2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL tailgate

▫Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab —
If Equipped.........................156
▫Rear Cupholder — Mega Cab............156

Storage..............................157
▫Center Storage Compartment
(40–20–40 Seat) — If Equipped............157
▫Center Storage Compartment
(Bucket Seats)— If Equipped.............158
▫Storage And Seats (Quad Cab Models)......160
▫Storage And Seats (Mega Cab Models)......160▫Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Mega Cab Models)....................162

Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped.........162
▫Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped........162

Pickup Box...........................165

Slide-In Campers.......................167
▫Camper Applications...................167

Easy-Off Tailgate.......................167
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
3

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing” document available from your dealer. For safety
reasons, follow all instructions in this important docu-
ment.NOTE:When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose in
the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
Tailgate Support Cables
Lock Tang And Pivot
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in your area,
a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.
ADDING FUEL
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
•Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each time the
vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a container
that is inside of a vehicle or in the bed or on the
opened tailgate. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
NOTE:The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
352 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Bulb Replacement......................424
▫Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And
Turn Lights.........................424
▫Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........428
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight With
Cargo Light.........................430
▫Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped....431
▫Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) —
If Equipped.........................433▫Rear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) –
If Equipped.........................434
▫Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......435
▫Fog Lights..........................436

Fluid Capacities........................437

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........438
▫Engine.............................438
▫Chassis............................439
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights............... TS212-2
Dome Light............................7679
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS — Outside Bulb No.
Back-Up..............................3057
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp............. 912
Fog Lamp...........................9006LL
Headlamp (Halogen)..................... H13
Side Marker Bulb....................... W5W
Park & Turn Signal...................3157NAK
Rear License Plate Lamp................... 168
Rear Cargo Light......................... 912LIGHT BULBS — Outside Bulb No.
Tail & Stop............................3057
Cab Clearance Lights...................... 168
Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3)......... 168
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn Lights
CAUTION!
This is a halogen bulb. Avoid touching the glass
with your fingers. Reduced bulb life will result.
1. Open the hood
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) — If
Equipped
1. Remove the two screws and housing and access the
bulb sockets from the rear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
7