Dodge 2004 Ram 2500 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................71
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...................................137
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................199
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................295
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................317
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................383
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................401
10
INDEX ....................................................................411
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2
3
4
5
6
7
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10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mA Message From DaimlerChrysler Corporation . . . 4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................5
mWarnings And Cautions ...................5
mVan Conversions/Campers .................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........7
1

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 Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
4 INTRODUCTION

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 5.9 liter, Turbocharged,
Charge Air Cooled, Diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple to
follow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
Thank you for choosing the Dodge Ram truck with
Cummins Turbo Diesel power.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
INTRODUCTION 5
1

VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/ body builders. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac-
turer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment in-
stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your selling dealer for assis-
tance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on a
stamped plate located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient
record of your vehicle identification number and optional
equipment.
6 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................11
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................11
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped ................11
mIgnition And Steering Lock .................14
▫Manual Transmissions ...................14
▫Automatic Transmissions .................15
mDoor Key .............................16
mDoor Locks ............................16
▫Manual Locks .........................16
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........17
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............21
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........22
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................23
▫To Lock The Doors .....................24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........26
▫General Information ....................27
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............28
2

mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........29
▫Rearming Of The System .................29
▫To Set The Alarm ......................29
▫To Disarm The System ...................30
mWindows .............................31
▫Power Windows—If Equipped .............31
▫Sliding Rear Window—If Equipped .........32
▫Wind Buffeting ........................33
mOccupant Restraints ......................33
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................34
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....41
▫Automatic Locking Mode (If Equipped) ......41
▫Center Lap Belts .......................42
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................42
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ...........................43
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............44
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................44
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)—Airbag ............45
▫Child Restraint ........................55
mNew Engine Break-In .....................67
mSafety Tips ............................68
▫Transporting Passengers .................68
▫Lock Your Vehicle ......................69
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................69
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................70
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................70
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE