2005 Dodge RAM Diesel Owners Manual

Equalizing hitch are required for Class III or IV trailer hitches and tongue weights above 350 lbs (159 kg) and use of trailer sway control is recommended.

294 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake circuits. Use an approved wiring harness con- nector on the trailer.

Trailer Weight and Trailer Tongue Weight Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual under- way towing condition. The recommended way to mea- sure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale. Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle’s trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60%

Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but no more than 15% of GTW. Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are not to be exceeded, as follows: • Class III (the bumper ball type) 500 lbs (227 kg) • Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1200 lbs (544 kg) NOTE: When towing a trailer, the following require- ments must be adhered to: • GCWR must not be exceeded • Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four (4) ratings are not exceeded: 1. GVWR 2. GTW

STARTING AND OPERATING 295

3. 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 [15% to 25% for a ⴖ5th Wheelⴖ style trailer] as a percentage of total trailer weight.) 4. GAWR ratings

Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ⴖTrailer Towing Guideⴖ NOTE: For trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website address: http:// www.dodge.com/towing. In Canada, refer to the following website address: http:// www.dodge.ca.

296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror head to provide a greater vision range when towing extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out- board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main mirror surface. NOTE: • These mirrors are power adjustable and heated. • The passenger side main mirror is flat.

STARTING AND OPERATING 297

N (Neutral) and increase the engine idle speed.

Cooling System Tips — Trailer Towing To reduce potential for engine and transmission over- heating, take the following actions in high ambient temperatures: • City Driving— when stopped, put the transmission in • Highway Driving— reduce your speed. • Air Conditioning— turn it off temporarily. • Hilly Terrain— Turn overdrive off. See Cooling System Operating information in the Service and Maintenance section of this manual for more infor- mation.

298 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light All vehicles with heavy duty transmission oil cooling are equipped with a transmission sump oil temperature sensor and warning light. If elevated transmission tem- peratures are encountered, the engine controller will select the most desirable gear until the transmission temperatures are reduced. If transmission oil tempera- tures continue to rise, a warning light located in the instrument cluster will illuminate. If this should occur, stop the vehicle, shift to Neutral, and run the engine at idle or faster until the light goes off. Towing With An Automatic Transmission Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may shift into and out of Overdrive, or a lower gear, when driving in hilly areas, when heavily loaded, or when towing into heavy winds.

When this condition occurs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button or shift into a lower gear to prevent excessive transmission wear and/or overheating, and to provide better engine braking. NOTE: Do not exceed the following RPM while manu- ally downshifting: • 5.9L Diesel Engines 3200 RPM. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you tow a trailer frequently, change transmission fluid and filter(s) according to Maintenance Schedule “B.”

SNOWPLOW Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory installed option. These packages include components necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow. NOTE: Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recommended that the owner / installer obtain and follow the recommendations contained within the Dodge

2005 BODY BUILDER’S GUIDE. See your dealer, installer or snowplow manufacture for this information. There are unique electrical systems that must be connected to properly assure operator safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.

WARNING!

Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad- versely affect performance of the airbag system in an accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described earlier in this manual

CAUTION!

The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exte- rior lamps are not properly installed.

STARTING AND OPERATING 299

level.

Before plowing • Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid • Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight- • 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-

ness.

tioning properly.

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability For Information about snowplow applications visit www.dodge.com or refer to the 2005 Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide. 1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck should not exceed two.

300 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

if necessary at

of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and reset the beginning and end of the snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear. The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is parked. Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip- ment following the recommendations provided by the specific snowplow manufacturer. Over the Road Operation With Snowplow Attached The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures. Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade completely and position it as low as road or surface conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance and allow adequate passing clearance.

Methods For Removing Snow

Operating Tips Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h) should be maximum operating speed. The operator should be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.

STARTING AND OPERATING 301

NOTE: During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped with an overhead console module, the outside tempera- ture display will show higher temperatures than the outside ambient temperature. The higher displayed tem- perature is due to blocked or reduced airflow to the underhood ambient temperature sensor by the snow- plow. This is common and outside temperature display operation will return to normal when the snowplow is removed. General Maintenance Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the plow manufacturer’s instructions. Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and driv- etrain damage, the following precautions should be ob- served.

302 STARTING AND OPERATING

• Operate with transfer case in 4L when plowing small or congested areas where speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4H. • Vehicles with 48RE transmissions should use 4L range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended periods of time to avoid transmission overheating. • Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the brake pedal before shifting the transmission.

