brake light DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case
in Neutral (N) and the engine RUNNING. With the
transfer case in Neutral (N) ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).
Returning to Normal Operation Ð Electronic Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
1 second.
7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release
the Neutral (N) button.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or fabrics.
Do not lean over a battery when connecting jumper
cables or allow cable clamps to touch each other.
Keep open flames or sparks away from battery vent
holes. Always wear eye protection when working
with batteries.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 volt system, i.e. do
not use a 24 volt power source.NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicles charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12±volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery, with jumper
cables, to start a vehicle's engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be followed:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If indica-
tor (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
390 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70É F (21É C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)reference holes when the transmission reaches 180É F (21É
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
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between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70É F ± 85É F (20É C ± 30É C). If
the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160É F - 175É F (70É
C ± 82É C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading. Never use any ATF
other than MopartAS68RCŸ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission fluid is maintained at the correct level, and
that it be drained and refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A filter change should
be made at the time of the oil change.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, transmis-
sion and transfer case (if equipped), add as needed.
²Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level for indica-
tions of brake maintenance.
²Check Filter MinderŸ. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the U-Joints ( if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4).
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)..... 448
Axle Fluid..........................444,478
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 444
Ball Joints............................. 429
Battery............................425,426
Blanket..........................265,427
Emergency Starting..................... 390
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 123
Bearings.............................. 451
Belts, Drive............................ 413
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Builders Guide....................... 7
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 430
B-Pillar Location........................ 318
Brake Fluid............................ 478
Brake System........................309,440
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 310Disc Brakes.......................... 440
Fluid Check.......................... 442
Hoses.............................. 440
Master Cylinder....................... 442
Parking............................. 308
Warning Light........................ 180
Bulb Replacement....................... 468
Bulbs, Light............................ 468
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 473
Calibration, Compass..................139,149
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 474
Capacities, Fluid........................ 474
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................408,410
Power Steering........................ 428
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 436
Car Washes............................ 457
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............74,340
INDEX 511
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Radiator Cap......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........435,476
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cup Holder............................ 154
Customer Assistance..................... 500
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 125
Dealer Service.......................... 403
Defroster, Rear Window.................85,161
Defroster, Windshield................75,235,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 270
Diesel Fuel............................ 341
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 341
Bulk Storage of........................ 346
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 301
Dipsticks.............................. 406Power Steering........................ 428
Disc Brakes............................ 440
Disposal.............................. 412
Engine Oil........................... 412
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 437
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Downshifting.......................... 288
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 417
Drive Belts............................ 413
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 305
Dual Rear Wheels.....................336,386
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost.............85,161
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
INDEX 513
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Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 143
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 294
Emergency Brake........................ 308
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 393
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jacking............................. 380
Jump Starting......................... 390
Tow Hooks.......................... 394
Towing............................. 395
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 480
Emission Related Components.............. 425
Engine............................400,401
Air Cleaner........................413,414
Block Heater....................256,264,270
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Compartment......................... 400
Compartment Identification............... 401
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 476Cooling............................. 433
Data Plate........................... 403
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 340
Flooded, Starting...................... 253
Identification......................... 400
Idling.............................. 266
Jump Starting......................... 390
Oil ..............................406,476
Oil Filler Cap......................408,410
Oil Selection.......................... 408
Oil Synthetic.......................265,410
Runaway............................ 337
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Brake.......................... 270
Exhaust Gas Caution................74,340,433
Exhaust System.................74,432,433,452
Exterior Lighting........................ 124
514 INDEX

Fabric Care............................ 459
Fan .................................. 439
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 413
Engine Fuel.....................417,420,476
Engine Oil.....................406,410,476
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 126
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 389
Flooded Engine Starting................... 253
Fluid, Brake........................... 478
Fluid Capacities......................... 474
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 442
Manual Transmission................... 445
Power Steering........................ 428
Transfer Case......................... 445
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 476
Fog Lights.......................125,179,472Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 163
Four Wheel Drive....................... 289
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 378
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 393
Front Axle (Differential)................430,443
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Fuel............................337,341,345
Adding..........................343,345
Diesel.........................341,345,476
Filter.........................417,420,476
Gauge.............................. 183
Hoses.............................. 440
Light............................... 183
Octane Rating........................ 337
Requirements......................337,341
Specifications......................... 342
System Hoses......................... 440
Tank Capacity........................ 474
Fuses................................ 462
INDEX 515
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