RAM 2500 Diesel (2007 year). Manual — part 24

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

WARNING!

Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in an acci-
dent. 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.

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Before plowing

• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid

level.

• Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-

ness.

• 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-

tioning properly.

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the current Dodge Body
Builders Guide.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.

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.

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Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and reset if
necessary at 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.

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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.

• 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.

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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Recreational Towing – 2 Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing of 2 Wheel Drive models is not
allowed.

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground can

result in severe transmission damage.

Recreational Towing – 4 Wheel Drive Models

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these requirements can cause severe
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.

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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.

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.

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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)

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. Apply the parking brake.

3. Shut OFF the engine.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.

6. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.

7. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).

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) po-
sition disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to
move regardless of the transmission position. The
parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.

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5

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 recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut OFF the engine.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.

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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.

NOTE:

Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

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.

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NOTE:

Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

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. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.

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).

NOTE:

The transfer case can not be shifted into Neutral

(N) from the 4Auto (if equipped) position.

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NOTE:

Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

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.

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.

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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.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

▫ All Models – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

䡵 Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388

▫ Removing The Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
▫ Tire Changing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

䡵 Hoisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

䡵 Jump-Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

▫ With Portable Starting Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402

䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
䡵 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 403
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

▫ 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
▫ 2–Wheel- Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
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.

Hazard Light Warning Switch

386

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The

vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put 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.

• 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. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

All Models – If Equipped
The jack and jack tools are stored under the front
passenger seat. Lift the flap on the side of the seat for
access.

Remove the jack and tools by removing the wing bolt and
sliding the assembly from under the seat.

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6

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.

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS

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 counterclockwise
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.

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.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES