2007 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL Owners Manual

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of
the discharge battery. The resulting electrical
spark could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.
3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order: a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
6

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE
(automatic transmissions) and between 1st and RE-
VERSE (manual transmissions), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 371
6

CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE: The Transfer Case must be in the neutral posi-
tion, and the transmission must be in Park (Automatic
Transmission), or in gear (Manual Transmission) to tow a
4WD vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.
372 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF
position along with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (50
km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more
than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
If the vehicle is to be towed faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more than 15 miles (25 km) the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground. It may also be towed on a flatbed or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 373
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment ....................378
▫ 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel ...........378

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) .........379

Replacement Parts ......................379

Engine Data Plate ......................380

Dealer Service .........................380

Service Information .....................380

Maintenance Procedures ..................383
▫ Engine Oil ..........................383 ▫
Drive Belt ...........................389
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................389
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......391
▫ Maintenance Free Batteries ...............394
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............396
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............397
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............397
▫ Steering Linkage — Inspection ............398
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication .............398
7

▫Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings ............................398
▫ Body Lubrication .....................399
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................399
▫ Windshield Washers ...................399
▫ Exhaust System ......................400
▫ Cooling System .......................401
▫ Fan ...............................407
▫ Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler) ..........408
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......408
▫ Brake System ........................409
▫ Clutch Linkage .......................411
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................411 ▫
Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving
Axle Fluid Level ......................411
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped .............412
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......412
▫ Automatic Transmission ................413
▫ Front Wheel Bearings ..................415
▫ Selection Of Lubricating Grease ...........416
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty ...........................417
▫ Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion ......................422

Fuses (Integrated Power Module) ...........426

Vehicle Storage ........................431

Replacement Light Bulbs .................432
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE