engine oil DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.G Owners Manual

²Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
²The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN
Your Cumminst24-Valve Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, provided the following recommen-
dations are followed:
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
²Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
²Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
²Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
²Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
²Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
Because of the construction of the CumminstDiesel
engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating
conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 mi (10 000 km).
CAUTION!
²During the first 500 mi (805 km) that your vehicle
is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may
damage your vehicle.
²Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the
first 500 mi (805 km) of towing.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2

Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lighted area and never invite theft by leaving ar-
ticles of value exposed.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a potentially
toxic gas that, by itself, is colorless and odorless. To
avoid inhaling these gases, the following precautions
should be observed:
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for more than a short period, adjust
your climate control system to force outside air into
the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed and the
controls in any position except OFF or MAX A/C.
²The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system,
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle, or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
authorized mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or
oil change. Replace or adjust as required.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding
a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off
the9LOW FUEL9text and a new DTE value will
display.
System Status (EVIC Displays)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages:
²TURN SIGNALS ON (with a continuous warning
chime)
²PERSONAL SETTINGS NOT AVAILABLE ± Vehicle
Not in Park or Vehicle in Motion (manual transmis-
sions only)
²LEFT/RIGHT FRONT DOOR AJAR (one or more,
with a single chime if speed is above 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
²LEFT/RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (one or more, with
a single chime if speed is above 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
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
²PERFORM SERVICE
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 the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
3

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) use
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.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.PERFORM SERVICE
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
will display ªPerform Serviceº. When the ªPerform Ser-
viceº message is displayed on the EVIC it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance includes replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element, cleaning of the EGR
Cooler, and cleaning of the EGR Valve. The procedure for
clearing and resetting the9Perform Service9indicator
message is located in the appropriate Service Informa-
tion.
Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If the trans-
mission is not in PARK, the EVIC will display NOT
AVAILABLE and VEHICLE NOT IN PARK.
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Check Gauges
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltmeter
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. Ifthe pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gaugesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
NOTE:
²The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-
ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.
²The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlights, interior lights, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

9. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gaugesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.
For additional information refer to ªFour-Wheel Drive
Operationº in Section 5 of this manual.11 .TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL button is pushed once.
12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ª245ÉFº (118ÉC) mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL, and increase the
engine idle speed for two to three minutes. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal, shut your
engine OFF and allow it to cool. Seek authorized service
immediately. Refer to ªCooling Systemº under ªMain-
taining Your Vehicleº in Section 7.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

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
4

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