air filter DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Owners Manual

²DOOR(S) AJAR (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
²LOW WASHER FLUID (with a single chime)
²OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (with a single chime)
²CATALYST FULL SEE OWNER MANUAL
²CATALYST STAT lllllll 90%
²CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQUIRED
²SERVICE AIR FILTER
²SERVICE CCV FILTER
²COOLANT LOW (with a single chime)
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Ð If Equipped
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªOil Change Requiredº message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate thenext scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator
system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
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WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission ± If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.The Cummins Diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
²The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110±115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
²A 12±volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids
in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
²A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)
Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster lights when start-
ing the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. Fully
depress and hold the clutch and shift into NEUTRAL for
a manual transmission. Models with manual transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.
CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. See Section 7 Ð
Maintaining Your Vehicle, for water drain
procedures.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
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engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines)
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15
ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum)to avoid damage to the emissions control system. For
most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 Grade S15 will provide good perfor-
mance. If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below
20ÉF or -7ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-
normal conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized
No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from
fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
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WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
(See Section 7 for Maintenance Procedures).
NOTE:Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel is a
blend of Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel fuel which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in the fuel.
Bulk Fuel Storage
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of ªmicrobes.º These
microbes form ªslimeº that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
You may try priming as described below. However, if the
engine will not start, refer to the fuel priming procedure
in the Service Manual or have the vehicle towed to an
authorized Dodge dealer.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....400
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......401
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........402
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............402
mReplacement Parts......................403
mEngine Data Plate......................403
mDealer Service.........................403
mService Information.....................404
mMaintenance Procedures..................406NEngine Oil..........................406
NDrive Belts (Gas Engines)...............413
NDrive Belt (Diesel Engines)..............413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines).....413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)....414
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel
Engines)............................417
NEngine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)...........420
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............420
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Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
Use SAE 15W-40 Engine Oil that meets
DaimlerChrysler Materials Standard MS-10902 and the
API CJ-4 engine oil category.
Engine oil not designated by the DaimlerChrysler or
Cummins Material Standards and API CJ-4 should not be
used, engine and exhaust system durability may be
compromised. For lower temperature operation SAE
5W-40 engine oils may be used. These oils must meet the
same requirements as stated previously. Your engine oil
filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscos-
ity for your vehicle.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes or
lube odorants) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engi-
neered product and it's performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
NOTE:The manufacturer offers a lube odorant (Mopar
Diesel Fresh) for diesel engines crankcases. The lube
odorant is recommended by the manufacturer to reduce
the sulfur smell that may occur during engine idling.
Engine Oil Filter
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct part number. The engine oil filter should be
changed ateveryengine oil change.
Engine Oil And Filter Ð Change
Operate the engine until the coolant temperature reaches
140ÉF (60ÉC). Shut the engine off. Remove the oil drain
plug.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drive Belts (Gas Engines)
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)
Inspection
Check the belt for intersecting cracks.
²Transverse (across the belt width) cracks are accept-
able.
²Longitudinal (direction of belt length) cracks that
intersect with transverse cracks are NOT acceptable.
Replace the belt if it has unacceptable cracks, is frayed or
has pieces of material missing.
The engine speed sensor, located near the damper, should
be inspected for damage if a belt is frayed.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines)
Follow the appropriate Maintenance Schedule for recom-
mended Air Cleaner Replacement intervals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
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WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be filtered.
The abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause
rapid wear to engine components.
The air filter housing on your Diesel Ram is equipped
with a Filter MinderŸ. This is an air flow restriction
gauge that will indicate when the filter element needs to
be replaced.
Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to
inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under
normal operating conditions.
NOTE:The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

to this sensor could result in major engine and/or
exhaust aftertreatment damage. This includes the use of
non-approved air filters. Use only MOPARtapproved air
filters or equivalent.
The clear plastic housing on the Filter MinderŸ allows
you to view the amount of air pressure drop across the
filter element. It consists of a diaphragm and a calibratedspring sealed inside the plastic housing. As the air
cleaner filter becomes clogged and air pressure drop
across the filter element increases, a yellow disc travels
along a graduated scale on the side of the Filter
MinderŸ.
The yellow disc will always show the greatest restriction
experienced by the filter element. When the disc reaches
the red zone, the filter element may need to be replaced.
There is no other time or mileage interval for changing
the air cleaner filter element.
If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
when being driven in heavy snow or rain or when
plowing snow, check the Filter MinderŸ
²If the Filter MinderŸ is showing a plugged filter, the
filter should be visually inspected for snow/ice build
up or extreme water saturation.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
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