climate control DODGE RAM 3500 GAS 2008 3.G Owners Manual

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.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 89
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WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked into
position the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
Heated Seats Ð If Equipped
The heated seat switches are located in the instrument
panel under the climate controls.
Heated Seat Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
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WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end
of the multifunction control lever and hold while spray is
desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds
after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer
knob is pushed for a period greater than one second
while in the OFF position, the wiper will wipe approxi-
mately three wipes after the wash knob is released.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Sunroof Fully Closed
Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the
sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for
in-cab accessories designed for use with the standard
ªcigar lighterº plug. The outlet is located in the instru-
ment panel below and to the right of the Climate Control
Panel. A cap is attached to the outlet base indicating
ªPower Outletº 12 Volt -20A.
There is an additional power outlet inside the center
console of vehicles equipped with 40-20-40, or Bucket
front seats. There is also a power outlet located on the
rear of the center console for Quad Cabtor Mega Cabt
vehicles (only) equipped with bucket seats.
166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors Ð 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 ignition will
deactivate the Electric Rear Window Defroster and
Heated Sideview Mirrors feature. These features also
turn off after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed.
For ten more minutes of operation, push the button
again.
Power Sliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped
The power sliding rear window switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls. Press the
right side of the switch to open the glass and the left side
of the switch to close the glass.
Power Sliding Rear Window Switch
182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NSatellite Antenna......................254
NReception Quality.....................255
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð If Equipped . . 255
NRadio Operation......................256
NTape Player.........................256
NCD Player..........................256
mCassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......257
mCompact Disc Maintenance................258
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........258mClimate Controls.......................259
NHeater Only Ð If Equipped..............259
NAir Conditioning And Heating Ð
If Equipped.........................261
NAir Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature
Control Ð If Equipped.................264
NOperating Tips.......................268
NOperating Tips Chart...................271
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
1 Ð Headlight Switch 6 Ð Passenger Airbag 11 Ð TPMS ªLight Loadº Reset Switch* 16 Ð Transfer Case Control Switch*
2 Ð Air Outlets 7 Ð Glove Box 12 Ð Power Sliding Back Glass Switch* 17 Ð Parking Brake Release Lever
3 Ð Instrument Cluster 8 Ð Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch* 13 Ð Cupholders 18 Ð Adjustable Pedal Control Switch*
4 Ð Climate Controls 9 Ð Power Outlet 14 Ð ESP Off Switch* * If Equipped
5 Ð Radio 10 Ð Heated Seat Switch 15 Ð Cigar Lighter
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
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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.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
Ð If Equipped
This lamp indicates the ESP system is active
when it is flashing or that a part, or all, of the
features of the ESP system are not able to func-
tion when it is on solid. The yellow ªESP Indi-
cator Lightº is located in the tachometer area. The9ESP/
TCS Indicator Light9starts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESP system becomes active. The9ESP/TCS
Indicator Light9also flashes when TCS is active. If the
9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle
as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº
becomes illuminated when the ESP-OFF button has been
pressed or ESP is only partially available.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The controls for the heating and ventilation system in this
vehicle consist of a series of rotary knobs. These comfort
controls can be set to obtain desired interior conditions.
Heater Only Ð If Equipped
The mode control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:
Climate Control Location
Manual Heating Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 259
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