automatic transmission DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.G User Guide

CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gaugesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
13. Security Light
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the Vehicle Theft Alarm is arming. The light willflash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The Security
Light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
14. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved on vehicles with
the 68RFE transmission, this indicator shows the auto-
matic transmission gear range selected (P R N D). Ve-
hicles equipped with Auto-6/Electronic Range Select
(ERS) will display the selection of the desired top gear, in
the position next to the D (Drive).
15. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
TPMS ªLight Loadº Reset Switch ± If Equipped
The TPMS ºLight Loadº reset switch allows you to
choose between Light Load vehicle conditions and Max
Load vehicle conditions tire pressures and related TPMS
warning levels. The switch is located in the instrumentpanel, below the climate control panel. For additional
information refer to ªTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Ð If Equippedº in section 5 of this manual.
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
26. Wait To Start Indicator
The Wait To Start indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66ÉF (19ÉC).
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. For proper coolant type,
refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Genuine Partsº in
Section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the Winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures ± Diesel Engines.........268
NAutomatic Transmission ± If Equipped......268
NManual Transmission ± If Equipped........269
NNormal Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)........269
NStarting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)...........270
NStarting Fluids.......................274
mNormal Operation (Diesel Engine)...........274
NCold Weather Precautions...............275NEngine Idling........................278
NStopping The Engine...................280
NEngine Speed Control..................281
NOperating Precautions..................281
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................281
mDiesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) ±
If Equipped...........................283
mTransmission Shifting....................285
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive
(68RFE) Ð If Equipped.................285
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STARTING PROCEDURES ± DIESEL ENGINES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your vehicle. Accidents can be caused by inadvert-
ently moving the shift lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transmission ± If Equipped
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
The CumminstDiesel 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.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL 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.
Normal Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. For
vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, fully de-
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEUTRAL.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and watch the
instrument panel cluster lights.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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Block Heater Usage
A.Temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 15W-40
²Block Heater Recommended for 5W-40
B.Temperatures below - 20ÉF (-29ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 5W-40
Winter Front Usage
If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a
percentage of the total grille opening area must be left
uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air
cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The per-
centage of opening must be increased with the increasing
ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the
cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the
size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your Mopartdealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0ÉF (-18É). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
Arctic Operation
Where there are no provisions to keep the engine warm
when it is operating in ambient temperatures consistently
below (-10ÉF/-23ÉC), use 5W-40syntheticengine oil and
fuel that meets the requirements in Section 7, ªMainte-
nance Procedures,º Engine Oil Selection.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

NOTE:An optional driver-controlled high idle speed is
available on automatic transmission equipped vehicles
with speed control. This feature allows the driver to
select an elevated idle speed between 1100 and 1500
rpms. Your dealer can enable this feature.
The optional driver-controlled high idle speed will help
increase cylinder temperatures and provide additional
cab heat, however, may still cause the exhaust aftertreat-
ment system to not properly regenerate. Extended peri-
ods of idle time should be avoided.
NOTE:
²If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 200ÉF (93ÉC), the engine idle
speed will slowly increase to 1000 RPM after 2 minutes
of idle, if the following conditions are met:
²foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal
²automatic transmission is in Park (P)
²vehicle speed is zero
²Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle
²If the engine is equipped with an exhaust brake,
operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly im-
prove warm up rate and will help keep the engine
close to operating temperature during extended idle.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recom-
mended and could lead to engine damage
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

Engine Speed Control
CAUTION!
Prevent overspeeding the engine going down hill.
When descending steep grades, use a combination of
gears and service brakes to control vehicle/engine
speed. Overspeed can cause severe engine damage.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the coolant (a mixture of 50%
ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not exceed the
normal range of the temperature gauge (240ÉF/116ÉC)
with a 16 psi (110 kPa) radiator cap.
Usually the coolant temperature indicated during opera-
tion will be to the left of center in the normal range of the
gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low coolant temperature below
the normal range on the gauge (140ÉF/60ÉC) can be
harmful to the engine. Low coolant temperature can
cause incomplete combustion which allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings and injector nozzles.
Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting
the lubricating oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
Cooling System Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
²City Driving Ð
when stopped, put transmission in neutral and increase
engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving Ð
reduce your speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) ±
IF EQUIPPED
The exhaust brake feature will only function when the
driver turns the exhaust brake switch to the ON position.
Once the switch is in the ON position and the vehicle is
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h); the exhaust brake
will automatically operate when the driver removes
pressure from the accelerator pedal. Exhaust braking is
most effective when the engine RPM is higher. The
automatic transmission has been programmed to down-
shift more aggressively when the exhaust brake is en-
abled to increase brake performance.
Exhaust Brake Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
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