2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL light

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.NOTE:
Perchlorate Material ± special handling may ap-
ply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately five seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the six to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned ON.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight-
second interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine-
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of
the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your
authorized dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment and up to a
quarter-second of high-speed deceleration data duringand/or after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY
recorded if an airbag deploys and are otherwise unavail-
able.
NOTE:Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not
be recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn
more about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may
be requested by customers, insurance carriers, govern-
ment officials, and professional crash researchers, such as
those associated with universities, and with hospital and
insurance organizations.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
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²Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
²The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN
Your Cumminst24-Valve Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, provided the following recommen-
dations are followed:
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
²Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
²Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
²Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
²Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lighted area and never invite theft by leaving ar-
ticles of value exposed.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a potentially
toxic gas that, by itself, is colorless and odorless. To
avoid inhaling these gases, the following precautions
should be observed:
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for more than a short period, adjust
your climate control system to force outside air into
the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed and the
controls in any position except OFF or MAX A/C.
²The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system,
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle, or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
authorized mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or
oil change. Replace or adjust as required.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there are any questions regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the
belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light,
the seat belt light will flash.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mSeats................................115
N40-20-40 Front Seat....................116
NReclining Seats.......................117
NAdjustable Head Restraints..............118
NManual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment Ð
If Equipped.........................119
NPower Seats Ð If Equipped..............119
NRear Seat Features Ð Mega Cab Models.....121
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped.............126
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............127
mLights...............................129
NInterior Lights.......................129
NBattery Saver........................130
NHeadlamp Delay......................131NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....131
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only And
Fleet Vehicles)........................132
NLights-On Reminder...................132
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped...............132
NCargo Light Ð If Equipped..............133
NMultifunction Control Lever..............133
mWindshield Wipers And Washers............135
NWindshield Wipers....................135
NWindshield Washers...................136
mTilt Steering Column....................137
mDriver Adjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped......138
NAdjustment.........................139
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......139
NTo Activate..........................140
NTo Set At A Desired Speed...............140
NTo Deactivate........................140
NTo Resume Speed.....................141
NTo Vary The Speed Setting...............141
NTo Accelerate For Passing...............141
mOverhead Console With Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) Ð Diesel Only.....142
NDome/Reading Lights..................142
NElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð
If Equipped.........................143
NCompass/Temperature Button............149mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........151
NProgramming HomeLinkt...............153
NGate Operator/Canadian Programming.....155
NUsing HomeLinkt.....................156
NReprogramming A Single HomeLinkt
Button.............................156
NSecurity............................157
NTroubleshooting Tips...................157
NGeneral Information...................157
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............158
NOpen Sunroof - Express Mode............159
NClosing Sunroof - Express...............159
NPinch Protect Feature...................159
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
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