2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL engine

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting to jump-start.3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399
6

In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious
injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 401
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
mReplacement Parts......................409
mEngine Data Plate......................410
mAuthorized Dealer Service................410
mService Information.....................410
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413
NDrive Belt...........................418NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engines)............................419
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L
Diesel Engine).......................422
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(6.7L Diesel Engines Only)...............425
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............428
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............430
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............431
7

mVehicle Storage........................464
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................465
mBulb Replacement......................466
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................466
NFog Lights..........................469
NTail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........470
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL)
With Cargo Light.....................473
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....474NTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) Ð If
Equipped...........................476
NRear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) Ð
If Equipped.........................477
NSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......478
mFluid Capacities........................479
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........480
NEngine.............................480
NChassis............................482
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Vehicles equipped with California emissions controls
have a sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called
OBDII. This system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

ENGINE DATA PLATE
Use the information from the engine data plate when
discussing service or sourcing parts for your engine. The
engine data plate is located on the intake side of the
breather cover.
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have
the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have
any doubt about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
SERVICE INFORMATION
MopartFluids, Lubricants and Parts are available from your
authorized dealer and will help you keep your vehicle
operating at its best. Your authorized dealer also has the
qualified service personnel, special tools and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert manner. Service
manuals are available which include detailed service infor-
mation for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself. See Service Publications
information at the back of this manual.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
To maintain your vehicle safely and avoid personal injury, follow these
guidelines:
²Never spray or pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid or starting fluids
(ether) into the air cleaner assembly, air intake piping or turbocharger
inlet in an attempt to start the vehicle, unintended engine acceleration
may occur.
²Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent. They can be
unstable under certain conditions and be hazardous or explosive
when mixed with diesel fuel.
²If an engine has been operating and the coolant is hot, allow the
engine to cool before you slowly loosen the filler cap and relieve the
pressure from the cooling system.
²To avoid burns, remember that the engine components will stay hot
after the engine is shut off.
²Do not use gasoline or other flammable materials to clean parts.
Always use approved cleaning solvents.
²Relieve all pressure in the fuel, oil and cooling systems before any
lines, fittings or related items are removed or disconnected. Be alert
for possible pressure when disconnecting any device from a system
that utilizes pressure. Do not check for pressure leaks with your hand.
High pressure oil or fuel can cause personal injury.
²Important: All maintenance other than that listed in this manual, as
well as some procedures listed here, MUST be performed by your
authorized dealer. Your authorized dealer has been trained and has
the necessary parts to maintain your engine.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE