towing 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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors...............................84
NInside Mirror.........................84
NAutomatic Dimming Mirror ± If Equipped....85
NOutside Mirrors.......................85
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........86
NElectronic Power Mirrors ± If Equipped......86
NElectric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors ± If Equipped............87
NTrailer Towing Mirrors ± If Equipped........87mHands-Free Communication (UConnectt)ÐIf
Equipped.............................89
NOperation............................91
NPhone Call Features....................98
NUConnecttSystem Features..............100
NAdvanced Phone Connectivity............105
NThings You Should Know About Your
UConnecttSystem....................107
NGeneral Information...................115
3

Set the top switch to the left or right for the left or right
mirror, and set it to the center off position to prevent
accidentally moving a mirror when you are finished
adjusting the mirror. To adjust a mirror, select left or right
with the top switch, and press one of the four arrows for
the direction you want the mirror to move.
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors ± If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors are activated by pressing the
heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel,
with the ignition ON. Turning Off the rear window
defroster or the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear
Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors feature.
These features turn off automatically after 15 minutes
have elapsed for the first activation per ignition cycle.
Each subsequent activation of these features per ignition
cycle will shut off automatically after 10 minutes have
elapsed. To reactivate, simply press the button again.
Trailer Towing Mirrors ± If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
Power Mirror Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87
3

extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped out or
in). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
NOTE: Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior
to entering an automated car wash.
Blindspot Mirror
Trailer Towing Position
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance:
²Press the PHONE button to begin.
²After the9Ready9prompt and the following beep, say
9Towing Assistance.9
NOTE:The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-528-
2069 for the U.S., 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
City in Mexico).
Please refer to the 24-Hour ªTowing Assistanceº cover-
age details in the Warranty Information Booklet and on
the 24±Hour Towing Assistance Card.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to9Working with Automated
Systems.9Paging works properly except for pagers ofcertain companies, which time out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnecttsystem.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to9Working
with Automated Systems.9
Working with Automated Systems
This method is used in instances where one generally has
to press numbers on the cellular phone keypad while
navigating through an automated telephone system.
You can use your UConnecttsystem to access a voice
mail system or an automated service, such as a paging
service or automated customer service line. Some ser-
vices require immediate response selection. In some
instances, that may be too quick for use of the UConnectt
system.
When calling a number with your UConnecttsystem
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Voice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
language
list names
list phones
mobile
mute
mute off
new entry
no
pager
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redialVoice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone
set up
towing assistance
transfer call
UConnecttTutorial
try again
voice training
work
yes
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
30 mph (50 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the RESUME/ACCEL button.
When the button is released, a new set speed will be
established.
Tapping the RESUME/ACCEL button once will result in
a 2 mph (3 km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed will decrease. For example, tapping the button
three times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (5 km/h),
etc.To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing), the vehicle may slow below
the SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph
(56 km/h), the speed control will automatically disen-
gage. If this happens, you can push down on the accel-
erator pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 6±speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th or 5th gear under the above
conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
3

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

17. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for
five seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If
the bulb does not come on during starting, have the
condition investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL