lock DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Repair Manual

Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the
edge of each side of the instrument panel.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the
edge of each side of the instrument panel, and the air
conditioning may be on.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4

the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots and give an even blend of both
modes.
Panel
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct the airflow.
Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and those located on the floor.
NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Heat
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield and side window demist outlets.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if
the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies
the air to help dry the windshield.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the con-
trol panel is the blower control. Turn the
knob clockwise to one of the four posi-
tions to obtain the blower speed you
desire. To turn the blower off, turn the
knob to the far left position.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOperating Precautions..................268
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................268
mEngine Block Heater (Gas Engines)Ð
If Equipped...........................270
mDiesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) ±
If Equipped...........................270
mAutomatic Transmission..................273
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive
(5 Speed 545RFE) Ð If Equipped..........273
NAutomatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) Ð
If Equipped.........................279
mManual Transmission....................285
NManual Transmission Ð 6 Speed (G56)......286
NRecommended Vehicle Shift Speeds........287NDownshifting ± Gas Engine..............288
NDownshifting ± Diesel Engine............288
mFour-Wheel-Drive Operation Ð If Equipped....289
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................289
NShifting Procedure Ð Manually Shifted
Transfer Case........................292
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............293
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................294
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................298
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......301
mPower Take Off Operation ± If Equipped......302
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

NStationary Mode......................302
NMobile Mode........................303
NPower Take Off ± Aftermarket Installation....304
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............304
mDriving Through Water..................305
NFlowing/Rising Water..................305
NShallow Standing Water.................305
mDriving Off-Road.......................307
mParking Brake.........................308
mBrake System..........................309
NBrake Noise.........................310
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........310
mPower Steering........................312mTire Safety Information...................313
NTire Markings........................313
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........317
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........318
mTires Ð General Information...............322
NTire Pressure.........................322
NTire Inflation Pressures.................323
NRadial-Ply Tires......................328
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........329
NTire Spinning........................329
NTread Wear Indicators..................330
NLife Of Tire.........................331
NReplacement Tires.....................331
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5

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 car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
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 build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission ± If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
Tip Start Feature Ð Automatic Transmission Only
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission ± If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.The Cummins Diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
²The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110±115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
²A 12±volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids
in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
²A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)
Observe the Instrument Panel Cluster lights when start-
ing the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. Fully
depress and hold the clutch and shift into NEUTRAL for
a manual transmission. Models with manual transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.
CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. See Section 7 Ð
Maintaining Your Vehicle, for water drain
procedures.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

Engine Block Heater
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground±fault interrupter protected 110±115 volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to
the right side and can be located just behind the grille
near the headlamp.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110±115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
NOTE:The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
A.Temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 15W-40
²Block Heater Recommended for 5W-40
B.Temperatures below - 20ÉF (-29ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 5W-40
264 STARTING AND OPERATING