2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL towing

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Vehicles equipped with California emissions controls
have a sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called
OBDII. This system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
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•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Frequent trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in scheduleBof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Engine Oil Selection
1. Engine Oil Quality
Use only oils conforming to API Ser-
vice CI-4. A sulfated ash limit is speci-
fied for lubrication oil used in Cum-
mins engines. Oils with a high ash
content may produce deposits on
valves that can progress to guttering
and valve burning. A maximum sul-
fated ash content of 1.85 mass % is recommended for all
oil used in the engine.
2. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
The proper SAE viscosity of engine oil for the expected
ambient temperature range should be selected, as indi-
cated in the following chart:
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
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It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should
follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
•Off-the-highway operation;
•Trailer towing;
•Snow plow operation;
•Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided,
since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
“purge” excess grease and the bearing housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
•Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typein this section (Section 8) must be done at the times
or mileages specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES — 24–VALVE
CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under one or more of the following conditions that are
listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.
•Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190° F (66° C ) coolant temperature).
•Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32° F (0°
C).
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Frequent trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190° F (66° C ) coolant temperature).
•Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32° F (0°
C).
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Frequent trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 101,250 miles (162 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 445
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Engine Oil........................... 384
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 401
Door Ajar............................. 185
Door Locks............................. 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 141
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 387
Drive Belts............................ 385
Dual Rear Wheels.....................313,360
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 223
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........81,237,241
Electrical Power Outlets................... 150
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 130
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 278
Emergency Brake........................ 286
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 366
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Jacking............................. 353Jump Starting......................... 363
Tow Hooks.......................... 367
Towing............................. 368
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 442
Engine............................... 374
Air Cleaner.......................... 385
Block Heater.......................253,260
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Compartment......................... 374
Coolant (Antifreeze).................400,438
Cooling............................. 397
Data Plate........................... 348
Identification......................... 374
Idling.............................. 262
Jump Starting......................... 363
Oil ..............................379,438
Oil Synthetic......................... 261
Runaway............................ 314
Temperature Gauge..................... 179
INDEX 481
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Oil Pressure.......................... 178
Speedometer......................... 178
Tachometer.......................... 177
Voltmeter............................ 177
Gear Ranges........................... 266
Glass Cleaning.......................... 419
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 162
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 324
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 323
GVWR............................... 320
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 83
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 350
Head Restraints......................... 108
Headlights............................ 424
High Beam........................... 125
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 125
Lights On Reminder.................... 123
Passing............................. 125Switch.............................. 122
Heated Mirrors....................81,237,241
Heated Seats........................... 117
Heater............................... 234
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 125
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 325
Hoisting.............................. 362
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 141
Hood Release.......................... 118
Hoses.............................402,405
Hub Caps............................. 358
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 405
Ignition.............................15,251
Key ...............................12,15
Lock................................ 15
Infant Restraint........................55,56
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 309
INDEX 483
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Manual, Service......................... 474
Manual Transmission..................272,406
Fluid Level Check...................... 406
Lubricant Selection..................... 439
Mirrors................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 80
Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
Trailer Towing......................81,334
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................375,473
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 124
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 411
Tampering Prohibited................... 412
Noise Emission Warranty............... 411,413Occupant Restraints....................... 30
Occupant Restraints (2500/3500/Mega Cab Only) . . 30
Odometer..........................180,184
Trip .............................180,184
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 346
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 346
Oil, Engine............................ 438
Capacity............................ 437
Change Interval....................... 380
Dipstick............................. 379
Disposal............................ 384
Filter.........................379,382,438
Pressure Gauge....................... 178
Recommendation...................... 381
Viscosity............................ 381
Oil Filter, Change........................ 382
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 375
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 141
Operating Precautions.................... 375
486 INDEX