RECREATIONAL TOWING — 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Recreational Towing – 2 Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing 2 Wheel Drive is not allowed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground can result in severe transmission damage.

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these requirements can cause se- vere damage to the transmission and/or transfer case.

CAUTION!

Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.

NOTE: Both the Manual Shift and Electronic Shift transfer cases must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must be placed in P (Park) position for recreational towing. Manual transmissions must be left in gear (not in neutral) for recreational towing. Refer below for the proper trans- fer case Neutral shifting procedure for your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING 303

Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in N (NEUTRAL) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut OFF the engine. 3. Depress the brake pedal. 4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or depress the clutch on manual transmissions.

CAUTION!

Damage to the automatic transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into P (PARK) with the transfer case in N (NEUTRAL) and the engine RUN- NING. With the transfer case in N (NEUTRAL) ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into P (PARK)

304 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Shift transfer case lever into N (NEUTRAL). 6. Start the engine. 7. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R). 8. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement. 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in Drive (D). 10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key to the unlocked OFF position. 11. Shift automatic transmission into P (PARK). 12. Apply the parking brake. 13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar. 14. Release the parking brake.

Returning to Normal Operation — Manual Shift Transfer Case Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage: 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut OFF the engine. 3. Depress the brake pedal. 4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or depress the clutch on manual transmissions. 5. Shift transfer case lever to desired position. 6. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).

STARTING AND OPERATING 305

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages both the front and rear drive- shafts from the powertrain and will allow the ve- hicle to move regardless of the transmission posi- tion. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

306 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged. • Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage the internal parts.

Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift Transfer Case — If Equipped

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut OFF the engine. 3. Place ignition key in the ON position. 4. Depress the brake pedal. 5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission. 6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 4 seconds.

7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button. 8. Start engine. 9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R). 10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement. 11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D). 12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the unlocked OFF position. 13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P). 14. Apply parking brake. 15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar. 16. Release parking brake.

STARTING AND OPERATING 307

Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be NOTE: met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these require- ments (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all re- quirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released. NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing. NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

308 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans- mission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case in Neutral (N) and the engine RUNNING. With the transfer case in Neutral (N) ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).

Returning to Normal Operation — Electronic Shift Transfer Case

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage. 1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut OFF the engine. 3. Place ignition key in the ON position. 4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission. 6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 1 second. 7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button. 8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch. 9. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park). Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be NOTE: met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met

during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all require- ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released. NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing. NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

STARTING AND OPERATING 309

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

310 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged. • Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid loss will damage internal parts.

DRIVING OFF-ROAD Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and cautiously.

If you must back down a hill, back straight down using REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL, or diagonally across the hill. When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning the wheels. DO NOT REDUCE the tire pressures for this type of driving. 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 311

4. Keep tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the car in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.

ENGINE DATA PLATE Use the information from the engine data plate when discussing service or sourcing parts for your engine. The engine data plate is located on the intake side of the breather cover.

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.

TRACTION When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau- tions should be observed: 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy. 2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles. 3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Lights 䡵 Adding Fuel — 24–Valve Cummins Turbo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
䡵 Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ All Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
䡵 Changing A Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Removing The Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Tire Changing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
䡵 Hoisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

▫ With Portable Starting Unit

䡵 Jump-Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
䡵 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 331
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ 2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the steering column as shown in the illustration.

To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signals

will flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the flashers. This is an emergency warning system and should not be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists. When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even though the ignition switch is OFF. NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights may discharge your battery.

ADDING FUEL — 24–VALVE CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL

WARNING!

A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground while filling.

NOTE: When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system. You may try priming as described below. However, if the engine will not start, refer to the fuel priming procedure in the Service Manual or have the vehicle towed to an authorized Dodge dealer.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 315

WARNING!

Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious injury or death.

Priming if the engine has run out of fuel 1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19 to 38L). 2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does not start, then release the key or starter button back to the RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds. After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again. 3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.

316 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.

CAUTION!

Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the cranking intervals.

NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced from all the fuel lines.

JACK LOCATION

All Models The jack and jack tools are stored under the passenger seat. Lift the flap on the side of the seat for access. Remove the jack and tools by loosening the thumb screw and sliding the assembly from under the seat.

WARNING!

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 317

The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes, unless suitable sup- ports are placed under the vehicle as a safety mea- sure. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.

