tailgate DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2008 3.G Owners Manual

mRear Window Features...................173
NElectric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors Ð If Equipped..........173
NPower Sliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped . . 173
NSliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped.......174
mFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped.........174mPickup Box...........................177
mSlide-In Campers.......................179
NCamper Applications...................179
mEasy-Off Tailgate.......................179
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the ªConsumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ingº document available from your dealer. For safety
reasons, follow all instructions in this important docu-
ment.NOTE:When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle, entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose
in the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
Tailgate Open
Tailgate Support Strap Attachment
180 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience, abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from underthe vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
386 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges should be lubricated periodically to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. After lubricating, excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated. The external lock cylinders
should be lubricated twice a year, preferably in the fall
and spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant such as MopartLock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
7

REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights............... TS212-2
Dome Light............................7679
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.LIGHT BULBS Ð Outside Bulb No.
Back-Up..............................3057
Center High Mounted Stop Light............. 912
Fog Light...........................9006LL
Headlight (Halogen)...................... H13
Side Marker Bulb....................... W5W
Park & Turn Signal...................3157NAK
Rear License Plate Light.................... 168
Rear Cargo Light......................... 912
Tail & Stop............................3057
Cab Clearance Lights...................... 168
Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3)......... 168
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
7

Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) Ð If
Equipped
1. Remove the two screws and housing and access the
bulb sockets from the rear.
2. Turn socket
1¤4turn counterclockwise to access the
bulb.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Starting Procedures...................... 268
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines).......... 268
Steering
Linkage............................. 432
Power...........................315,431
Wheel Lock........................... 18
Wheel, Tilt........................... 137
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 246
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 167
Storage Compartment, Center Seat.........167,168
Storage, Vehicle......................... 464
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 464
Sun Roof.............................. 158
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 333
Synthetic Engine Oil...................277,415
System, Navigation...................... 238
Tachometer............................ 190Tailgate............................... 179
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............65,69
Tilt Steering Column..................... 137
Tire and Loading Information Placard......320,333
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 319
Tire Markings.......................... 316
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Placard
ªHIº (MAX) Load Switch.................. 187
Tire Safety Information.................... 316
Tires ............................78,324,503
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 330
Air Pressure.......................... 324
Alignment........................... 332
Chains.............................. 333
Changing............................ 386
Compact Spare........................ 328
Dual............................337,394
General Information.................... 324
High Speed.......................... 327
520 INDEX