2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS four wheel drive

•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or chockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR 2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Changing Procedure
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The jack is
designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle only.
It is not recommended that the jack be used for service
purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.
Preparations
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or
slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission). On four-wheel drive vehicles,
shift the transfer case to the “4L” position.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. However, if the seals on the ball joints are
damaged, the joints should be replaced. Serviceable
replacement ball joints are available.
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
Steering Linkage — Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination of the grease. Lubricate the
steering linkage regularly according to the “Maintenance
Schedule” in this manual.
Half-shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four- wheel- drive 1500 models are equipped with
four constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boots should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Oil Selection....................... 433,483
Oil Synthetic ......................... 434
Temperature Gauge ..................... 221
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 395
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze ................. 448
Event Data Recorder .................... 54,91
Exhaust Gas Caution .............108,211,360,445
Exhaust System ...................... 108,445
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Filters Air Cleaner ........................ 436,459
Engine Fuel .......................... 436
Engine Oil ........................ 435,485
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 435
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... 166
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 404,415 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ........................ 365
Engine Oil ........................... 364
Fuel Requirements ..................... 363
Maintenance .......................... 365
Replacement Parts ..................... 365
Starting ............................. 364
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 297
Fluid, Brake ........................... 486
Fluid Capacities ......................... 483
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 441
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 485
Fog Lights ....................... 165,225,482
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 204
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 398
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 419
522 INDEX

Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 166
Lap Belts ............................ 40,77
Lap/Shoulder Belts ..................... 31,68
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) .....60,97
Life of Tires ............................ 350
Lights ............................. 109,161
Airbag .......................... 53,91,220
Anti-Lock Warning .................. 224,332
Brake Warning ........................ 224
Bulb Replacement ...................... 470
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 477
Cargo .............................. 165
Center Mounted Stop ................... 476
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 223
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 176
Cruise .............................. 227
Daytime Running ...................... 164
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear ............... 479 Fog ..........................
165,225,482
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 312
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 398
Headlights ........................... 164
High Beam ........................ 167,220
High Beam Indicator .................... 220
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 167
Instrument Cluster ..................... 219
Intensity Control ....................... 162
Interior .......................... 162,176
Lights On Reminder .................... 165
Passing ............................. 166
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 220
Service .............................. 470
Side Marker .......................... 481
Transfer Case ......................... 312
Transmission Warning ................... 226
Turn Signal .................. 166,219,470,474
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 219
INDEX 525
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