Light load DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
It is the driver 's responsibility to change to the max
load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning
threshold condition when not driving in the light
load condition as defined as two occupants ( 150 lbs
each) plus 200 pounds of cargo. The vehicle ªLight
Load Definitionº is found in the Supplemental Tire
Pressure Information label located on the rear face of
the driver door. Failure to do so may cause you to lose
control resulting in an accident, causing serious or
fatal injury.
To switch back to the max load inflation pressure (cold)
low pressure warning threshold, press the ªLight Loadº
reset switch. It is not necessary to first fill the tires to the
max load inflation pressure (cold) values to switch the
TPMS system to the max load inflation pressure (cold)low pressure warning threshold. If after pressing the
ªLight Loadº reset switch and tire pressures are below
the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure
warning thresholds, the TPMS low pressure warning
telltale lamp located in the Instrument Cluster will turn
ON and a chime will sound. The tire pressures are now
required to be inflated to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) values described on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. The Tire and Loading Information label is
located on the drivers side B-pillar. If the ªLight Loadº
reset switch LED turns OFF the TPMS has been reset and
the TPMS is using the max load inflation pressure (cold)
low pressure warning thresholds.
Tire Pressure Monitor System Components
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) consists of
the following components:
²Receiver Module
²4 Wheel Sensors
²2 Trigger Modules (mounted in the front wheel-wells)
²ªLight Loadº Reset Switch (located in the instrument
panel)
²Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this
occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle and inflate
each tire to the vehicle's recommended cold placard
pressure value. The system will automatically update
and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Lamp will extinguish
once the updated tire pressures have been received. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Warning Light
located in the Instrument Cluster will flash on and off for
75 seconds and will remain on solid when a system fault
is detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. If
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
5

allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasolines sold in the United States are required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully-loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry
Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Fifth Wheel/
GooseneckGreater than 10,000 lbs (4540
kg)
Refer to ªTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)º for the website address that con-
tains the necessary information for your specific driv-
etrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
NOTE:For additional trailer towing information (maxi-
mum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
²http:// www.dodge.com/towing.
²http:// www.dodge.ca(Canada).
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
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 HAUL OD/OFFº feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 399
5

Before Plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tightness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4 mm
to13 mm) above ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability
For Detailed Information Visit www.dodge.com or refer
to the Current Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide.
1. The 1500 models are NOT available for snowplow
applications.
2. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.3. The total GVWR, or the Front GAWR, or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
4. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver's side door opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and reset if
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

Filters
Air Cleaner........................455,481
Engine Fuel.......................... 455
Engine Oil........................454,510
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 453
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 139
Flat Tire Stowage.....................422,433
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 380
Engine Oil........................... 380
Fuel Requirements..................377,379
Replacement Parts..................... 381
Starting............................. 380
Flooded Engine Starting................... 280
Fluid, Brake............................ 511
Fluid Capacities......................... 508
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 477Brake............................... 472
Power Steering........................ 460
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 510
Fog Lights.......................138,201,498
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 179
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 416
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 437
Front Axle (Differential)................... 474
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 479
Fuel................................. 371
Adding............................. 375
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 377
Filter............................... 455
Gauge.............................. 207
Hoses.............................. 471
Octane Rating......................371,510
Requirements......................371,508
System Hoses......................... 471
INDEX 537
10

Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 48
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 139
Lap Belts.............................. 45
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 66
Life of Tires............................ 354
ªLight Loadº Reset Switch (TPMS).........193,365
Lights..............................80,134
Airbag............................59,197
Anti-Lock Warning..................202,322
Brake Warning........................ 202
Bulb Replacement...................494,495
Cap Top Clearance..................... 503
Cargo .............................. 138
Center Mounted Stop................... 502
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 201Courtesy/Reading..................... 149
Cruise.............................. 208
Daytime Running...................... 137
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 505
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator...........................204,333
Fog ..........................138,201,498
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 298
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 416
Headlights........................... 136
High Beam........................140,197
High Beam Indicator.................... 197
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 140
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 196
Intensity Control....................... 135
Interior..........................135,149
Lights On Reminder.................... 138
Passing............................. 140
540 INDEX

Seat Belt Reminder..................... 197
Service...........................494,495
Side Marker.......................... 507
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 204
Traction Control....................... 333
Transfer Case......................... 298
Transmission Warning................... 207
Turn Signal..................139,196,495,499
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 196
Limited-Slip Differential................313,475
Loading Vehicle......................... 381
Tires ............................... 343
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 18Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 66
Lubrication, Body....................... 462
Lug Nuts............................. 428
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance........................... 450
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 457
Maintenance Procedures................... 450
Maintenance Schedule.................... 514
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 448
Manual, Service......................... 527
Manual Transmission...............288,291,476
Fluid Level Check...................475,476
Lubricant Selection..................476,511
Shift Speeds.......................... 290
Mirrors................................ 86
Automatic Dimming..................... 87
Electric Powered....................... 88
INDEX 541
10

Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 156
Operating Precautions.................... 447
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 87
Overdrive............................. 285
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 285
Overhead Console....................148,149
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 149
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 527
Parking Brake.......................... 318
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 56
Passing Light........................... 140
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 144
Pets.................................. 76
Pets, Transporting........................ 76
Phone, Cellular.......................... 91
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectt) .............. 91
Pickup Box............................ 183
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 344Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 457
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 489
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors.............................. 88
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 166
Seats............................122,124
Sliding Rear Window................... 182
Steering..........................323,460
Sunroof............................. 163
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 511
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Radial Ply Tires......................... 351
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......466,468
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 209
INDEX 543
10