RAM 2500 Diesel (2007 year). Instruction — part 17

snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is on.
Press the button a second time to turn the air condition-
ing off.

Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.

The mode control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:

NOTE:

To improve your selection choices, the system

allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.

Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level)

Select the recirculation modes when
the outside air contains smoke, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows
through the panel only or through
both the panel and floor vents depend-

ing on the selected mode (panel vs bi-level).

NOTE:

Selecting a “Recirculation Mode” mode does not

necessarily consume more fuel than normal A/C mode.

Panel

Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel.

Bi-Level

Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and at the floor.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Floor

Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.

Mix

Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets, and the air conditioning
may be on.

Defrost

Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of

the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the
edge of each side of the instrument panel, and the air
conditioning may be on.

Blower Control

The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.

Temperature Control

The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

261

4

Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.

Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use. To
remove frost from the side windows, it is best to use the
full defrost mode.

NOTE:

When you turn off the engine you may hear a

hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.

Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature
Control — If Equipped
With the Dual Zone Temperature Control System, each
front seat occupant can independently control the tem-
perature of air coming from the outlets on their side of
the vehicle.

Dual Zone Control Head

262

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning and Heating Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning, set the fan control at any
speed and press the snowflake button located on the
control panel. Conditioned air will be directed through
the outlets selected by the mode control. A light in the
snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is on.
Press the button a second time to turn the air condition-
ing off.

A/C Pushbutton

With the fan control in the ON posi-
tion, pushing the A/C button turns on
the air conditioning compressor. An
indicator light on the button shows
that the Air Conditioning compressor
is on. Conditioned air is now directed
through the mode outlets selected.

Pushing the button a second time turns the compressor
OFF.

Recirculation Pushbutton

Pushing the Recirculation button al-
lows interior air to recirculate continu-
ously in any position except defrost
and defrost/floor mode for rapid cool
down of the interior. See “Fast
Cooldown” later in this section.

Mode Control

The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

263

4

NOTE:

To improve your selection choices, the system

allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots and give an even blend of both
modes.

Panel

Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to

direct the airflow.

Bi-Level

Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and those located on the floor.

NOTE:

There is a difference in temperature between the

upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.

Heat

Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.

Mix

Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.

264

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Defrost

Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of

the windshield and side window demist outlets.

NOTE:

The air conditioning compressor operates in

both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if
the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies
the air to help dry the windshield.

Blower Control

The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.

Dual Zone Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air
inside the passenger compartment. This is accomplished
by having separate temperature control slides for both
the driver and front passenger. The blue area of the scale
indicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates
warmer temperatures.

Dual Zone Temperature Control

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

265

4

Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.

Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use.

NOTE:

When you turn off the engine you may hear a

hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.

Rear Air Duct—Mega Cab Only

The rear seat will receive air flow in all modes except for
Defrost.

The rear air duct is designed to be pointed up when in
A/C mode, and pointed down in Heat mode.

Mega Cab Rear Air Duct

266

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips

Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, turn the blower fan rotary knob to
the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the
panel fresh position, press the snowflake button to turn
on the air conditioning, and drive with the windows
open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been
expelled, close the windows and press the Recirculation
push-button. When a comfortable condition has been
reached, choose a mode position and adjust the tempera-
ture control slide and blower speed as necessary to
maintain comfort. For high humidity conditions it may
be necessary to remain in the Recirculation mode to
maintain comfort.

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool

temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.

As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.

Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

267

4

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.

When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.

NOTE:

On models equipped with Diesel engines, the

idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.

Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.

Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.

268

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

269

4

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures – Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . 275

▫ Instruction Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . . . 275
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . 276
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold

Airtemperature Above 66°F (19°C) . . . . . . . . . 276

▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air

Temperature Below 66°F (19°C) . . . . . . . . . . . 277

▫ Starting Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

䡵 Normal Operation (Diesel Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . 281

▫ Cold Weather Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
▫ Engine Idling — In Cold Weather . . . . . . . . . . 286
▫ Stopping The Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
▫ Engine Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
▫ Operating Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
▫ Cooling System Tips —

Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

䡵 Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

5

䡵 Transmission Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive

(68RFE) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive

(48RE) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

䡵 Instruction Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

▫ Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

䡵 Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 306

▫ Instructionly Shifted Transfer Case Operating

Information/Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306

▫ Shifting Procedure - Instructionly Shifted

Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308

▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating

Information/Precautions–If Equipped . . . . . . . 310

▫ Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted

Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

䡵 Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped . . . . . . . 317
䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
䡵 Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

▫ Brake Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . . . . 322

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

272

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 329
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 330

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

䡵 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

▫ Dual Rear Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

䡵 Engine Runaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

▫ Fuel Requirements (5.9L Diesel Engine) . . . . . . 348
▫ Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines) . . . . . 350

䡵 Adding Fuel (Diesel Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

STARTING AND OPERATING

273

5

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum

Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . 371

䡵 Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

▫ Before Plowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
▫ Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . . 374
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow

Attached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

▫ Methods For Removing Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
▫ Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
▫ General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

▫ Recreational Towing –

2 Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

▫ Recreational Towing –

4 Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

274

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES – DIESEL ENGINES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.

WARNING!

Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.

Instruction Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.

STARTING AND OPERATING

275

5

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.

The Cummins Diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:

• The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed

in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.

NOTE:

The engine block heater cord is a factory in-

stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopar

威 dealer.

• A 12–volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids

in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.

• A heated intake air system both improves engine

starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.

Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
AirTemperature Above 66°F (19°C)
Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster lights when start-
ing the engine.

1. Always apply the parking brake.

2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. Fully
depress and hold the clutch and shift into NEUTRAL for
a instruction transmission. Models with instruction transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.

276

STARTING AND OPERATING