2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL ignition

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.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL 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.
Normal Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. For
vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, fully de-
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEUTRAL.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and watch the
instrument panel cluster lights.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

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. Refer to ªDrain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L Diesel Engine)º
under ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7.
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.5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)
NOTE:The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. When certain engine
temperatures fall below 66ÉF (19ÉC) the lights will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
²The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture).
²After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the
ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator
during starting.
²After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
²Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until
the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat
cycle.
²Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
NOTE:If the engine stalls or if the ignition switch is left
ON for more than two minutes after the WAIT TO START
light goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to OFF for at least five seconds and then
back ON. Repeat steps 3 through 7 of the normal starting
procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

For Extremely Cold Weather Starting Ð Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 0ÉF (-18ÉC)
In extremely cold weather below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) it may be
beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before
attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished
by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and
then back ON after the WAIT TO START light has gone
off, but before the engine is started. However, repeated
cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to
the heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
Proceed by following the steps in the Normal Starting
Procedure.
NOTE: If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory level.
²If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition
must be turned to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then to the ON position to recycle the
manifold heaters.
NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
²Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates
rapidly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes
pass between the time the WAIT TO START light goes
OFF and the engine is started, recycle the manifold
heaters by turning the ignition OFF for at least five
seconds and then back ON.
²If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19
mph (31 km/h) before the manifold heater post-heat
(after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heaters will
shut off.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

²If the engine is started before the WAIT TO START
light turns off, the preheat cycle will turn off.
²If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the
post-heat cycle will turn off.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel or the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into
the fuel system.
You may try priming as described below:
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank (5 to 10
gal) (19 to 38 L) or eliminate the gelled fuel condition.
2. Crank the engine for one to two seconds. If the engine
does not start, then turn the ignition back to the RUN
position (do not turn the ignition back to the OFFposition). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 20 seconds.
After 20 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.
4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system when
cranking the engine or with the engine running.
Engine operation causes high fuel pressure. High
pressure fuel spray can cause serious injury or death.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5

Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
This transmission has a ªcreeperº 1st gear (L=low) which
should be used to start from a standing position when
carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a
loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in
2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order ± do not skip
a gear.
You should use 1st gear when starting from a standing
position if under heavy load or when pulling a trailer.Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Maximum Recommended Up-shift Speeds
Gear
Selec-
tionLto2 2to3 3to4 4to5 5to6
Maxi-
mum
Speed7 mph
(11
km/h)15 mph
(24
km/h)25 mph
(40
km/h)40 mph
(64
km/h)45 mph
(72
km/h)
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
return the control knob back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five seconds and try the shift again.
NOTE:If all the requirements to select a new transfer
case position have been met, the current position indica-
tor light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator
light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
2WD,4WD LOCK
Rotate the 4WD control switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn-
ing the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, theignition key must be in the ON position with the engine
either running or off. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the ACC position.
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation the selected
position indicator light will flash and the original posi-
tion indicator light will remain ON. At this time, reduce
speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
2WD or 4WD LOCK,4WD LOW
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

Preferred Procedure
1. With engine running, slow vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch
on manual transmissions).
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress
clutch on manual transmissions).3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
NOTE:If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift
then the desired position indicator light will flash con-
tinuously while the original position indicator light is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
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 is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer
than 21 days, refer to ªVehicle Storageº in section 7.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5