2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............14
mSentry Keyt...........................15
NReplacement Keys......................16
NCustomer Key Programming..............17
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18
NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel..............................18NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System..............................19
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........19
NRearming Of The System.................19
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................20
mIlluminated Entry System Ð If Equipped.......20
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CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Transmission Ð If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward; to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
ªBody Lubricationº in Section 7.
Ignition Key Release Button
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NPinch Protect Override.................159
NVenting Sunroof - Express...............160
NSunshade Operation...................160
NWind Buffeting.......................160
NSunroof Maintenance...................160
NSunroof Fully Closed...................160
mElectrical Power Outlets..................160
mCigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............162
mCupholders...........................163
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (40±20±40
Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission..........163
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission..........165NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð
Manual Transmission..................165
NRear Cupholder (Quad Cabt)Ð
If Equipped.........................166
NRear Cupholder (Mega Cabt).............166
mStorage..............................167
NCenter Storage Compartment (40±20±40 Seat) ±
If Equipped.........................167
NCenter Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) ±
If Equipped.........................168
NStorage And Seats (Quad CabtModels).....170
NStorage And Seats (Mega Cab Models)......171
NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers (Mega Cab
Models)............................172
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
30 mph (50 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the RESUME/ACCEL button.
When the button is released, a new set speed will be
established.
Tapping the RESUME/ACCEL button once will result in
a 2 mph (3 km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed will decrease. For example, tapping the button
three times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (5 km/h),
etc.To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing), the vehicle may slow below
the SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph
(56 km/h), the speed control will automatically disen-
gage. If this happens, you can push down on the accel-
erator pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 6±speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th or 5th gear under the above
conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
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CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40±20±40
Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission
Your new vehicle is equipped with two adjustable cup-
holders. The cupholder is opened by pulling on the cup
holder door handle located on the front surface. Each
opening in the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups
and mugs of various sizes.
To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the
cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the
cup until it is held stable.
Ash Tray Manual Transmission
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 163
3

Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission
If your new vehicle is equipped with bucket seats there
are three cupholders located on the front of the center
console.
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð Manual
Transmission
Cupholders Bucket Seat
Cupholders Manual Transmission
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 165
3

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
TPMS ªLight Loadº Reset Switch ± If Equipped
The TPMS ºLight Loadº reset switch allows you to
choose between Light Load vehicle conditions and Max
Load vehicle conditions tire pressures and related TPMS
warning levels. The switch is located in the instrumentpanel, below the climate control panel. For additional
information refer to ªTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Ð If Equippedº in section 5 of this manual.
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
26. Wait To Start Indicator
The Wait To Start indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66ÉF (19ÉC).
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures ± Diesel Engines.........268
NAutomatic Transmission ± If Equipped......268
NManual Transmission ± If Equipped........269
NNormal Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)........269
NStarting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)...........270
NStarting Fluids.......................274
mNormal Operation (Diesel Engine)...........274
NCold Weather Precautions...............275NEngine Idling........................278
NStopping The Engine...................280
NEngine Speed Control..................281
NOperating Precautions..................281
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................281
mDiesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) ±
If Equipped...........................283
mTransmission Shifting....................285
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive
(68RFE) Ð If Equipped.................285
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