2006 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL instrument cluster

PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
NOTE:The instrument cluster red brake warning light
will come on and flash to indicate that the parking brake
is applied. You must be sure that the parking brake is
fully applied before leaving the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear shift lever is in the PARK position. When
parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake
before placing the gear shift lever in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK.
Parking Brake Release
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning
light, located in the instrument cluster. When the light is
illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake System is not function-
ing. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with Mopar Glass Cleaner or any commercial household-
type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner.
Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window
equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear quarter
window equipped with the radio antenna. Do not use
scrapers or other sharp instruments which may scratch
the elements. When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not
spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft tissue.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
38 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet IP
39 10 Amp
RedSunroof/Seatbelt Ten-
sioner
40 20 Amp
YellowCigar Lighter
41 25 Amp
NaturalSpare
42 30 Amp
PinkDiesel PCM (Diesel
Only)
1. Disconnect the battery negative (-) cable before remov-
ing the cover.
2. Use specified fuses only.
3. Always properly reinstall the cover.VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Integrated Power Module, located in the
engine compartment. The I.O.D. cavity includes a
snap-in retainer that allows the fuse to be discon-
nected, without removing it from the fuse block.
•The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may, discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
NOTE:When reinstalling the IOD fuse, the gages in the
Instrument Cluster will do a full sweep, when the
ignition key is cycled to RUN. This is a normal condition.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 78
Instrument Cluster....................176,177
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 175
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 419
Integrated Power Module.................. 420
Interior Appearance Care.................. 418
Interior Lights.......................... 120
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 126
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 351
Jack Operation.......................... 353
Jump Starting.......................... 363
Key, Replacement........................ 13
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 12
Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System...................... 22
Keys................................12,17Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 124
Lap Belts.............................. 40
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 31
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 60
Life of Tires............................ 307
Lights..............................72,120
Airbag............................53,178
Anti-Lock Warning..................182,290
Brake Warning........................ 182
Bulb Replacement...................... 424
Cap Top Clearance..................... 431
Cargo .............................. 124
Center Mounted Stop................... 430
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 181
Courtesy/Reading..................... 134
Cruise.............................. 185
Daytime Running...................... 123
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 433
Fog ..........................123,183,436
484 INDEX

Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 277
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Headlights........................... 122
High Beam........................125,178
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 125
Instrument Cluster..................... 177
Intensity Control....................... 121
Interior..........................120,134
Lights On Reminder.................... 123
Passing............................. 125
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 178
Service.............................. 424
Side Marker.......................... 435
Transfer Case......................... 277
Transmission Warning................... 184
Turn Signal..................124,177,424,428
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 177
Limited-Slip Differential................285,406Loading Vehicle......................... 319
Tires ............................... 296
Locks................................. 17
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 17
Ignition.............................. 15
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 18
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricants............................. 410
Lubrication, Body....................... 394
Lug Nuts............................. 357
Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance........................... 376
Maintenance Procedures................... 379
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Schedule “A”......................... 459
INDEX 485
10

Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 141
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 306
Trip Computer.......................... 134
Trip Odometer.......................180,184
Turn Signals...................124,177,424,428
Underhood Fuses........................ 420
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 475
Universal Transmitter..................... 141
Variance, Compass....................... 139
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................297,319
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 423
Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System).................. 223
Voltmeter............................. 177Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 177
Warnings and Cautions..................... 5
Warranty Information..................... 473
Washers, Windshield..................127,395
Washing Vehicle......................... 416
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 308
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 417
Wheel Changing........................ 352
Wheel Cover........................... 358
Wheel Mounting........................ 353
Wheel Nut Torque....................357,361
Wind Buffeting.......................30,150
Window Airbag (Side Curtain)............... 52
Window Fogging........................ 243
Windows.............................. 28
Power............................... 28
Rear Sliding........................... 30
Windshield Defroster..................233,235
Windshield Washers................126,127,395
492 INDEX