2007 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL brakes

then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If
you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This could
cause you to lose control. Also overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
An EXAMPLE of a loaded vehicle is shown in the
following chart. Note that neither GVWR nor GAWR
capabilities are exceeded. Overloading can cause poten-
tial safety hazards and shorten service life.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or chockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure. The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“FULL” dot and an “ADD” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage and loss of brake
performance may result.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Axle Fluid.......................... 412,447
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 412
Ball Joints ............................. 397
Battery ............................... 394
Blanket .......................... 262,396
Emergency Starting ..................... 367
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 23
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 124
Bearings .............................. 415
Belts, Drive ............................ 389
Belts, Seat .............................. 32
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 399
B-Pillar Location ........................ 300
Brake Fluid ............................ 447
Brake System ........................ 291,409
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 292
Disc Brakes .......................... 409
Fluid Check .......................... 409 Hoses
.............................. 411
Master Cylinder ....................... 409
Parking ............................. 290
Warning Light ........................ 184
Bulb Replacement ....................... 433
Bulbs, Light ............................ 432
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 441
Calibration, Compass ..................... 141
Camper ............................... 170
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 445
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 445
Caps, Filler Power Steering ........................ 397
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 405
Car Washes ............................ 422
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............73,172
Cargo Light ............................ 126
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 232
INDEX 479
10

Temperature Gauge..................... 181
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 133
Cup Holder ............................ 155
Customer Assistance ..................... 470
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights ................... 125
Dealer Service .......................... 380
Defroster, Rear Window .................85,164
Defroster, Windshield ................74,236,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 129
Diesel Fuel ............................ 318
Diesel Fuel Requirements .................. 318
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 287
Dipsticks .............................. 383
Power Steering ........................ 397
Disc Brakes ............................ 409
Disposal .............................. 389
Engine Oil ........................... 389 Used Coolant (Antifreeze)
................ 406
Door Ajar ............................. 187
Door Locks ............................. 24
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 143
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 391
Drive Belts ............................ 389
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 316,364
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost .............85,164
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 152
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 133
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 280
Emergency Brake ........................ 290
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 370
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 354
Jacking ............................. 357
Jump Starting ......................... 367
INDEX 481
10