DODGE RAM 3500 GAS 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
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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.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures ± Gas Engines...........278
NNormal Starting......................278
NAutomatic Transmission ± If Equipped......279
NManual Transmission ± If Equipped........279
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................280
NAfter Starting........................281
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........282
mAutomatic Transmission..................282
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive.....283mManual Transmission....................288
NShifting Ð 2500/3500 Models.............289
NShifting Ð 1500 Vehicles................291
NDownshifting ± All Manual Transmissions....292
NReverse Shifting......................293
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation Ð If Equipped....294
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................294
NShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................297
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NTransfer Case Reminder Light............298
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (5 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................298
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................304
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................306
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................311
mLimited-Slip Differential ± If Equipped........313
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............314
mDriving Through Water..................315
NFlowing/Rising Water..................315mDriving Off-Road.......................317
mParking Brake.........................318
mBrake System..........................319
N3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only........320
NBrake Noise.........................320
NRear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) Brake System Ð
If Equipped.........................320
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð
If Equipped.........................321
mPower Steering........................323
mElectronic Brake Control System
(ABS/TCS/BAS/HSA/ERM/ESP/TSC) Ð
If Equipped...........................324
NABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............325
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

NTraction Control System (TCS)............326
NBAS (Brake Assist System)...............326
NHSA (Hill Start Assist)..................328
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........332
NESP (Electronic Stability Program).........333
NTSC (Trailer Sway Control)..............337
mMulti-Displacement System (MDS) Ð
5.7L Engine Only.......................338
mTire Safety Information...................339
NTire Markings........................339
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........343
mTires Ð General Information...............347
NTire Pressure.........................347mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information Ð
If Equipped...........................357
mTire Chains...........................357
mSnow Tires...........................359
mTire Rotation Recommendations............359
NDual Rear Wheels.....................361
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................362
NTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ªLight
Loadº Reset Switch Description ±
If Equipped.........................365
NTire Pressure Monitor System Components . . . 368
NGeneral Information...................371
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
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mFuel Requirements......................371
NReformulated Gasoline.................372
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............373
NMMT In Gasoline.....................373
NMaterials Added To Fuel................374
NFuel System Cautions..................374
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............375
mAdding Fuel..........................375
NAdding Fuel (Gas Engines)..............375
mFlexible Fuel Ð If Equipped...............377
NE-85 General Information................377
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................379
NFuel Requirements....................379NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......380
NStarting............................380
NCruising Range.......................380
NReplacement Parts.....................381
mVehicle Loading........................381
NCertification Label.....................381
mTrailer Towing.........................385
NCommon Towing Definitions.............385
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............389
NTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........390
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............390
NTowing Requirements..................392
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

NTowing Tips.........................398
NTrailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped......400
mSnowplow............................401
N1500 Models (Light Duty)...............401
NBefore Plowing.......................403
NSnowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 403
NOver The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached...........................404
NMethods For Removing Snow............404NOperating Tips.......................404
NGeneral Maintenance...................405
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 406
NRecreational Towing ±
2-Wheel Drive Models..................406
NRecreational Towing ±
4-Wheel Drive Models..................406
mEquipment Identification Plate.............413
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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STARTING PROCEDURES ± GAS 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 seconds 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 gear selection 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 buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait five
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING