▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........339
Tires—General Information ................343
▫ Tire Pressure .........................343
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................344
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ......................346
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........347
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped .........348
▫ Tire Spinning ........................348
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................349
▫ Life Of Tire .........................350
▫ Replacement Tires .....................350
▫ Alignment And Balance .................351
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information –
If Equipped ...........................352
Tire Chains ...........................352
Snow Tires ...........................354
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............354
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .....................355
Fuel Requirements ......................356
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................357
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............358
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................358
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................359
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................359
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............360
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
NOTE: Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located in
the instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (5 Position Switch)—If
Equipped
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.
5 Position Switch
312 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
– IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains on 1500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.
NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the chain before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for
usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of
the chain manufacturer if different than the speed recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4 mm
to13 mm) above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability
For Detailed Information Visit www.dodge.com or refer
to the Current Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide.
1. The 1500 models are NOT available for snowplow
applications.
2. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.
3. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
4. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package. 5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING
Manual Transmission................... 296
Steering Column Controls ...................... 166
Column Lock .......................... 14
Linkage ............................. 442
Power ........................... 333,441
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 169
Storage, Behind the Seat ................... 199
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .........199,200
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 469
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 469
Sun Roof .............................. 189
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 352
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 434
Tachometer ............................ 219
Tailgate ............................... 209
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ........60,63,97,101
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 169 Tire and Loading Information Placard
......339,352
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 338
Tire Markings .......................... 335
Tire Safety Information .................... 335
Tires ........................... 109,343,515
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 350
Air Pressure .......................... 343
Alignment ........................... 351
Chains .............................. 352
Changing ............................ 403
Compact Spare ........................ 347
Dual ............................ 355,412
General Information .................... 343
High Speed .......................... 346
Inflation Pressures ..................... 344
Jacking ............................. 405
Life of Tires .......................... 350
Load Capacity ..................... 339,340
Quality Grading ....................... 515
INDEX 531
10
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 183
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 349
Trip Computer .......................... 176
Trip Odometer ....................... 222,226
Turn Signals ................... 166,219,470,474
Underhood Fuses ........................ 466
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 515
Universal Transmitter ..................... 183
Variance, Compass ....................... 182
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ...................... 340,367
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 469
Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System) .................. 266
Voltmeter ............................. 219 Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description)
............. 219
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 5
Warranty Information ..................... 513
Washers, Windshield .................. 168,444
Washing Vehicle ......................... 462
Wheel Alignment and Balance ............... 351
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 463
Wheel Changing ........................ 403
Wheel Cover ........................... 411
Wheel Mounting ........................ 405
Wheel Nut Torque .................... 410,414
Wind Buffeting ....................... 30,192
Window Airbag (Side Curtain) ............... 89
Window Fogging ........................ 285
Windows .............................. 28
Power ............................... 28
Rear Sliding ........................... 30
Windshield Defroster .................. 275,278
INDEX 533
10