2007 Ram 2500 (Diesel) torque

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States are diesel powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads. Cummins engines power well over half of
these trucks. Now this same technology and proven
performance is yours in your new Dodge Ram truck
equipped with the Cummins, Turbocharged, Charge Air
Cooled, Diesel engine.
4 INTRODUCTION

23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
24. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 427 for more information.)
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It mayalso occur when operating the vehicle in a high torque
converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive operation
(e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If this light
comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the light
goes off.
26. Wait To Start Indicator
The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66 degrees F.
Follow engine starting procedure for proper engine start-
ing and operating. Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator
turns OFF then start the vehicle.
NOTE:The Wait To Start Indicator may not illuminate if
the engine coolant temperature is warm enough.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
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•Up Steep Hills —
select a lower transmission gear, but try and keep the
torque converter locked.
•Air Conditioning —
turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the
minimum oil pressures required are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM............... 10psi(69kPa)
Full speed and load.............. 30psi(207 kPa)
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
Practically all failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
•sudden loss of power
•unusual engine noises
•fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) –
IF EQUIPPED
The Exhaust Brake feature is enabled and disabled by
pressing the exhaust brake switch located on the Instru-
ment Panel.NOTE:For optimum braking power it is recommended
to use the Exhaust Brake while in Tow/Haul Mode.
The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine braking) fea-
ture is to supply negative (braking) torque to the engine.
Typically, the engine braking is used for, but not limited
to, vehicle towing applications where vehicle braking can
be achieved by the internal engine power, thereby spar-
ing the mechanical brakes of the vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:
•vehicle driving control
•reduced brake fade
•longer brake life
•faster cab warm-up.
Exhaust Brake Switch
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

Upshifts into both overdrive gears, 5th and 6th, will be
delayed when the transmission fluid temperature is
below 40° F (4.5° C) or above 240° F (115.5° C).
NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in 2nd or 1st First gear in high ambients as torque
converter slip can impose significant additional heat load
on the cooling system.
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled 5th and 6th (Overdrive). The trans-
mission will automatically shift from Drive to Overdrive
if the following conditions are present:
•the transmission selector is in Drive;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW HAUL” switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).When To Use “TOW HAUL”
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL button once to select TOW
HAUL. In TOW HAUL mode, 4th to 5th gear upshifts are
1 — Tow/Haul Switch
2 — AUTO-6 (ERS) Switch 294 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
switch down (-). The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmissionis not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Out of Park Sense Alarm — If Equipped
Vehicles equipped with a Diesel Engine and a Automatic
Transmission may be equipped with an Alarm that warns
the customer, upon exiting the vehicle, that the transmis-
sion is not in the Park position. This feature will only be
functional under following conditions:
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

“N” Neutral
Shift to Neutral when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
“D” Drive
This position provides all forward gears, including 3rd
gear direct and 4th or 5th (if equipped) gear overdrive
(see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city
and highway driving.
“2” Second
Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic
or on mountain roads where more precise speed control
is desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and
for engine braking when descending moderately steep
grades. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in this range.“1” First
Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds 20 mph (32 km/h) or less
when going downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed,
do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in “2” Second or “1” First gear selections in high
ambients as torque converter slip can impose significant
additional heat load on the cooling system.
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
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