2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL oil dipstick

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait at least 30 minutes after engine
shutdown to check the oil.
Checking the vehicle while it's on level ground will also
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil
only when the level on the dipstick is below the ªADDº
mark. The total capacity from the low mark to the high
mark is 2 quarts (1.9 liters).
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7

Start the engine and operate it at idle for several minutes.
Check for leaks at the lubricating oil filter and oil pan
drain plug.
Run the engine until it has reached operating tempera-
ture, stop the engine. Wait approximately 15 minutes to
let the oil in the upper parts of the engine drain back to
the pan. Check the oil level again.
Add oil as necessary to bring the level to the ªSAFEº
mark on the dipstick.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Filter
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Drive Belt
Inspection
Check the belt for intersecting cracks.
²Transverse (across the belt width) cracks are accept-
able.
²Longitudinal (direction of belt length) cracks that
intersect with transverse cracks are NOT acceptable.
Replace the belt if it has unacceptable cracks, is frayed or
has pieces of material missing.
The engine speed sensor, located near the damper, should
be inspected for damage if a belt is frayed.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF (82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 437
Inspection........................... 440
Points to Remember.................... 441
Pressure Cap......................... 439
Radiator Cap......................... 439
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........438,480
Temperature Gauge..................... 191
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 139
Cup Holder............................ 163
Customer Assistance..................... 497
Data Recorder, Event...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights................... 132
Dealer Service.......................... 410
Defroster, Rear Window.................87,173
Defroster, Windshield................77,251,253
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 136
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 283
Diesel Fuel............................ 348Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 348
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 306
Dipsticks.............................. 413
Power Steering........................ 431
Disc Brakes............................ 443
Disposal.............................. 418
Engine Oil........................... 418
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 440
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Door Opener, Garage..................... 151
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 422
Drive Belts............................ 418
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 307
Dual Rear Wheels.....................337,394
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 241
INDEX 509
10

Trip .............................192,199
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 309
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 309
Oil Change Indicator..................145,486
Oil, Engine............................ 480
Capacity............................ 479
Change Interval....................... 414
Dipstick............................. 413
Disposal............................ 418
Filter.........................413,416,480
Identification Logo..................... 414
Materials Added to..................... 415
Pressure Gauge....................... 191
Recommendation...................... 414
Synthetic............................ 415
Viscosity............................ 415
Oil Filter, Change........................ 416
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 409
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 151Operating Precautions.................... 409
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 85
Overdrive............................. 287
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 287
Overhead Console....................... 142
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 501
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 310
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 55
Passing Light........................... 134
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 138
Perform Service Indicator, Reset...........146,486
Personal Settings........................ 146
Pets.................................. 74
Pets, Transporting........................ 74
Phone, Cellular.......................... 89
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............. 89
Pickup Box............................ 177
516 INDEX