check engine DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2008 3.G Owner's Guide

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Fan
Inspection
Check the fan for cracks and bent or broken blades. If any
of these conditions exist, you must replace the fan. Make
sure it is securely mounted.NOTE:This service procedure must be performed by a
trained service technician. Make arrangements with your
authorized dealer for this inspection.
Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50 to 100
degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more
efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component that may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure.
If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and
should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set
properly. The fluid level should be checked when theengine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmis-
sion is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the
transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in PARK.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle's battery:
²Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (IOD) fuse
located in the Integrated Power Module, located in the
engine compartment. The IOD cavity includes a
snap-in retainer that allows the fuse to be discon-
nected, without removing it from the fuse block.
²The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
²As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
²Any time you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutesin the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until
fully seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do
a full sweep when the ignition key is cycled to RUN. This
is a normal condition.
NOTE:When the vehicle is shipped from the factory,
the IOD fuse is in the up, or extracted position. If the
radio, interior lamps, keyless entry, or other features do
not work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the instru-
ment cluster in the odometer window will display9NO
FUSE.º
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled maintenance services, listed inbold type
in this section (Section 8) must be done at the times or
mileages specified to assure the continued proper func-
tioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES Ð 6.7L TURBO
DIESEL
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 30 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
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take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Drain water from the fuel filter.
²Check Filter MinderŸ (If Equipped). Replace air
cleaner filter element if necessary.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the U-Joints (if equipped) and front suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4).
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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(Miles) (112,500) (120,000) (127,50) (135,000) (142,500) (150,000)
Kilometers 181 000 193 000 205 0000 217 000 229 000 241 000
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X XXXXX
Rotate tires. X XXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X XXXXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months,
if not replaced at 100,000 miles (161 000 km).***X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X X
Change transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. X X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
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Adding Fuel........................... 349
Adjustable Pedals....................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................419,452
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System................252,430
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 255
Air Filter.............................. 419
Air Pressure, Tires....................325,333
Airbag............................35,48,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,190
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,192
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 332
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 245Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............438,439
Capacities........................... 479
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............195,314
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,192
Appearance Care........................ 455
Ashtray............................... 162
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 146
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 85
Automatic Door Locks.................... 146
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission................... 447
Adding Fluid......................448,449
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 450
Fluid Level Check...................... 448
Fluid Type........................447,482
Shift Indicator........................ 192
506 INDEX