2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................11
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................11
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped................11

Ignition And Steering Lock.................14
▫Manual Transmissions...................14
▫Automatic Transmissions.................15

Door Key.............................16

Door Locks............................16
▫Manual Locks.........................16
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped..........17▫Child Protection Door Lock...............21

Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped.........22
▫To Unlock The Doors...................23
▫To Lock The Doors.....................24
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters........26
▫General Information....................27
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............28

Security Alarm System — If Equipped.........29
▫Rearming Of The System.................29
2

IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Insert the key fully, and then turn the switch to one of the
five illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or
withdrawn only in the LOCK position.
Manual Transmissions
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Manual Transmissions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56
km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If
this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 6–speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th or 5th gear under the above
conditions.Vehicles equipped with a 4–speed automatic transmis-
sion may exhibit several 4-3 downshifts under the above
conditions. To reduce the frequency of the downshifts
and to improve vehicle performance, it is advisable to
lock out overdrive by pressing the O/D OFF button
located at the end of the gear shifter.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

21. LAMP OUT Light
The LAMP OUT indicator in the instrument cluster alerts
the driver if a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected
for headlamps, turn signal lamps, and stop lamps.
22. TOW/HAUL (Automatic Transmissions Only)
The TOW/HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. (See page 240 for more
information.)
23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.24. LOW WASH Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and one minute has elapsed.
25. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
26. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
27. Low Fuel Warning Light
Glows when the pointer is between “E” and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge
pointer is on “E” (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Ignition/Starter Switch...................223
▫Lock..............................223
▫Off ...............................223
▫On................................223
▫Start..............................223
▫ACC ..............................224
▫Manual Transmission Key Release Button....224
▫Key Reminder.......................224

Starting Procedures.....................224▫Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Airtemperature Above 66°F (19°C).........225
▫Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C)...........226
▫Starting Fluids.......................229

Normal Operation......................230
▫Cold Weather Precautions...............231
▫Engine Idling — In Cold Weather..........233
▫Stopping The Engine...................234
▫Engine Speed Control..................235
5

▫Operating Precautions..................235
▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission........................236

Transmission Shifting....................237
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive— If
Equipped...........................237
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed — If
Equipped...........................241

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 243
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................243
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................246
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............247
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................247▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................251

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......254

Parking Brake.........................255

Brake System..........................256
▫Brake Noise.........................257
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........257

Power Steering........................259

Tire Safety Information...................260
▫Tire Markings........................260
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........263
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........264

Tires—General Information................268
▫Tire Pressure.........................268
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................295
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped......296
▫Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing......297
▫Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature
Warning Light.......................298
▫Towing With An Automatic Transmission....298

Snowplow............................298
▫Before Plowing.......................299
▫Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . . 299
▫Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................300
▫Methods For Removing Snow............301
▫Operating Tips.......................301
▫General Maintenance...................301
Recreational Towing — 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................302
▫Recreational Towing – 2 Wheel Drive
Models............................302
▫Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual
Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped.........303
▫Returning To Normal Operation — Manual
Shift Transfer Case....................305
▫Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped.........306
▫Returning To Normal Operation — Electronic
Shift Transfer Case....................308

Driving Off-Road.......................310

Traction.............................311

Engine Data Plate......................311
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

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