Dodge 2008 Ram 3500 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................77
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 167
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................247
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................377
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................397
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................479
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................499
10
INDEX ....................................................................509
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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
1

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
1

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
1

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
2

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