park assist DODGE RAM 3500 GAS 2008 3.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave an automatic trans-
mission in PARK, a manual transmission in RE-
VERSE or FIRST gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving, failure to do so can lead to brake problems
due to excessive heating of the rear brakes.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the
brakes will still function. However, you will experience a
substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This
will be evident by increased pedal travel during applica-
tion, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
activation of the BRAKE warning lamp and the ABS lamp
(if equipped) during brake use.
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WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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holding the ªESP Control Switchº for five seconds when
the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After
five seconds, the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will illumi-
nate and the ªESP Offº message will appear in the
odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
NOTE:The ªESP OFFº message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the gear selector is
placed into the PARK position from any other position,
and then moved out of the PARK position. This will
occur even if the message was previously cleared.
In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the ªLimited Slipº
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At 40
mph (64 km/h) the system returns to ªPartial Offº mode,
described above. When the vehicle speed drops below 35
mph (56 km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low
vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-roaddriving but ESP function returns to provide the stability
feature at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h). The ªESP/
TCS Indicator Lightº will always be illuminated when
ESP is off. To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the
ªESP Control Switchº. This will restore the normal ªESP
On' mode of operation.
ªESP Offº is the only operating mode for ESP in 4LO.
Whenever the vehicle is started in 4LO or the transfer
case (if equipped) is shifted from 4HI or Neutral, to 4LO,
the ESP system will be in this mode.
WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle sta-
bility offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emergency
evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not engage to
assist in maintaining stability. ªESP Offº mode is
intended for off-highway or off-road use, only.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasolines sold in the United States are required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully-loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 474
Ball Joints............................. 460
Battery............................... 457
Emergency Starting..................... 434
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 136
Bearings.............................. 479
Belts, Drive............................ 454
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 462
B-Pillar Location........................ 343
Brake Assist System...................... 326
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 324
Brake Fluid.........................472,511
Brake System........................319,471
Anti-Lock (ABS).................320,321,325
Disc Brakes.......................... 471
Fluid Check.......................... 472Hoses.............................. 471
Master Cylinder....................... 472
Parking............................. 318
Warning Light........................ 202
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Bulb Replacement....................... 495
Bulbs, Light............................ 494
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 503
Calibration, Compass..................... 154
Camper............................... 185
Capacities, Fluid........................ 508
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 452
Power Steering........................ 460
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 468
Car Washes............................ 484
Carbon Monoxide Warning............78,187,375
Cargo Light............................ 138
INDEX 533
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