DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON 2008 3.G Owners Manual

5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 401
6

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE
(automatic transmissions) and between 1st and RE-
VERSE (manual transmissions), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
402 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious
injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer's instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicleÐnot to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 403
6

4-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use the following method.The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
off the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle on
a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.
WINCH USAGE
(See page 302 for more information.)
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............409
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................410
mReplacement Parts......................411
mDealer Service.........................412
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413NEngine Oil Filter......................415
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 416
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............416
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................416
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................417
NCatalytic Converter....................417
NEmission-Related Components............419
NMaintenance Free Battery................419
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............420
7

NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............421
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............422
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............423
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............423
NBody Lubrication.....................424
NWindshield Wiper Blades................424
NWindshield Washers...................424
NExhaust System......................425
NCooling System.......................426
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......431
NBrake System........................432
NClutch Hydraulic System................433
NClutch Linkage.......................433NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................434
NTransfer Case........................435
NFront Drive Shaft.....................435
NManual Transmission..................435
NAutomatic Transmission................436
NFront Wheel Bearings..................439
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty...........................439
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................443
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........447
mVehicle Storage........................452
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................453
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mBulb Replacement......................453
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................453
NTail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........457
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light..............................459
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....461NFog Lights..........................463
mFluids And Capacities...................464
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........465
NEngine.............................465
NChassis............................466
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENTÐ 5.7L GAS ENGINE
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

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