2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE..............................73
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL...................................171
5STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................247
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES..............................................349
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE...............................................371
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES..................................................441
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.........................................469
10INDEX....................................................................477
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
4 INTRODUCTION

A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States are diesel powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads. Cummins engines power well over half of
these trucks. Now this same technology and proven
performance is yours in your new Dodge Ram truck
equipped with the Cummins 5.9 liter, Turbocharged,
Charge Air Cooled, Diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple tofollow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
Thank you for choosing the Dodge Ram truck with
Cummins Turbo Diesel power.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
INTRODUCTION 5
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Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........141
▫Programming Homelink................143
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 145
▫Using Homelink......................146
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............146
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 146
▫Security............................147

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............147
▫Open Sunroof - Express Mode............148
▫Comfort Stop........................148
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............149
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................149
▫Pinch Protect Override.................149▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............149
▫Sunshade Operation...................149
▫Wind Buffeting.......................150
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................150
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................150

Electrical Power Outlets..................150

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............152

Cupholders...........................153
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40–20–40 Seats) — Automatic Transmission . . 153
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(Bucket Seats) — Automatic Transmission....155
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
Manual Transmission..................155
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Sunroof Fully Closed
Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the
sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for in
cab accessories designed for use with the standard “cigar
lighter” plug. The outlet is located in the instrument
panel below and to the right of the Climate Control
Panel. A cap is attached to the outlet base indicating
“Power Outlet” 12V-20A.
There is an additional Power Outlet inside the center
console of vehicles equipped with 40/20/40, or Bucket
front seats. There is also a Power Outlet located on the
rear of the center console for Quad Cab or Mega Cab
vehicles (only) equipped with bucket seats.
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 And
WMA Play).........................220

Sales Code REC — AM/FM/CD (6–Disc) Radio
With Navigation System..................222
▫Operating Instructions — Satellite Radio
(If Equipped)........................223
▫Clock Setting Procedure.................223

Video Entertainment System (Sales Code XRV) —
If Equipped...........................223

Satellite Radio — If Equipped..............223
▫System Activation.....................224
▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID)....................224
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, RAQ, And
RAK Radios.........................225▫Selecting a Channel....................226
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......226
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped)........................226
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................226
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................227
▫Satellite Antenna......................227
▫Reception Quality.....................227

Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 228
▫Radio Operation......................228
▫Tape Player.........................229
▫CD Player..........................229

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......229
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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Compact Disc Maintenance................230

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........231

Climate Controls.......................231
▫Heater Only — Fleet Vehicles.............232
▫Air Conditioning And Heating —
If Equipped.........................234▫Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped..........237
▫Air Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature
Control — If Equipped.................238
▫Operating Tips.......................243
▫Operating Tips Chart...................245
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
20. Cargo Light
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo Light Button on
the headlight switch.
21. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.22. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
23. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter bowl. Refer to the Maintenance section,
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 387 for more infor-
mation.)
24. Low Washer Fluid Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
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