manual transmission DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Owner's Guide

NOTE:Jacking and tire changing on 4500/5500 models
should be performed by an authorized dealer, or knowl-
edgeable service personnel with the appropriate heavy
duty equipment like a tire service company.
Preparations
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or
slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission). On four-wheel drive vehicles,
shift the transfer case to the ª4Lº position.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if the right front
wheel is being changed, block
the left rear wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 381
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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

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts D.C. or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE
(automatic transmissions) and between 1st and RE-
VERSE (manual transmissions), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 393
6

4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE:The Transfer Case must be in the neutral posi-
tion, and the transmission must be in Park (Automatic
Transmission), or in gear (Manual Transmission) to tow a
4WD vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow vehicle
on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the
opposite end on a towing dolly.2±Wheel- Drive Vehicles
Provided that transmission is operable, tow on a flatbed
or with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a
dolly.
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................443
NTransfer Case Ð If Equipped.............445
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......445
NAutomatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only) . . . 446
NAutomatic Transmission (Diesel Engine
Only)..............................448
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........451
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................451
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................457
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........462mVehicle Storage........................467
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................468
mBulb Replacement......................468
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................468
NFog Lights..........................472
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....473
mFluid And Capacities....................474
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........476
NEngine.............................476
NChassis............................478
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
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Transfer Case Ð If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Follow the appropriate Maintenance Schedule for recom-
mended transfer case fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Manual Transmission Ð If Equipped
Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped
If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid,
be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct
lubricant type.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transmission fluid change intervals.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4º below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission
(5 Speed 545RFE)MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission
(6 Speed AS68RC)MopartAS68RCŸ Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (3500) GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent.Limited slip additive is not re-
quired.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid
(4500/5500)GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-9763) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
478 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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Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (97 000) (109 000) (121 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front axle fluid (3500/4500/5500 4X4) (Die-
sel Engine only).XXX
Change rear axle fluid (3500 4X4 and 4X2) (Diesel
Engine only)XXX
Change rear axle fluid (4500/5500 4X4 and 4X2). X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change rear axle fluid (3500 4X4 and 4X2)
(Diesel Engine only).XXX
Change rear axle fluid (4500/5500 4X4 and
4X2).X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Inspect fan hub. X X
Inspect damper. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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