2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS brakes

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If
you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This could
cause you to lose control. Also overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
An EXAMPLE of a loaded vehicle is shown in the
following chart. Note that neither GVWR nor GAWR
capabilities are exceeded. Overloading can cause poten-
tial safety hazards and shorten service life. NOTE: The weights shown in this chart are not
necessarily the weights for your vehicle. Also, the
amount of load added to both the front and rear axles
can be computed after the vehicle has been weighed
both in its
curb weight condition, and in its loaded
and ready for operation  condition.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 6500 LBS.
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
5

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
5

Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
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WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector. NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (front and rear)
Disc brakes do not require periodic adjustment.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure. The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark, because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Belts, Drive............................ 435
Belts, Seat ............................ 31,68
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 443
B-Pillar Location ........................ 339
Brake Fluid ............................ 486
Brake System ........................ 330,450
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 331
Disc Brakes .......................... 450
Hoses .............................. 451
Master Cylinder ....................... 450
Parking ............................. 328
Warning Light ........................ 224
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 106
Bulb Replacement ....................... 470
Bulbs, Light ............................ 470
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 477
Calibration, Compass ..................... 180
Camper ............................... 209 Capacities, Fluid
........................ 483
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 434
Power Steering ........................ 441
Car Washes ............................ 462
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...........108,211,360
Cargo Light ............................ 165
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 272
Catalytic Converter .................... 365,437
CD (Compact Disc) Player ............228,236,250
Cellular Phone .......................... 121
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 476
Center Lap Belts ....................... 40,77
Center Seat Storage Compartment .........199,200
Certification Label ....................... 367
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 336
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 223
Child Restraint ...................... 56,93,94
INDEX 519
10

Power Steering........................ 441
Disc Brakes ............................ 450
Disposal Engine Oil ........................... 449
Door Ajar ............................. 227
Door Locks ............................. 17
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 183
Drive Belts ............................ 435
Drive Shaft Universal Joints ................ 442
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 355,412
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 266
E-85 Fuel ............................. 363
Electric Rear Window Defrost ......... 119,280,283
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 192
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 172
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........312,320
Emergency Brake ........................ 328 Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 419
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 398
Jacking ............................. 405
Jump Starting ......................... 416
Tow Hooks .......................... 420
Towing ............................. 420
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 488
Emission Related Components .............. 439
Engine ............................ 426,427
Air Cleaner .......................... 436
Break-In Recommendations ............... 106
Compartment Identification ............426,427
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 448,485
Exhaust Gas Caution .................... 360
Flooded, Starting ...................... 297
Fuel Requirements ..................... 483
Oil ........................... 431,483,485
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 434
INDEX 521
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