check engine DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2008 3.G User Guide

17. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for
five seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If
the bulb does not come on during starting, have the
condition investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
22. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.23. Water In Fuel Indicator
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure.
24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Ð If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. Refer to ªDrain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L Diesel Engine)º
under ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)
NOTE:The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. When certain engine
temperatures fall below 66ÉF (19ÉC) the lights will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
²The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture).
²After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the
ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator
during starting.
²After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
²Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until
the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat
cycle.
²Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
NOTE:If the engine stalls or if the ignition switch is left
ON for more than two minutes after the WAIT TO START
light goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to OFF for at least five seconds and then
back ON. Repeat steps 3 through 7 of the normal starting
procedure.
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5

Starting Fluids
WARNING!
STARTING FLUIDS or flammable liquids are
NEVER TO BE USED in the CumminstDiesel (see
Warning label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable
liquid, starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner
canister, air intake piping, or turbocharger inlet in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a
flash fire and explosion causing serious personal
injury and engine damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
NORMAL OPERATION (DIESEL ENGINE)
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
²All message center lights are off.
²Check Engine Lamp is off.
²Engine Oil Pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
²Low Oil Pressure light is off.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever back and forth without first
pulling it toward you after you have set it in PARK.
Make sure it is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.REVERSE
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift to NEUTRAL when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
Drive range provides underdrive 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears,
direct 4th gear and overdrive 5th and 6th gears. The shift
into overdrive 5th and 6th gear occurs only after the
transmission has completed the shift into 4th gear. No
other movement of the shift mechanism is required to
complete the 4±5 or 5±6 gear shifts.
The 4th and 5th gear upshifts occurs automatically unless
the Tow/Haul mode is enabled.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
²Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
²Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
²Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
CAUTION!
²Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle's drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAULº feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or downshift the transmission (using the
Auto-6 [ERS] switch).
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
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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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 373
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
mReplacement Parts......................409
mEngine Data Plate......................410
mAuthorized Dealer Service................410
mService Information.....................410
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413
NDrive Belt...........................418NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engines)............................419
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L
Diesel Engine).......................422
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(6.7L Diesel Engines Only)...............425
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............428
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............430
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............431
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