Dodge 2008 Ram 3500 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

INTRODUCTION

.............................................................3

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................9

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

...............................77

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

................................... 167

STARTING AND OPERATING

.................................................247

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

...............................................377

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................................397

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

..................................................479

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

..........................................499

INDEX

....................................................................509

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

mIntroduction ...........................4

mA Message From DaimlerChrysler Corporation –

Diesel Engines Only ......................4

mHow To Use This Manual ..................5

mWarnings And Cautions ...................7

mVan Conversions/Campers .................7

mVehicle Identification Number ...............8

mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8

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.

A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER

CORPORATION – DIESEL ENGINES ONLY

DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome

you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-

powered truck owner.

Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United

States and Canada are diesel powered because of the fuel

economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-

mits 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 6.7 liter, Turbo-

charged, 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

4 INTRODUCTION

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.

Consult the following table for a description of the

symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout

this owner’s manual:

INTRODUCTION 5

6 INTRODUCTION

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.

VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS

The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body

modifications or special equipment installed by van

conversion/camper manufacturers/ body builders. See

the Warranty information book, Section 2.1.C. 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.

For information on the Body Builders Guide go to:

www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-

mensional and technical specifications for Dodge trucks.

It is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical

support. For service issues, contact your Dodge dealer.

INTRODUCTION 7

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the

left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through

the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-

mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window

on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.

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.

Vehicle Identification Number

8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

mA Word About Your Keys ..................12

▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12

▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14

mSentry Key ............................15

▫Replacement Keys ......................16

▫Customer Key Programming ..............17

▫General Information ....................18

mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........18

▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering

Wheel ..............................18

▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18

▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock

System ..............................19

mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........19

▫Rearming Of The System .................19

▫To Set The Alarm ......................19

▫To Disarm The System ...................20

mIlluminated Entry System — If Equipped .......20

mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........21

▫To Unlock The Doors ...................21

▫To Lock The Doors .....................22

▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................24

▫General Information ....................24

▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............25

mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........26

mDoor Locks ............................27

▫Manual Door Locks — If Equipped .........27

▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........28

▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............31

mWindows .............................32

▫Power Windows – If Equipped .............32

▫Power Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped ....34

▫Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped .........34

▫Wind Buffeting ........................34

mOccupant Restraints ......................35

▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................35

▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....43

▫Automatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode –

If Equipped ..........................43

▫Center Lap Belts .......................44

▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................45

▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................45

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............47

▫Seat Belt Extender ......................47

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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