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

NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Steering Linkage Ð Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted all steering linkage joints
should be inspected for evidence of damage. If seals are
damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent leakage or
contamination of the grease.
Front Prop Shaft Lubrication
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate maintenance schedule
for your vehicle. Use Moparttype MS-6560 (lithium
based grease), or equivalent.
Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball Joints
The front axle universal joint and ball joints are perma-
nently lubricated and do not require servicing.
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
27 40 Amp
GreenPower Seats
28 10 Amp
RedPower Run/Start-
PCM/Steering Angle
Sensor
29 10 Amp
Red4X4 Switch/Pass Dr
Switch/EC Mirror
30 15 Amp
BluePower Run/Start-
ABS/RWAL/Smart
Bar/YAW Sensor/
Universal Exhaust
Gas Oxygen (Uego)
Sensor Controller
31 10 Amp
RedPCM (Gas)/TCM
(Diesel 58RFE)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
32 10 Amp
RedPower Ignition Run
Ð Adjustable Pedals
LED
33 10 Amp
RedPower-IGN Run Ð
HVAC
34 Ð Ð
35 15 Amp
BlueCabin Compartment
Node (CCN) Illumi-
nation
36 25 Amp
NaturalAudio_Amplifier
37 15 Amp
BlueVariable Gate Turbo
(VGT) Ð Turbo Die-
sel
38 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet IP
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent.Limited slip additive is not re-
quired.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Shifting............................. 285
Special Additives...................... 450
Autostick............................. 192
Axle Fluid..........................446,482
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 446
Ball Joints............................. 431
Battery............................... 428
Blanket..........................277,430
Emergency Starting..................... 397
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 130
Bearings.............................. 450
Belts, Drive............................ 418
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Builders Guide....................... 7
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 433
B-Pillar Location........................ 320
Brake Fluid............................ 482Brake System........................312,443
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 313
Disc Brakes.......................... 443
Fluid Check.......................... 444
Hoses.............................. 445
Master Cylinder....................... 444
Parking............................. 310
Warning Light........................ 194
Bulb Replacement....................... 466
Bulbs, Light............................ 465
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 474
Calibration, Compass..................... 150
Camper............................... 179
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 479
Capacities, Fluid........................ 479
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 415
Power Steering........................ 431
INDEX 507
10

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 437
Inspection........................... 440
Points to Remember.................... 441
Pressure Cap......................... 439
Radiator Cap......................... 439
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........438,480
Temperature Gauge..................... 191
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 139
Cup Holder............................ 163
Customer Assistance..................... 497
Data Recorder, Event...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights................... 132
Dealer Service.......................... 410
Defroster, Rear Window.................87,173
Defroster, Windshield................77,251,253
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 136
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 283
Diesel Fuel............................ 348Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 348
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 306
Dipsticks.............................. 413
Power Steering........................ 431
Disc Brakes............................ 443
Disposal.............................. 418
Engine Oil........................... 418
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 440
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Door Opener, Garage..................... 151
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 422
Drive Belts............................ 418
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 307
Dual Rear Wheels.....................337,394
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 241
INDEX 509
10

Fan .................................. 442
Filters
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)......... 426
Engine Oil.....................413,416,480
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 133
Flat Tire Stowage.....................386,396
Fluid, Brake........................... 482
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 444
Manual Transmission.................446,447
Power Steering........................ 431
Transfer Case......................... 446
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Lights.......................132,193,469
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 384Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 400
Front Axle (Differential)................432,446
Fuel..............................348,349
Adding............................. 349
Diesel.........................348,349,480
Gauge.............................. 199
Light............................... 199
Requirements......................... 348
Specifications......................... 349
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuses................................ 459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 151
Gauges............................... 189
Coolant Temperature.................... 191
Fuel................................ 199
Oil Pressure.......................... 191
Speedometer......................... 190
Tachometer.......................... 190
INDEX 511
10

Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 433
Lug Nuts............................. 392
Lumbar Support........................ 119
Maintenance........................... 410
Maintenance Procedures................... 412
Maintenance Schedule.................... 484
Manual, Service......................... 501
Manual Transmission..................291,447
Fluid Level Check...................446,447
Lubricant Selection..................... 482
Shift Speeds.......................... 292
Map/Reading Lights..................... 142
Mirrors................................ 84
Automatic Dimming..................... 85Electric Powered....................... 86
Outside.............................. 85
Rearview............................. 84
Trailer Towing......................87,370
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 338
Mopar Parts.........................409,500
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 133
Navigation Radio........................ 238
Navigation System....................... 238
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 74
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 452
Tampering Prohibited................... 452
Noise Emission Warranty...............451,453
Occupant Restraints....................... 35
Odometer..........................192,199
INDEX 515
10

Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 320
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 459
Door Locks........................... 27
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 160
Seats............................... 119
Sliding Rear Window.................34,173
Steering..........................315,431
Sunroof............................. 158
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 482
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features............ 146
Radial Ply Tires......................... 327
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 439Radio Broadcast Signals................... 200
Radio, Navigation....................... 238
Radio Operation...................202,210,224
Radio Remote Controls.................... 246
Radio, Satellite.......................239,241
Radio (Sound Systems)..............202,210,224
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 446
Rear Seat, Folding....................121,123
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Rear Window Features.................... 173
Rear Window, Sliding...................34,174
Reclining Front Seats..................... 117
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 121
Recorder, Event Data...................... 59
Recreational Towing...................... 375
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....376,378
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 377,380
Refrigerant............................ 431
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
INDEX 517
10

Starting Procedures...................... 268
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines).......... 268
Steering
Linkage............................. 432
Power...........................315,431
Wheel Lock........................... 18
Wheel, Tilt........................... 137
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 246
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 167
Storage Compartment, Center Seat.........167,168
Storage, Vehicle......................... 464
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 464
Sun Roof.............................. 158
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 333
Synthetic Engine Oil...................277,415
System, Navigation...................... 238
Tachometer............................ 190Tailgate............................... 179
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............65,69
Tilt Steering Column..................... 137
Tire and Loading Information Placard......320,333
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 319
Tire Markings.......................... 316
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Placard
ªHIº (MAX) Load Switch.................. 187
Tire Safety Information.................... 316
Tires ............................78,324,503
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 330
Air Pressure.......................... 324
Alignment........................... 332
Chains.............................. 333
Changing............................ 386
Compact Spare........................ 328
Dual............................337,394
General Information.................... 324
High Speed.......................... 327
520 INDEX