2007 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS light

NOTE:After off-road usage, particularly in sand or
mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumu-
lated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake
rotors and calipers.
Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud.
Check the exhaust system and all exposed components
for any sign of damage.
If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud,
slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for im-
pacted material. Impacted foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance. Removing the foreign material from
the wheels will correct the situation.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.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

also contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con-
tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that
the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — RWAL
The Anti-lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.
The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This may cause the rear
brakes to lockup through the drivetrain, which may
reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Brake System.
During severe braking conditions, particularly with
changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight
drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
WARNING!
Both Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated
electronic equipment. It may be susceptible to inter-
ference caused by improperly installed or high out-
put radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capabil-
ity. Installation of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — If
Equipped
This Anti-lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
5

The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation. This is
normal.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
This is the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system and is normal.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning.ABS Warning Light
The Anti-lock Brake System includes an amber warning
light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-lock Brake
System is not functioning. 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.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
If the clutch pedal (manual vehicles only) remains
depressed during the application of the throttle, the
HSA will disengage allowing the vehicle will roll
down the incline. This could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object. To avoid this, do not apply
throttle while depressing the clutch pedal until you
are ready to release the clutch. Always remember the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped
•Vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in reverse gear).
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
7%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer
where the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, which could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.
The system will only work if the intended direction of the
vehicle and vehicle gear match. For example, if the
intended direction is forward up a hill and the vehicle is
in drive (automatic equipped vehicle), and the activation
criteria are met, HSA will activate.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

HSA on Automatic Vehicles
The system will work in reverse and all forward gears on
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. The
system will not activate if the vehicle is placed in neutral.
HSA on Manual Vehicles
The system will work in reverse, forward gears, and
neutral on manual transmission equipped vehicles. The
system does not recognize neutral on manual vehicles,
thus it will hold the vehicle on an incline for a short
period while in neutral, regardless of clutch position. To
prevent this, do not attempt to roll down a hill simply by
putting the transmission in neutral and letting gravity act
on the vehicle, as the HSA will prevent the vehicle from
rolling. Instead, use the appropriate gear for moving in
the desired direction.
Towing and Hauling with HSA (Vehicles Equipped
with Automatic Transmissions Only)
The HSA system does not know if your vehicle is loaded
or towing a trailer, unless the “TOW/HAUL” button,
located on the transmission gear selector lever, is se-
lected. When activated, the “TOW/HAUL” light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster. Refer to the “Starting
and Operating” Section of this manual for more informa-
tion on the “TOW/HAUL” mode. In order to accommo-
date the extra weight entailed under towing and hauling
conditions and to increase driver comfort while launch-
ing on a hill, the system recognizes when the Tow/Haul
button is activated and compensates by releasing brake
pressure at a slower rate while throttle is applied to in
order to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the hill.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
5

3. With the engine running, the brake applied, and the
clutch out, rotate the steering wheel 180° counter-
clockwise from center.
4. Press ESP button four times within twenty seconds.
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” should appear and dis-
appear four times.
5. Rotate the steering wheel 360° clockwise (180° clock-
wise from center).
6. Cycle ignition switch OFF then ON.
7. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm
HSA is off.
Steps 1-7 must be completed within 90 seconds to turn off
HSA. Repeat steps 1-7 to re-enable HSA functionality.ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.WARNING!
•ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions.
•ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
•The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 353
5

The ESP system has multiple operating modes depend-
ing on vehicle type – Two Wheel Drive (2WD) or Four
Wheel Drive (4WD). 4WD vehicles may be equipped
with either a four mode position (2WD/Neutral/4HI/
4LO) transfer case or a five mode position (2WD/Auto/
Neutral/4H/4LO) transfer case. If you have a 4WD
vehicle, refer to the Four Wheel Drive Operating Section
to determine which transfer case is on your vehicle and
how to operate it.
All 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD, Auto
or 4HI Modes can choose the following ESP
operating modes:
ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD/
Auto/4HI Modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the
vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4LO or neutral back to 4HI or Auto, the ESP
system will be in this mode. This mode should be usedfor almost all driving situations. ESP should only be
turned to “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” for specific reasons
as noted below.
This mode is entered by momentarily
depressing the “ESP Control Switch”.
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS
portion of ESP, except for the “limited
slip” feature described in the TCS sec-
tion, has been disabled and the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. All other features of ESP function normally, with
the exception of engine power reduction. Engine power
is not reduced in this mode. This mode is intended to be
used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the “ESP Control Switch”.
This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
354 STARTING AND OPERATING