DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.G Owners Manual

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
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 to jump-start.3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399
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.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12-Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If the 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) or between 1st and REVERSE
(manual transmissions), while applying slight pressure to
the accelerator.
400 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 401
6

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.
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE:The transfer case must be in the neutral position,
and the transmission must be in PARK (automatic trans-
mission), or in gear (manual transmission) to tow a 4WD
vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and
the opposite end on a towing dolly.
402 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2±Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 mi (25
km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 mi (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.If the vehicle is to be towed faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more than 15 mi (25 km) the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground. It may also be towed on a flatbed or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 403
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
mReplacement Parts......................409
mEngine Data Plate......................410
mAuthorized Dealer Service................410
mService Information.....................410
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413
NDrive Belt...........................418NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engines)............................419
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L
Diesel Engine).......................422
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(6.7L Diesel Engines Only)...............425
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............428
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............430
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............431
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NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............431
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............432
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............432
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball
Joints..............................432
NBody Lubrication.....................433
NWindshield Wiper Blades................433
NWindshield Washers...................434
NExhaust System......................435
NCooling System.......................436
NFan ...............................442
NCharge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)..........442
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......443NBrake System........................443
NClutch Linkage.......................445
NClutch Hydraulic System................445
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................446
NTransfer Case Ð If Equipped.............446
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......447
NAutomatic Transmission................447
NFront Wheel Bearings..................450
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................451
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................455
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........459
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mVehicle Storage........................464
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................465
mBulb Replacement......................466
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................466
NFog Lights..........................469
NTail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........470
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL)
With Cargo Light.....................473
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....474NTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) Ð If
Equipped...........................476
NRear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) Ð
If Equipped.........................477
NSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......478
mFluid Capacities........................479
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........480
NEngine.............................480
NChassis............................482
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE