▫Radial-Ply Tires ......................307
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........308
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped .........309
▫ Tire Spinning ........................309
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................310
▫ Life Of Tire .........................311
▫ Replacement Tires .....................311
▫ Alignment And Balance .................312
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information – If
Equipped ............................313
Tire Chains ...........................313
Snow Tires ...........................315
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............315
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .....................316
Engine Runaway .......................317
Fuel Requirements (Diesel Engines) ..........318
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................318
Adding Fuel (Diesel Engines) ..............320
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............321
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage .....................322
Vehicle Loading ........................323
▫ Certification Label .....................323
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
NOTE: Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located in
the instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions–If Equipped
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.
Transfer Case Switch
280 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
– IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.
NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the chain before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after
driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for
usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of
the chain manufacturer if different than the speed recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5
Before plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the current Dodge Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two. 2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
4. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
342 STARTING AND OPERATING
Steering Linkage ............................. 398
Power ........................... 294,397
Wheel Lock ........................... 15
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 130
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls ............................. 231
Storage, Behind the Seat ................... 159
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .........159,160
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 431
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 431
Sun Roof .............................. 149
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 313
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 262
System, Navigation ...................... 225
Tachometer ............................ 179
Tailgate ............................... 171
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint .............62,66 Tilt Steering Column
..................... 130
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......300,313
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 299
Tire Markings .......................... 295
Tire Safety Information .................... 295
Tires ............................ 74,304,475
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 311
Air Pressure .......................... 304
Alignment ........................... 312
Chains .............................. 313
Changing ............................ 356
Compact Spare ........................ 308
Dual ............................ 316,364
General Information .................... 304
High Speed .......................... 306
Inflation Pressures ..................... 305
Jacking ............................. 357
Life of Tires .......................... 311
Load Capacity ..................... 300,301
INDEX 491
10
Transmission Automatic ........................ 267,413
Fluid ............................... 447
Maintenance .......................... 413
Manual ........................ 253,274,412
Shifting ............................. 267
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 143
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 310
Trip Computer .......................... 137
Trip Odometer ....................... 182,186
Turn Signals ................... 127,179,433,437
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 87
Underhood Fuses ........................ 426
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 475
Universal Transmitter ..................... 143
Variance, Compass ....................... 142 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............ 8
Vehicle Loading ...................... 301,323
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 8
Vehicle Storage ......................... 431
Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System) .................. 226
Voltmeter ............................. 179
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 179
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 7
Warranty Information ..................... 473
Washers, Windshield .................. 130,399
Washing Vehicle ......................... 422
Wheel Alignment and Balance ............... 312
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 424
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 424
Wheel Changing ........................ 356
Wheel Cover ........................... 362
Wheel Mounting ........................ 357
INDEX 493
10