled, Diesel
engine has been developed to take advantage of the high
energy content and generally lower cost No. 2 diesel fuel
or No. 2 climatized diesel fuels. Experience has shown
that it also operates on No. 1 diesel fuels or other fuels
within the specifications in the following chart.
NOTE:A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel may be used
with your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck.
NOTE:In addition, commercially available fuel addi-
tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck.
NOTE:No. 1 diesel fuel should only be used where
extended arctic conditions (-10°F or 23°C) exist.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Engine Oil Filter
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct part number. The engine oil filter
should be changed ateveryengine oil change.
Engine Oil And Filter — Change
WARNING!
Hot oil can cause personal injury.
Operate the engine until the coolant temperature reaches
140°F (60°C). Shut the engine off. Remove the oil drain
plug.
Use a container that can hold at least 12 quarts (11.3
Liters) to hold the used oil.Always check the condition of the used oil. This can give
you an indication of some engine problems that might
exist.
•Thin, black oil indicates fuel dilution.
•Milky discoloration indicates coolant dilution.
Clean the area around the oil filter base. Remove the filter
from the underside of the vehicle using a cap style oil
filter wrench.
Clean the gasket surface of the filter mount. The filter
gasket can stick on the filter mount. Make sure it is
removed.
Change the engine oil filter with every engine oil change.
Only a high quality MOPAR filter should be used to
assure most efficient service.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use
of such filters can severely damage your engine.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
engine is running.
Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter periodically or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator
lamp is on. Pull outward on the drain valve lever, located
on the side of the filter, and allow any accumulated water
to drain. Hold the drain valve open until all water and
contaminants have been removed. Close the drain release
valve, by returning it to the inward position, when clean
fuel is visible.
NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
identified by its yellow handle and is located on the
inboard side of the fuel filter housing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
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