DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Use the Jump Start Procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If charge indicator (if equipped) has a green
dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of
booster battery and the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the discharged battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 391
6

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
392 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE
(automatic transmissions) and between 1st and RE-
VERSE (manual transmissions), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 393
6

In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
394 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious
injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer's instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicleÐnot to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395
6

4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE:The Transfer Case must be in the neutral posi-
tion, and the transmission must be in Park (Automatic
Transmission), or in gear (Manual Transmission) to tow a
4WD vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.2±Wheel- Drive Vehicles
Provided that transmission is operable, tow on a flatbed
or with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a
dolly.
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....400
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......401
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........402
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............402
mReplacement Parts......................403
mEngine Data Plate......................403
mDealer Service.........................403
mService Information.....................404
mMaintenance Procedures..................406NEngine Oil..........................406
NDrive Belts (Gas Engines)...............413
NDrive Belt (Diesel Engines)..............413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines).....413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)....414
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel
Engines)............................417
NEngine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)...........420
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............420
7

NCatalytic Converter (Gas Engines).........420
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(Diesel Engines Only)..................422
NEmission-Related Components (Gas Engines) . . 425
NMaintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines).....425
NMaintenance Free Batteries (Diesel Engines) . . . 426
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............427
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............428
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............429
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............429
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............430
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And
Ball Joints...........................430NBody Lubrication.....................430
NWindshield Wiper Blades................431
NWindshield Washers...................431
NExhaust System......................432
NCooling System.......................433
NFan ...............................439
NCharge Air Cooler Ð Inter-Cooler
(Diesel Engines)......................439
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
NFuel System Connections................440
NBrake System........................440
NClutch Hydraulic System................443
NClutch Linkage.......................443
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................443
NTransfer Case Ð If Equipped.............445
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......445
NAutomatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only) . . . 446
NAutomatic Transmission (Diesel Engine
Only)..............................448
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........451
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................451
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................457
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........462mVehicle Storage........................467
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................468
mBulb Replacement......................468
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................468
NFog Lights..........................472
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....473
mFluid And Capacities....................474
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........476
NEngine.............................476
NChassis............................478
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE