2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL engine

INTRODUCTION
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cumminstwelcome
you as a CumminstTurbo Diesel-powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cumminst, engines power
well over half of these trucks. Now this same technology
and proven performance is yours in your truck equipped
with the Cumminst, turbocharged, charge air cooled,
diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple to
4 INTRODUCTION

follow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
Thank you for choosing the CumminstTurbo Diesel
powered truck.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.The detailed index at the back of this Owner's Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner's Manual:
INTRODUCTION 5
1

NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)ÐAirbags...........48
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR)...............59
NChild Restraint........................61
mNew Engine Break-In.....................74
mSafety Tips............................75
NTransporting Passengers.................75NLock Your Vehicle......................76
NExhaust Gas..........................76
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................77
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................78
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
NOTE:For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature.For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the time for this feature is pro-
grammable. Refer to ªPersonal Settings (Customer Pro-
grammable Features)/KEY OFF POWER DELAY > OFFº
under ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in
Section 3.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light willturn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry KeytImmobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE:If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem's memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than one-half turn in either direction and the key is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON position, and the brake
pedal is depressed.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visible signals. For the
first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights
and security telltale will flash repeatedly. For an addi-
tional 15 minutes only, the headlights and security telltalewill flash. The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Keyt
is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Keytwill
disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System:
The Security Alarm System will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and security telltale
flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the
system will ignore that condition and monitor the re-
maining doors and ignition.
To Set the Alarm
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks, or
use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter to
LOCK the doors. After all the doors are locked and
closed, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will
flash rapidly to signal that the system is arming. The
SECURITY light in the instrument panel cluster will flash
rapidly for about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

being set. After the alarm is set, the SECURITY light will
flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the SECURITY light stays on continuously
during vehicle operation, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the RKE transmitter to UNLOCK the door. If some-
thing has triggered the system in your absence, the horn
will sound three times when you unlock the doors and
the SECURITY light will flash for 30 seconds. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then the Security
Alarm will be initiated. To exit the alarming mode, press
the RKE UNLOCK button, or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Keyt.The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the RKE transmitter, the
alarm will sound when you pull the door handle to exit.
The door will be locked, but the Security Alarm System
will not arm.ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter or open the
doors. This feature is only available if you have Remote
Keyless Entry.
The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds, or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned ON.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE