2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE..............................73
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL...................................157
5STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................219
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES..............................................313
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE...............................................335
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES..................................................401
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.........................................423
10INDEX....................................................................431
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
4 INTRODUCTION

A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States are diesel powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads. Cummins engines power well over half of
these trucks. Now this same technology and proven
performance is yours in your new Dodge Ram truck
equipped with the Cummins 5.9 liter, Turbocharged,
Charge Air Cooled, Diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is importantthat you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple to
follow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
Thank you for choosing the Dodge Ram truck with
Cummins Turbo Diesel power.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
INTRODUCTION 5
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Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
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Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........134
▫Programming Homelink................136
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 138
▫Using Homelink......................139
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............139
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 140
▫Security............................140

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............140
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............141
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............141
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................141
▫Pinch Protect Override.................142
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............142▫Sunshade Operation...................142
▫Wind Buffeting.......................142
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................143
▫Ignition Off Operation..................143
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................143

Electrical Power Outlets..................143

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............144

Cupholders...........................145
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
Automatic Transmission Only............145
▫Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab — If Equipped . 146

Storage..............................147
▫Center Storage Compartment — If Equipped . . 147
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Ignition Off Operation
The power sunroof switches remain active for 10 minutes
after the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature.
Sunroof Fully Closed
Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the
sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for in
cab accessories designed for use with the standard “cigar
lighter” plug. The outlet is located in the instrument
panel below the ash receiver. A cap is attached to the
outlet base indicating “Power Outlet” 12V-20A.There is an additional Power Outlet in the center console
of a 40/20/40 seat (if equipped).
The outlet(s) has/have a fused direct feed from the
battery so it/they receive power whether the ignition is
ON or OFF.
All accessories connected to this/these outlet(s) should
be removed or turned OFF when the vehicle is not in use
to protect the battery against discharge.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
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▫Time Button.........................186
▫Scan Button.........................186
▫CD Changer Control Capability — If
Equipped...........................186

Sales Code RBK—AM/ FM Stereo Radio With
CD Player And CD Changer Controls........187
▫Radio Operation......................187
▫CD Player Operation...................190
▫CD Changer Control Capability — If
Equipped...........................191

Sales Code RBQ—AM/FM Stereo Radio With
6 - Disc CD Changer....................193
▫Radio Operation......................193
▫CD Player Operation...................196

Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 201
▫Radio Operation......................201▫Tape Player.........................202
▫CD Player..........................202

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......202

Compact Disc Maintenance................203

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........204

Climate Controls.......................204
▫Heater Only — Fleet Vehicles.............205
▫Air Conditioning—If Equipped...........207
▫Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped..........210
▫Air Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature
Control — If Equipped.................211
▫Operating Tips.......................215
▫Operating Tips Chart...................217
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159
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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