2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL tailgate

▫Storage And Seats — If Equipped..........148

Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped.........148
▫Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped........148

Pickup Box...........................151
Slide-In Campers.......................153
▫Camper Applications...................153

Easy-Off Tailgate.......................153
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
3

Headlamp Delay — If Equipped
To aid in your exit, your vehicle, if equipped, can be
programmed by your dealer with a headlamp delay that
will leave the headlamps on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds.
This delay is initiated when the ignition is turned OFF
while the headlamp switch is on, and then the headlamp
switch is cycled off. The headlamps will remain on for 60
seconds. Headlamp delay can be cancelled by either
turning the headlamp switch ON then OFF or by turning
the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. Rotating the headlight switch to
the first position will also turn on the cab top clearance
lights, flare lights, and tailgate lights if the vehicle is
equipped with these lights. The headlights will turn ON
when the switch is rotated to the second position. TheLAMP OUTindicator will be illuminated in the instru-
ment cluster if a defective bulb or wiring circuit is
detected for the headlamp system.
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing” document available from your dealer. For safety
reasons, follow all instructions in this important docu-
ment.NOTE:When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose in
the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in your area,
a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.
ADDING FUEL
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
•Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each time the
vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a container
that is inside of a vehicle or in the bed or on the
opened tailgate. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes, unless suitable sup-
ports are placed under the vehicle as a safety mea-
sure. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience, abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 317
6

Bulb Replacement......................385
▫Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................385
▫Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........389
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light..............................391
▫Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped....393
▫Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels).......394▫Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......396
▫Fog Lights..........................396

Fluid Capacities........................397

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................398
▫Engine.............................398
▫Chassis............................399
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7

CAUTION!
Do not attempt to fold the7x10inch trailer towing
mirrors forward. The7x10inch trailer towing
mirrors are not designed to be folded forward and
doing so will damage the mirrors and/or vehicle.
•If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.
•Use Mopar auto polish to remove road film and stains
and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to scratch
the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and tailgate be kept clear
and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE