check engine light DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON 2008 3.G User Guide

CAUTION!
If the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is
flashing, immediate service is required; see onboard
diagnostics system section.
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 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.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle's
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle's OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type
Hanger Ð If Equipped
Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for
rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. SLIGHT
CRACKING DUE TO WEATHERING DOES NOT AD-
VERSELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE. If, however, exces-
sively deep localized cracks are present, or any part of the
exhaust system abnormally contacts the underbody hard-
ware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy 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.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 469
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Adding Fuel........................... 362
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................416,440
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 420
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............420,421
Air Conditioning System................242,420
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 245
Air Pressure, Tires....................336,344
Airbag............................34,47,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,180
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,182
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 234
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........427,428,464
Disposal............................ 429Anti-Lock Warning Light...............185,323
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,182
Appearance Care........................ 443
Ashtray............................... 161
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 89
Automatic Transaxle...................... 13
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 436
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 438
Fluid Level Check...................... 436
Fluid Type........................437,466
Shift Indicator........................ 182
Shifting............................. 262
Special Additives...................... 438
Axle Fluid..........................434,466
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 434
486 INDEX

Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 459
Center Lap Belts......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 163
Certification Label....................... 364
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 328
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 184
Child Restraint........................61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............65,69
Child Seat............................62,68
Cigar Lighter........................... 161
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 445
Climate Control......................... 239
Clock.....................190,194,202,215,228
Clutch............................... 433
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 433
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 238
Compact Spare Tire...................... 339Compass.............................. 147
Compass Calibration..................... 147
Compass Variance....................... 148
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 143
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 478
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 429
Cooling System......................... 426
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 428
Coolant Capacity...................... 464
Coolant Level......................426,430
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 429
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 427
Inspection........................... 430
Points to Remember.................... 430
Pressure Cap......................... 429
Radiator Cap......................... 429
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......427,464,465
Temperature Gauge..................... 181
488 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance......... 468
Emission Related Components.............. 419
Engine............................... 408
Air Cleaner.......................... 416
Block Heater......................... 261
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment Identification............... 408
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 465
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 361
Flooded, Starting...................... 259
Fuel Requirements..................... 464
Multi-Displacement..................... 326
Oil ...........................413,464,465
Oil Filler Cap......................... 414
Oil Selection.......................414,464
Oil Synthetic......................... 415
Temperature Gauge..................... 181
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 387
Event Data Recorder...................... 59Exhaust Gas Caution................76,361,426
Exhaust System....................76,425,426
Exterior Lighting........................ 130
Fabric Care............................ 445
Filters
Air Cleaner........................416,440
Engine Fuel.......................... 417
Engine Oil........................415,465
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 415
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 133
Flat Tire Stowage.....................392,398
Flooded Engine Starting................... 259
Fluid, Brake........................... 466
Fluid Capacities......................... 464
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 436
Power Steering........................ 421
490 INDEX

Jack Location........................... 391
Jack Operation.......................... 393
Jump Starting.......................... 399
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 47
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 133
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 65
Life of Tires............................ 341
Lights..............................78,128
Airbag............................58,180Anti-Lock Warning..................185,323
Brake Warning........................ 185
Bulb Replacement...................... 453
Cap Top Clearance..................... 461
Cargo .............................. 132
Center Mounted Stop................... 459
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 184
Courtesy/Reading..................... 142
Cruise.............................. 190
Daytime Running...................... 131
Fog ..........................132,184,463
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 274
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 390
Headlights........................... 130
High Beam........................134,180
High Beam Indicator.................... 180
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 134
Illuminated Entry....................... 21
Instrument Cluster..................... 179
INDEX 493
10

Intensity Control....................... 129
Interior..........................129,142
Lights On Reminder.................... 132
Passing............................. 134
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 180
Service.............................. 453
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 187
Transfer Case......................... 274
Transmission Warning................... 189
Turn Signal..................133,179,453,457
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 179
Limited-Slip Differential................275,434
Loading Vehicle......................... 364
Tires ............................... 331
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28Steering Wheel......................... 19
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 424
Lug Nuts............................. 396
Lumbar Support........................ 123
Maintenance........................... 412
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 419
Maintenance Procedures................... 412
Maintenance Schedule.................... 468
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 410
Manual, Service......................... 480
Manual Transmission..................268,435
Fluid Level Check...................... 435
Lubricant Selection..................435,466
Shift Speeds.......................... 269
Mirrors................................ 88
Automatic Dimming..................... 89
494 INDEX