Dodge 2500 Diesel (2005 year). Manual — part 19

under the bumper. This connector contains the follow-
ing vehicle circuits: park/tail lamps, left stop/turn
lamp, right stop/turn lamp, and ground. With the
optional Trailer Tow Prep package a 7-way connector
is provided with the following additional circuits:
backup lamp, trailer battery and electric brake.

NOTE:

Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory

harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake
circuits.

• Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60%

to 65% of the weight in front of the axle(s). Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can
cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which
will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure
to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many
trailer accidents. (For a

⬙5th Wheel⬙ style trailer, this

range of loading on the

⬙King Pin⬙ should be between

15% and 25%.)

• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and

will not shift during travel. When towing cargo such
as livestock, dynamic load shifts can occur that require
the driver to maintain attention.

Trailer Towing — Hitches
With a Class I Hitch, your vehicle can be equipped to tow
trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) maximum.

With a Class II Hitch, your vehicle can be equipped to
tow trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of 3,500
lbs (1 587 kg) maximum. Tongue weight must be equal to
at least 10% of GTW, but no more than 15% of GTW.

With a Class III Hitch, your vehicle can be equipped to
tow trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of 5,000
lbs (2 268 kg) maximum. Factory-installed rear step
bumpers are rated a Class III hitch. Tongue weight must
be equal to at least 10% of the gross trailer weight (GTW),
but no more than 15% of the GTW.

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A frame mounted hitch of up to Class IV rating, as rated
by the hitch manufacturer, is supplied as part of the
trailer tow prep package. With a Class IV Hitch, you can
tow a trailer with a Gross Trailer Weight of up to 12,000
lbs (5 443 kg) maximum depending on your vehicle
equipment. Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10%
of the gross trailer weight (GTW), but no more than 15%
of the GTW.

Connecting Trailer Lighting And Electric Trailer
Brakes

NOTE:

A 4-way trailer tow connector, located behind

the bumper, is standard equipment on all Ram pickup
models. This connector contains the following vehicle
circuits: park/tail lamps, left stop/turn lamp, right stop/
turn lamp, and ground. With the optional Trailer Tow
Prep package a 7-way connector is also provided with the
following additional circuits: backup lamp, trailer battery
and electric brake.

NOTE:

There is also a 4–way connector located under

the instrument panel, located to the left of the brake
pedal that is used for the electric brake. This connector
contains the following vehicle circuits; power ground,
battery, stop lamp switch and electric brake feed. The
4–way is optional with the trailer tow prep package.

CAUTION!

Adding lights or electrical devices to the headlamp/
park lamp circuit can be accomplished by connecting
to the standard 4-way trailer tow connector located
behind the rear bumper. The maximum current ca-
pacity for the park lamp circuit should not exceed 15
amps total (a typical park lamp bulb can draw from
0.5 to 1.0 amperes of current).
No connections can be made to the headlamp switch
itself, because it is not designed for high current
applications. Connections to the headlamp switch
will cause the exterior lights to malfunction.

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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%

to 65% of the weight located ahead of the trailer axle(s)
sufficiently to place 10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

N (Neutral) and increase the engine idle speed.

• 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.

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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

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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.

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 2005 Dodge Truck Body
Builders Guide.

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

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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

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.

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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.

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.

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• 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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)

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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).

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.

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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 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.

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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.

NOTE:

Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

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