WARNING!

After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them in the original carrier and location. While driving you may experience, abrupt stopping, rapid accelera- tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or other objects in the vehicle may move around with force, resulting in serious injury.

Removing The Spare Tire Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert the tube through the access hole between the lower tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun- terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.

318 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to avoid tangling the loose cable. NOTE: The winch mechanism is designed for use with the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not recommended and can damage the winch.

Tire Changing Procedure

WARNING!

Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.

Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The jack is designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle only. It is not recommended that the jack be used for service purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.

Preparations Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the gear selector in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE (manual transmission). On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the transfer case to the “4L” position.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel. • Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 319

• Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally oppo- site the jacking position. For example, front wheel is being changed, block the left rear wheel. • Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the

the right

if

vehicle is being jacked.

320 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Instructions

WARNING!

be raised.

Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle: • Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle. • Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to • Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking. • Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack. • Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on • Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack. • Only use the jack in the positions indicated. • If working on or near a roadway, be extremely

a jack.

careful of motor traffic.

1. Remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage. 2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one turn while the wheel is still on the ground. 3. For 2500/3500 4x2 series trucks, when changing a front wheel, place the bottle jack under the frame rail behind the wheel. Locate the jack as far forward as possible on the straight part of the frame. For 2500/3500 4x4 series trucks, when changing the front wheel, assemble the jack drive tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the extension tube. Place the jack under the axle as close to the tire as possible with the drive tubes extending to the front. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench. When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the extension tube. Place the jack under the axle between the spring and the shock absorber with the drive tubes extending to the rear. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and adjust the jack position as required.

If the jack will not lower by turning the dial NOTE: (thumb wheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to lower the jack.

2500/3500 4X2 Jacking Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 321

322 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.

WARNING!

Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the nuts toward the wheel on 2500/3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models. On 3500 dual rear wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts are a two piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered. 6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts using a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ft. lbs. (183 N·m) torque for 2500/3500 single rear wheel

(SRW) models and 145 ft. lbs. (197 N·m) for 3500 dual rear wheel models. If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.

WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel in the places provided.

7. Install wheel center cap and remove wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap damage. 8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack will not lower by turning the dial (thumb wheel) by

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 323

hand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described. 9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible. NOTE: Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts. Hub Caps The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle off the ground. For 2500/3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry the cap off. On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the rear hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the ratchet firmly. The cap should pop off. The wheel skins can now be removed. For the front hub cap on 3500

324 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

models use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry the caps off. The wheel skin can now be removed. You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry off the wheel skins. Insert the flat tip completely and using a back and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this procedure around the tire until the skin pops off. Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lugnut bolt circle and strike the high side down with a rubber mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins are firmly seated around the wheel. 8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The lug nuts are a two piece assembly. When the tires are being rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and add 2 drops of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.

Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assem- bling the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off the ground when tightening to insure wheel centering and maximum wheel clamping.

Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to cor- rectly tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting device. NOTE: When installing a spare tire as part of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in a front location. Correct direction of rotation for dual tire instal- lations must also be observed. These dual rear wheels should be tightened as follows:

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 325

326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the numbered sequence to a snug fit. 2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the torques listed in the table. Go through the sequence a second time to verify that specific torque has been achieved. Retighten to specifications at 100 miles (160
km) and after 500 miles (800 km). It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication interval. Wheel Nuts All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi- nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially important during the first few hundred miles of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All nuts should first be firmly seated against the

wheel. The nuts should then be tightened to recom- mended torque. Tighten the nuts to final torque in increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the nut opposite to the nut just previously tightened until final torque is achieved. Recommended torques are shown in the following chart. Disc Wheels

Type Nut Stud Size Torque Ft. Lbs.

Cone Flanged

9/16-18
9/16-18

120-150
130-160

To Stow The Flat Or Spare Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and position it properly across the wheel opening. For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.

Torque Newton Meters 160-200
190-220

Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click 3 or 4
times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.

HOISTING A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca- tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on any other parts or the underbody.

CAUTION!

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 327

JUMP-STARTING

WARNING!

To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work- ing with batteries. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source that has a greater than 12 volt system, i.e. do not use a 24 volt power source.

Never use a floor jack directly under the differential housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may result.

NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal size to prevent damage to the vehicles charging system.

328 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Your vehicle is equipped with two 12–volt batteries. If it becomes necessary to use a booster battery, with jumper cables, to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are discharged, the following procedure should be followed: Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis- sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission). Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If indica- tor (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery, replace that battery.

CAUTION!

Use the Jump Start Procedure only when the charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the center. Do not attempt jump starting when either battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or yellow. If charge indicator (if equipped) has a green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a discharged battery and cranking system should be checked.

1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of booster battery and the other end of the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.

WARNING!

Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 329

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.

330 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.

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, 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 not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over- heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 331

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.

WARNING!

Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.

332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious injury.

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.

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. 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).

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333

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 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . 338
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) . . . . . . . . . 339
䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
䡵 Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
▫ Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter . . . . . . . 351
▫ Maintenance Free Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
▫ Steering Linkage — Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot

Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
▫ Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
▫ Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
▫ Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler) . . . . . . . . . . 365
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 366
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
▫ Clutch Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid

Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped . . . . . . . 370
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Front Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
▫ Selection Of Lubricating Grease . . . . . . . . . . . 373
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance

& Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374

▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
䡵 Fuse And Relay Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
䡵 Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384

䡵 Bulb Replacement

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

▫ Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn

Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
▫ Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights . . . . . . . . . 389
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
▫ Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped . . . . 393
▫ Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) . . . . . . . 394

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337

▫ Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) . . . . . . 396
▫ Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
䡵 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
䡵 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine

Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

5.9L HO CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) CARB emission control vehicles are equipped with a sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control systems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within current government regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Al- though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator Light” on could cause further damage to the emis- sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests can be performed. If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

REPLACEMENT PARTS Use of genuine Mopar威 parts for normal/scheduled maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in- sure the designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

DEALER SERVICE Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special tools and equipment to perform all service operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are available which include detailed service information for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure yourself. NOTE: systems can result against you.

Intentional tampering with emissions control in civil penalties being assessed

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

SERVICE INFORMATION Mopar Fluids, Lubricants and Parts are available from your dealer and will help you keep your vehicle operat- ing at its best. Your dealer also has the qualified service personnel, special tools and equipment to perform all service operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are available which include detailed service information for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempt- ing any procedure yourself. See Service Publications information at the back of this manual. NOTE: Failure to perform maintenance service at the specified intervals as outlined in the Maintenance Schedules may void provisions of your Vehicle Warranty.

CAUTION!

To maintain your vehicle safely follow these guide- lines: • Watch your vehicle’s mileage and check your Mainte- nance Schedules regularly for required servicing. Ex- cessive wear or damage to certain vehicle components can result if required services are not performed.

• If you have your vehicle undercoated,

inspect for undercoating material on the propeller shafts. Such material could cause the shafts to become unbalanced and result in drivetrain vibrations. Remove any under- coating with solvent. • If you have your vehicle undercoated, make sure no undercoating material is sprayed on the exhaust sys- tem or components of the seat belt system.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341

It is not possible for the manufacturer and NOTE: Cummins, Inc. to anticipate every possible circumstance that can involve a potential hazard.

WARNING!

To maintain your vehicle safely and avoid personal injury, follow these guidelines: • Never spray or pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid or starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air intake piping or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the vehicle. • Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions and be hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.

342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

will stay hot after the engine is shut off.

• If an engine has been operating and the coolant is hot, allow the engine to cool before you slowly loosen the filler cap and relieve the pressure from the cooling system. • To avoid burns, remember that the engine components • Do not use gasoline or other flammable materials to clean parts. Always use approved cleaning solvents. • Relieve all pressure in the fuel, oil and cooling systems before any lines, fittings or related items are removed or disconnected. Be alert for possible pressure when disconnecting any device from a system that utilizes pressure. Do not check for pressure leaks with your hand. High pressure oil or fuel can cause personal injury.

WARNING!

Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious injury or death. • Important: All maintenance other than that listed in this manual, as well as some procedures listed here, MUST be performed by your local Dodge Truck Dealer. Your authorized Dodge Dealer has been trained and has the necessary parts to maintain your engine.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343

engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem- perature, then wait at least 15 minutes after engine shutdown to check the oil. Checking the vehicle while it’s on level ground will also improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil only when the level on the dipstick is below the “ADD” mark. The total capacity from the low mark to the high mark is 2 quarts (1.9 liters).

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES The pages that follow contain the required maintenance services determined by the engineers who designed your vehicle. Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed maintenance intervals, there are other items that should operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance. However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance. These items should be inspected if a malfunction is observed or suspected. Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the

344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Never operate the engine with oil level below the “ADD” mark or above the upper “SAFE” mark. Change Engine Oil

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam- age your engine.

Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the following to determine if any apply to you: • Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve full operating temperature (operating temperature de- fined as 190° F (66° C) coolant temperature).

• Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32° F (0° C).

• Driving in dusty conditions. • Frequent trailer towing. • Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service). • Off-road or desert operation. • Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle). If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine oil at every interval shown in schedule ⬙B⬙ of the ⬙Mainte- nance Schedules⬙ section of this manual. If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil at every interval shown on schedule ⬙A⬙ of the ⬙Mainte- nance Schedules⬙ section of this manual.

NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed for Schedule ⬙B.⬙ Engine Oil Selection

1. Engine Oil Quality

Use only oils conforming to API Ser- vice CI-4. A sulfated ash limit is speci- fied for lubrication oil used in Cum- mins engines. Oils with a high ash content may produce deposits on valves that can progress to guttering and valve burning. A maximum sul- fated ash content of 1.85 mass % is recommended for all oil used in the engine. 2. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) The proper SAE viscosity of engine oil for the expected ambient temperature range should be selected, as indi- cated in the following chart:

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345

NOTE: The same oil change interval is to be followed for synthetic oil as for petroleum based oil. Also, syn- thetic oil must meet the same performance specifications as petroleum oil.

346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Oil Filter Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct part number. The engine oil filter should be changed at every engine oil change. Engine Oil And Filter — Change

WARNING!

Hot oil can cause personal injury.

Operate the engine until the coolant temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Shut the engine off. Remove the oil drain plug. Use a container that can hold at least 12 quarts (11.3
Liters) to hold the used oil.

Always check the condition of the used oil. This can give you an indication of some engine problems that might exist. • Thin, black oil indicates fuel dilution. • Milky discoloration indicates coolant dilution. Clean the area around the oil filter base. Remove the filter from the underside of the vehicle using a cap style oil filter wrench. Clean the gasket surface of the filter mount. The filter gasket can stick on the filter mount. Make sure it is removed. Change the engine oil filter with every engine oil change. Only a high quality MOPAR filter should be used to assure most efficient service.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

The filtering medium of other aftermarket filters may disintegrate. Debris from failed filters may plug the piston oil cooling nozzles, resulting in scuffed pistons and engine failure.

CAUTION!

Fill the oil filter element with clean oil before installation. Use the same type oil that will be used in the engine. When filling the oil filter, prevent foreign material from falling into the filter. Severe engine damage may occur.

Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the sealing surface of the filter gasket before installing the filter.

Overtightening may distort the threads or damage the filter element seal.

Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer. Turn the filter 3/4 to one full turn after making contact with the gasket. Check the condition of the threads and sealing surface on the oil pan and drain plug. Install the drain plug and sealing washer and tighten to 37 ft-lbs. (50 N·m). Use only high-quality multi-grade lubricating oil in your Cummins Diesel Engine. Choose the correct oil for your operating conditions as outlined in the Selection of Engine Oil.

348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cummins Turbo Diesel Fill the engine with the correct grade of new oil. The engine capacity is 11 quarts (10.4 liters) in the crankcase and 1 quart (.95 liter) in the lubricating oil filter. Start the engine and operate it at idle for several minutes. Check for leaks at the lubricating oil filter and oil pan drain plug. Run the engine until it has reached operating tempera- ture, stop the engine. Wait approximately 15 minutes to let the oil in the upper parts of the engine drain back to the pan. Check the oil level again. Add oil as necessary to bring the level to the “SAFE” mark on the dipstick. Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Filter Care should be taken in disposing of the used engine fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the environment.

Contact your local dealer, service station, or governmen- tal agency for advice on recycling programs and where used fluids and filters can be safely discarded in your area. Drive Belt

able.

Inspection Check the belt for intersecting cracks. • Transverse (across the belt width) cracks are accept- • Longitudinal (direction of belt length) cracks that intersect with transverse cracks are NOT acceptable. Replace the belt if it has unacceptable cracks, is frayed or has pieces of material missing. The engine speed sensor, located near the damper, should be inspected for damage if a belt is frayed.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

CAUTION!

All air entering the engine intake must be filtered. The abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause rapid wear to engine components.

