DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2008, Model line: RAM 3500 DIESEL, Model: DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.GPages: 527, PDF Size: 8.88 MB
Page 421 of 527

Engine Air Cleaner Filter (6.7L 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 condition of the air cleaner filter is monitored by the
Engine Control Module. The Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) will display SERVICE AIR FILTER
when service is required.
Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to
inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under
normal operating conditions.
The EVIC message SERVICE AIR FILTER could be dis-
played periodically. This is because engine air flow
requirements change based on driving conditions. As thefilter becomes more restrictive and air flow requirements
increase the EVIC message SERVICE AIR FILTER will be
displayed. The message may not be displayed in subse-
quent drive cycles if the same conditions are not met. The
air filter element should be replaced within 250 miles
from the first time this message is displayed to ensure
proper engine operation during all driving conditions.
The air filter housing on your vehicle may also come
equipped with a Filter MinderŸ. This is an air flow
restriction gauge that will indicate when the filter ele-
ment needs to be replaced.
CAUTION!
Driving with a restricted air filter can cause engine
damage.
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If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
when being driven in heavy snow, rain or when plowing
snow, and the EVIC message center states SERVICE AIR
FILTER or the Filter MinderŸ (if equipped) is showing a
plugged filter, then visually inspect the air filter for
snow/ice build up or extreme water saturation. If the air
filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice and reinstall
air filter. If the air filter is damaged, replace filter element.
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
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.A visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is
never recommended under normal circumstances. A
badly restricted element may appear clean while a soiled
element may be quite effective in filtering particles
without restricting air flow. Rely on the Engine Control
Module or the Filter MinderŸ (if equipped), to deter-
mine when a filter change is necessary.
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The clear plastic housing on the Filter MinderŸ (If
Equipped), allows you to view the amount of air pressure
drop across the filter element. It consists of a diaphragm
and a calibrated spring 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.
After a new filter element is inserted, press the rubber
button on the top of the Filter MinderŸ (if equipped).
This action will reset the yellow disc to the clean position.CAUTION!
When using an engine cleaner or a degreaser, be sure
to wrap and tape the Filter MinderŸ to protect the
plastic housing from damage and discoloration.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use
of such filters can severely damage your engine.
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Page 424 of 527

Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engine)
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
engine is running.
CAUTION!
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new
fuel filter. There is a possibility that debris could be
introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is
best to install the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift
pump to prime the fuel system.
NOTE:The fuel filter and water separator assembly is
located on the driver's side of the engine. The best access
to the water drain valve is through the driver's side
wheel well.
NOTE:If water is detected in the water separator while
the engine is running or while the key is in the on
position, the WATER IN FUEL LIGHT will illuminate
and an audible chime will be heard five times. At this
point you should stop the engine and drain the water
from the separator.
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If the WATER IN FUEL LIGHT comes on and a single
chime is heard while you are driving, or with the key in
the ON position, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your authorized dealer
for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel filter, the
WATER IN FUEL LIGHT will remain illuminated for
approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the water in fuel light may
remain on for approximately three minutes.
NOTE:Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact your local authorized dealer, service station, or
government agency for advice on recycling programs
and for where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter monthly or when the WATER IN FUEL LIGHT is
on. Turn the drain valve located on the bottom of the
filter counterclockwise and allow any accumulated water
to drain into an approved container. Leave the drain
valve open until all water and contaminants have been
removed. Close the drain valve by turning it clockwise
when clean fuel is visible.
NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
located on the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained,
follow the directions below for ªPriming if the engine has
run out of fuel.º
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WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank, approxi-
mately 5 to 10 gallons (19L to 38L).
2. Crank the engine for one to two seconds. If the engine
does not start, then release the key or starter button back
to the RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.3. Start the engine using the normal starting procedure.
4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage black top paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
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WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and be hazardous or explosive when mixed with
diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline, the
use of these fuels can cause damage to the fuel
system.
NOTE:A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-6751 may be used with your
CumminstDiesel equipped vehicle. Use of biodieselmixture in excess of 5% can negatively impact the on-
engine fuel filter's ability to separate water from the fuel,
resulting in high pressure fuel system corrosion or dam-
age.
NOTE:As sufficient testing has not been completed,
ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for use
with your CumminstDiesel equipped vehicle.
NOTE:In addition, commercially available fuel addi-
tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
CumminstDiesel equipped vehicle.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(6.7L Diesel Engines Only)
Your new Cummins 6.7L diesel meets all EPA Heavy
Duty Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in the
lowest emitting diesel engine ever produced.
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To achieve these emission standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state of the art engine and exhaust
system. The engine and exhaust aftertreatment system
work together to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel
Engine Emissions Standards. These systems are seam-
lessly integrated into your vehicle and managed by the
Cumminst6.7L engine Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to allow
the exhaust system's catalyst to trap and burn Particulate
Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or interaction on
your part.
Additionally, the overhead console in your vehicle has
the ability to alert you to additional maintenance re-
quired on your truck or engine. Refer to the following
messages that may be displayed on your Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC):WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Perform Service
The 6.7L Cumminstengine utilizes a Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) system, EGR valve and an EGR cooler.
This system filters and recycles gasses produced in the
crankcase during the normal combustion process. ªPer-
form Serviceº will be displayed on the overhead console
of your vehicle if the CCV filter, EGR valve and EGR
cooler are due for required maintenance. The CCV filter is
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located on the top of the engine valve cover. For addi-
tional information, see your local authorized dealer.
Catalyst Full See Owner Manual
ªCatalyst Full See Owner Manualº will be displayed on
the overhead console of your vehicle if the exhaust
particulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum storage
capacity. Under conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cumminstengine
and exhaust aftertreatment system may never reach the
conditions required to remove the trapped PM. If this
occurs, ªCatalyst Full See Owner Manualº will be dis-
played on the overhead console in your vehicle. If this
message is displayed you will hear one chime to assist in
alerting you of this condition.
Catalyst Stat::::::::::80%
Catalyst Stat::::::::::80% will replace the message ªCatalyst
Full See Owner Manualº after it is displayed for one
minute. The engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM)will continue to monitor the amount of particulate matter
trapped in the particulate filter. This message indicates
the percentage of the particulate filter capacity that has
been used.
By simply driving your vehicle at highway speeds for as
little as 45 minutes you can remedy the condition in the
particulate filter system and allow your Cumminsten-
gine and exhaust aftertreatment system to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal operating
condition.
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99%
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99% If you are unable to
drive your vehicle under these conditions for an ex-
tended period of time after the initial warning notifica-
tion, the Engine PCM will continue to monitor the
particulate filter and will display the progression of
particulate filter usage (80, 90, 99%) on the EVIC message
center.
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CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQD
If the particulate filter reaches 99% of its capacity, the
overhead console in your vehicle will chime twice and
display the message CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQD.
At this point the engine PCM will register a fault code,
the instrument panel will display a MIL light and the
engine PCM will derate the truck, reducing its horse-
power and torque output.
The PCM derates the engine in order to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the aftertreatment system.
If this condition is not corrected and a dealer service is
not performed, extensive exhaust aftertreatment damage
can occur. In order to correct this condition it will be
necessary to have the truck serviced by your local
authorized dealer.
Maintenance Free Batteries
The top of the maintenance free batteries are perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle's charging
system.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE