RAM 2500 Diesel (2007 year). Instruction — part 22

WARNING!

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for

wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.

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WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that

specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.

• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,

other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-

equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.

Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:

• Fast tire wear.
• Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided

wear.

• Vehicle pull to right or left.

Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.

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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
— IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.

TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.

NOTE:

Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,

as recommended by the chain manufacturer.

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:

• Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other

suspension components, it is important that only chains in good
condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain
before further use.

• Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after

driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).

• Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,

especially with a loaded vehicle.

• Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
• Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method of

installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage. Always
use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufac-
turer if different than the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.

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These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.

Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of Ram
4X2 trucks.

NOTE:

The use of class “U” chains is permitted on the

front and rear of 4X4, 2500 Ram Trucks with LT245/
70R17E tires.

NOTE:

The use of class “U” chains is permitted on the

front and rear of 4X4, 3500 Ram Trucks with Dual Rear
Wheels and LT235/80R17E tires.

NOTE:

On 4X2 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, class “U” snow

chains are permitted on the rear wheels only of vehicles
equipped with LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17, and LT235/
80R17 size tires.

NOTE:

On 4X4 2500/3500 Single Rear Wheel (SRW)

Ram Trucks, class “U” snow chains are permitted on the
rear wheels only of vehicles equipped with LT265/70R17.

CAUTION!

Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Ram trucks equipped
with P265/70R17, LT275/70R17 tires. There may not
be adequate clearance for the chains and you are
risking structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do
not use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of
2500/3500 SRW (Single Rear Wheels) equipped with
LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17 tires or 4X4 front tires of
Ram Trucks equipped with LT265/70R17tires. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and you
are risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.

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SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.

While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.

TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.

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Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this instruction. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.

NOTE:

On Canadian vehicles only, if your Ram truck is

equipped with All-Season type tires on the front and
ON/OFF Road type tires mounted on the rear, do not use
a front to back rotation pattern. Instead, rotate your tires
side to side at the recommended intervals.

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Dual Rear Wheels

The tires used on dual wheel assemblies should be
matched for wear to prevent overloading one tire in a set.
To check if tires are even, lay a straight edge across all
four tires. The straight edge should touch all the tires.

CAUTION!

3500 Dual Rear Tires have only one approved direc-
tion of rotation. This is to accommodate the asym-
metrical design (tread pattern) of the ON/OFF road
tire and the use of Outline White Letter (OWL) tires.
• When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to

be remounted on the rim or installed at a different
location to maintain the correct placement of the
tire on the wheel relative to the tire/wheel position
on the truck. For example, if the spare is used to
replace an outer rear tire it will have to be re-
mounted on the rim so that the wheel is dished
inward. That way the tread design of asymmetrical
tires and the white writing of the OWL tires will
maintain proper position.

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ENGINE RUNAWAY

WARNING!

In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from gasoline spills or turbocharger oil leaks being
sucked into the engine do the following to help avoid
personal injury and/or vehicle damage:

1. Shut off engine ignition switch.

2. Using a CO

2

or dry chemical type fire extin-

guisher, direct the spray from the fire extinguisher
into the grille on the passenger side so that the spray
enters the engine air intake.

The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind the
passenger side headlamp and receives air through the
grille

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Fuel Requirements (5.9L Diesel Engine)
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier.
For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-975 will provide good perfor-
mance. If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 20
degrees F or -7 degrees C), or is required to operate at
colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged periods,
use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel
fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel
filters.

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WARNING!

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

Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated
water from the fuel/water separator using the fuel/
water separator drain provided. Use an approved fuel
container to catch drainage and dispose of per local and
governmental regulations.

If you buy good quality fuel

and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel condition-
ers should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer
improved cold-starting and warm-up performance.

Fuel Specifications
The Cummins Turbocharged, Charge Air Cooled, Diesel
engine has been developed to take advantage of the high
energy content and generally lower cost No. 2 diesel fuel
or No. 2 climatized diesel fuels. Experience has shown
that it also operates on No. 1 diesel fuels or other fuels
within specification.

NOTE:

This vehicle is fully compatible with biodiesel

blends up to 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specification
D-6751.

NOTE:

In addition, commercially available fuel addi-

tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.

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NOTE:

DaimlerChrysler recommends the use of Ultra

Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maxi-
mum) wherever it is available. Your vehicle is also
capable of operation on Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel
(500 ppm maximum) without the risk of damage to the
emissions control system. Although labels on retail Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel station pumps may state that
the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel is prohibited
on MY 2007 and later vehicles, the United States Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency recognizes that this par-
ticular 2007 MY vehicle may be operated on either Low
or Ultra Low Sulfur Highway diesel fuel. Please note,
however, that other 2007 MY vehicles may be equipped
with different emissions control systems and may be
operated only with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel
fuel (reference www.cleandiesel.org).

NOTE:

No. 1 diesel fuel should only be used where

extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.

Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines)
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15
ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum)
to avoid damage to the emissions control system. For
most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 Grade S15 will provide good perfor-
mance. If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below
20°F or -7°C), or is required to operate at colder-than-
normal conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized
No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from
fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.

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WARNING!

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

Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in your area,
a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.

Fuel Specifications
The Cummins Turbocharged, Charge Air Cooled, Diesel
engine has been developed to take advantage of the high
energy content and generally lower cost No. 2 Ultra Low
Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur climatized
diesel fuels. Experience has shown that it also operates
on No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuels or other fuels
within specification.

NOTE:

A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting

ASTM specification D-6751 may be used with your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.

NOTE:

In addition, commercially available fuel addi-

tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.

NOTE:

No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only

be used where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C)
exist.

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ADDING FUEL (DIESEL ENGINES)

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel

tank is full.

• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.

This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.

• Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each time the

vehicle is refueled.

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.

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is

running.

Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
(See Section 7 for Maintenance Procedures).

NOTE:

Climatized diesel fuel is a blend of Number 2

and Number 1 Diesel fuel which reduces the temperature
at which wax crystals form in the fuel.

Bulk Fuel Storage
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” These
microbes form “slime” that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.

NOTE:

When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of

fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.

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You may try priming as described below. However, if the
engine will not start, refer to the fuel priming procedure
in the Service Instruction or have the vehicle towed to an
authorized Dodge dealer.

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 20 seconds.
After 20 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.

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VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and

rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.

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Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.

Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.

Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.

The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.

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