The air filter housing on your Diesel Ram is equipped with a Filter Minder™. This is an air flow restriction gauge that will indicate when the filter element needs to be replaced. Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under normal operating conditions.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349

The clear plastic housing on the Filter Minder™ allows you to view the amount of air pressure drop across the filter element. It consists of a diaphragm and a calibrated spring sealed inside the plastic housing. As the air cleaner filter becomes clogged and air pressure drop

350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

across the filter element increases, a yellow disc travels along a graduated scale on the side of the Filter Minder™. The yellow disc will always show the greatest restriction experienced by the filter element. When the disc reaches the red zone, the filter element may need to be replaced. There is no other time or mileage interval for changing the air cleaner filter element. If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power when being driven in heavy snow or rain or when plowing snow, check the Filter Minder™ • If the Filter Minder™ is showing a plugged filter, the filter should be visually inspected for snow/ice build up or extreme water saturation. • The filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice, rein-

stall filter and reset the Filter Minder™.

A visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is never recommended under normal circumstances. A badly restricted element may appear clean while a soiled element may be quite effective in filtering particles without restricting air flow. Rely on the Filter Minder™ to determine when a filter change is necessary. After a new filter element is inserted, press the rubber button on the top of the Filter Minder™. This action will reset the yellow disc to the clean position.

CAUTION!

When using an engine cleaner or a degreaser, be sure to wrap and tape the Filter Minder™ to protect the plastic housing from damage and discoloration.

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use of such filters can severely damage your engine.

Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the engine is running.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351

Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter

Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator filter periodically or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator lamp is on. Pull outward on the drain valve lever, located on the side of the filter, and allow any accumulated water to drain. Hold the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed. Close the drain release valve, by returning it to the inward position, when clean fuel is visible. NOTE: The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is identified by its yellow handle and is located on the inboard side of the fuel filter housing.

352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained, follow the directions below for “Priming if the engine has run out of fuel.”

WARNING!

Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious injury or death.

Priming if the engine has run out of fuel 1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19L to 38L). 2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does not start, then release the key or starter button back to the RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to

run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds. After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again. 3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure. 4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.

CAUTION!

Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the cranking intervals.

NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced from all the fuel lines.

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Diesel fuel will damage black top paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate container.

Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline, the use of these fuels can cause damage to the fuel system.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353

WARNING!

Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions and be hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.

NOTE: A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel may be used with your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck NOTE: As sufficient testing as not been completed, ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for use with your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck. In addition, commercially available fuel addi- NOTE: tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck.

354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance Free Batteries The top of the maintenance free batteries are perma- nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic maintenance required.

To determine the battery charge, check the battery test indicator (if equipped) on top of each battery. If the test indicator (if equipped) appears light or yellow, replace the battery.

NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.

CAUTION!

It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that the positive cable is attached to the positive post and the negative cable is attached to the negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive and negative (-) and identified on the battery case. Also, if a “fast charger” is used while battery is in vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be- fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con- tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands after handling the battery.

Battery Blanket Usage A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same de- crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets are available from your authorized Mopar威 dealer.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355

Air Conditioner Maintenance For best possible performance, your air conditioner should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer at the start of each warm season. This service should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.

356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants approved by the manufacturer for your air condi- tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for further warranty information. • The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be done by an experienced repairman.

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar- bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro- tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How- ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning service be performed by dealers or other service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment. Power Steering — Fluid Check Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici- pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified DaimlerChrysler Dealership.⬙

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended power steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357

Front Suspension Ball Joints The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Steering Linkage — Inspection Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.

358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Front Prop Shaft Lubrication Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule for your vehicle (Schedule “A” and “B”). Use Mopar威 type MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.

Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting

Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot Bearings The front axle universal joint and pivot bearings are permanently lubricated and do not require servicing. Body Lubrication Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli- cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular attention should also be given to hood latching compo- nents to insure proper function. When performing other underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated. The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small

amount of a high quality lubricant such as Mopar威 Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder. Windshield Wiper Blades The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu- mulations of salt or road film. Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359

Windshield Washers The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra- diator antifreeze). To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating information can be found on most washer fluid containers.

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must be exercised when filling or working around the washer solution.

360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to paint or trim. Exhaust System The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com- plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes

to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol- low the preceding safety tips.

Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type Hanger — If Equipped Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. If, however, excessively deep localized cracks are present, or any part

of the exhaust system abnormally contacts the under- body hardware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced. Cooling System

Cooling System Maintenance At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules Section of the manual, the system should be drained, flushed and filled. Inspection Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant as specified. Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361

a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water from the back of the radiator core. Check coolant bottle tube for condition and tightness of connections at coolant bottle and radiator. Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the addition of a “winter front” for effective operation of the cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent- age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter front. Coolant bottle level check The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual method of determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal

362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

operating temperature, the level of the coolant on the coolant bottle should be between the fluid level marks. Check the coolant level whenever the hood is raised. The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no longer a need to remove the coolant pressure cap except for checking coolant freeze point or replacement with new antifreeze coolant.

WARNING!

Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to cool overheated engine! The coolant is under pres- sure and severe scalding could result.

Drain, Flush And Refill At intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to your dealer or consult a service manual for proper procedures. Adding Coolant When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below ⫺34°F (⫺37°C) are anticipated. Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.

It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the NOTE: proper level of protection against freezing according to the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated. NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant changes. When additional coolant is needed to maintain the proper level, add the recommended concentration of antifreeze and water to the overflow bottle. Do not overfill. NOTE: Failure to follow the antifreeze concentration and replacement recommendations, or failure to use antifreeze formulated to prevent corrosion of all cooling system metals, may result in radiator plugging, overheat- ing, or cooling system leaks such as in core hole plugs.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363

WARNING!

Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to cool an overheated engine. The coolant is under pressure and severe scalding could result.

Recommended Engine Coolant Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct Fluid type.

364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

• Mixing of coolants other than specified engine coolant, may result in engine damage, and de- crease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool- ant is introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, it should be replaced with the speci- fied coolant as soon as possible. • Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator. • This vehicle has not been designed for use with Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy- lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately. Coolant Pressure Cap The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant and to insure that coolant will return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank.

WARNING!

Fan

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365

Never add coolant when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.

CAUTION!

Recheck the cooling system to insure total system is full of coolant.

Inspection Check the fan for cracks and bent or broken blades. If any of these conditions exist, you must replace the fan. Make sure it is securely mounted. NOTE: This service procedure must be performed by a trained service technician. Make arrangements with your authorized Dodge Truck Dealer for this inspection. Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler) The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo- charger where it is pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed through a hose to the charge air cooler and through another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air entering the engine has been cooled by about 50 to 100

366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions. To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced engine performance. Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots, brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces- sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any heat source or moving component which may cause heat damage or mechanical wear.

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou- plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present. Components should be replaced immediately if there is any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure. 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

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367

“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. 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 Recommended 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.

368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Brake Hoses Inspection should be performed whenever the brake system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy- draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with possible burst failure. Clutch Linkage If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct type. Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.

lubricant

Clutch Hydraulic System The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the system must be replaced. Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level For Model 9.25 Front Axles and 10.5”/11.5” Rear Axles refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons, the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected. When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a level position. The fluid level should be 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4
mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25” Front Axle. The fluid level should be 3/4” ± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on all 10.5” and 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 11.5” Rear Axles.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

Drain And Refill Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated with water or subjected to severe service, follow the recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule “B” in Section 8 of this manual. Lubricant Selection Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in corrosion and possible failure of differential components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in some off-highway types of service, will require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage. Limited-Slip Differentials in vehicles equipped with 10.5”/11.5” Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).

370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Transfer Case — If Equipped

Fluid Level Check This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position. Lubricant Selection Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Fluid Level Check This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.

Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual Transmission — If Equipped If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid, be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. Automatic Transmission

Fluid Level Check The fluid level should be checked when the engine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans- mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level, the following procedure must be used: 1. The vehicle must be on level ground. 2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds. 3. Fully apply parking brake. 4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position ending with the lever in N (Neutral). 5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C) which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid can not be comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when fluid is between 85° - 125°F (29° - 52°C).

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371

6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Remove dipstick and note reading.

a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the crosshatched area marked “OK”. b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between the two holes. If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the proper level.

Fluid is added through the dipstick tube. NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is properly seated. Selection Of Lubricant Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.

372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac- turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturers recommended fluid will result in more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.

Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change To obtain best performance and long life for automatic transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main- tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and refilled as specified.

It is important that proper lubricant is used in the transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment and filter change should be made at the time of the oil change. The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8). Severe usage consists of: • Off-the-highway operation; • Trailer towing; • Snow plow operation; • Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in

hot weather.

If the transmission is disassembled for any