steering DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2008 3.G User Guide

To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located below the steering wheel at
the base of the instrument panel. Once the hood is
released you must reach into the opening beneath the
center of the grille and push up the latch to release the
safety catch before raising the hood.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center of
the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are latched fully before
driving.
Secondary Latch
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Light Ð If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned ON by pressing on the
CARGO button. The interior lights will also turn on
when the cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also
turn ON for 30 seconds when a key fob UNLOCK is
pressed, as part of the illuminated entry feature.
Multifunction Control Lever
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
Cargo Light Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
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You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down.Turn Signal Auto Mode
Tap the multifunction control lever once and the turn
signal (left or right) will flash three times, and automati-
cally turn off.
Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction control lever fully toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from HIGH or
LOW beam.
Turn Signal Lever
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

while in the OFF position, the wiper will wipe approxi-
mately three wipes after the wash knob is released.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, pull rearward on the lever below the
turn signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Push the lever forward to lock the column firmly
in place.
Tilt Steering Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
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WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10 in
(254 mm) away from the airbag located in the center of
the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, in the
direction you desire to move the pedals.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
REVERSE or when the Electronic Speed Control is SET.
CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal's path.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tion at speeds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h). The
controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
Electronic Speed Control Buttons
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
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Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals: AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary; and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and 6-disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned OFF. Opening a vehicle front
door will cancel this feature.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
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REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.The right-hand control is a rocker type switch with a
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume. The center button of the
right-hand control will allow you to change the mode.
The left-hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. The function of the left-hand control
is different, depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left-hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the left side switch will seek up for the
next listenable station and pressing the bottom of the
switch will seek down for the next listenable station.
The button located in the center of the left-hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set push-buttons.
Remote Sound System Controls
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

mManual Transmission....................291
NShifting............................291
NDownshifting........................293
NReverse Shifting......................294
mFour±Wheel Drive Operation Ð If Equipped . . . 294
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................294
NShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................297
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............298
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................299
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................303mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......306
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............307
mDriving Through Water..................307
NFlowing/Rising Water..................307
NShallow Standing Water.................308
mDriving Off-Road.......................309
mParking Brake.........................310
mBrake System..........................312
NBrake Noise.........................312
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........313
mPower Steering........................315
mTire Safety Information...................316
NTire Markings........................316
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
(68RFE) Ð If Equipped
The gear selector lever display located in the instrument
panel cluster indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal to pull the selector
lever out of PARK position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from PARK or NEUTRAL
to the desired DRIVE position. Pull the selector lever
toward you when shifting into REVERSE, SECOND,
FIRST or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.PARK
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place the selector in PARK position. On 4-wheel
drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive
position!
WARNING!
Never use PARK position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
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