towing DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 2008 3.G Owners Manual

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This is a nor-
mal part of the break-in and is not an indication of
difficulty.
CAUTION!
²During the first 500 mi (805 km) your new vehicle
is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may
damage your axles, driveline and vehicle.
²Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the
first 500 mi (805 km) of towing.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
²It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
²Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
²Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors...............................86
NInside Mirror.........................86
NAutomatic Dimming Mirror ± If Equipped....87
NOutside Mirrors.......................87
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........88
NElectronic Power Mirrors ± If Equipped......88
NElectric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors ± If Equipped............89
NTrailer Towing Mirrors ± If Equipped........89mHands-Free Communication (UConnectt)Ð
If Equipped............................91
NOperation............................93
NPhone Call Features...................100
NUConnecttSystem Features..............102
NAdvanced Phone Connectivity............107
NThings You Should Know About Your
UConnecttSystem....................109
NGeneral Information...................117
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Set the top switch to the left or right for the left or right
mirror, and set it to the center off position to prevent
accidentally moving a mirror when you are finished
adjusting the mirror. To adjust a mirror, select left or right
with the top switch, and press one of the four arrows for
the direction you want the mirror to move.
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors ± If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors are activated by pressing the
heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel,
with the ignition ON. Turning Off the rear window
defroster or the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear
Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors feature.
These features turn off automatically after 15 minutes
have elapsed for the first activation per ignition cycle.
Each subsequent activation of these features per ignition
cycle will shut off automatically after 10 minutes have
elapsed. To reactivate, simply press the button again.
Trailer Towing Mirrors ± If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
Power Mirror Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89
3

extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped out or
in). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
NOTE: Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior
to entering an automated car wash.
Blindspot Mirror
Trailer Towing Position
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Your phone must be turned on and paired to the
UConnecttsystem to allow use of this vehicle feature in
emergency situations, when the cell phone has network
coverage and stays paired to the UConnecttsystem.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance:
²Press the PHONE button to begin.
²After the9Ready9prompt and the following beep, say
9Towing Assistance.9
NOTE:The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-528-
2069 for the U.S., 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
City in Mexico).
Please refer to the 24-Hour ªTowing Assistanceº cover-
age details in the Warranty Information Booklet and on
the 24±Hour Towing Assistance Card.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to9Working with Automated
Systems.9Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies, which time out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnecttsystem.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to9Working
with Automated Systems.9
Working with Automated Systems
This method is used in instances where one generally has
to press numbers on the cellular phone keypad while
navigating through an automated telephone system.
You can use your UConnecttsystem to access a voice
mail system or an automated service, such as a paging
service or automated customer service line. Some ser-
vices require immediate response selection. In some
instances, that may be too quick for use of the UConnectt
system.
104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Voice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
language
list names
list phones
mobile
mute
mute off
new entry
no
pager
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redialVoice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone
set up
towing assistance
transfer call
UConnecttTutorial
try again
voice training
work
yes
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Tapping the RESUME ACCEL button once will result in a
speed increase of 1 mph (2 km/h). Each time the button
is tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button
three times will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
Tapping the SET DECEL button once will result in a 1
mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases. For example, tapping the button
three times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
To decrease speed while speed control is ON, push down
and hold SET DECEL. Release the lever when the desired
speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000 ft
(610 m), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded (especially
when towing) the vehicle may slow below the SET speed.If the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40 km/h), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5±speed-manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear or lower under the above
conditions.
Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to use either
TOW HAUL or O/D OFF modes, which can be selected
by pressing the TOW HAUL O/D OFF button located at
the end of the gear shift lever.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147
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NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gaugesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.
For additional information refer to ª4-Wheel Drive Op-
erationº in section 5 of this manual.
11. TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once.
12. OD/OFF
The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.13. Temperature Gauge
The Temperature Gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ª245É F (118É C)º mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL, and increase the
engine idle speed for two to three minutes. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal, shut your
engine OFF and allow it to cool. Seek authorized service
immediately. Refer to ªCooling Systemº under ªMain-
taining Your Vehicleº in section 7.
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
17. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned ONand remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
22. Cargo Light
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the
Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo
Light Button on the headlight switch.
23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
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