2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL wiring

WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during airbag deployment could cause seri-
ous injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back,
comfortably extending your arms to reach the
steering wheel or instrument panel.
²If the vehicle has window bags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Occupant Restraint Controller
²Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (if equipped)
²Airbag Warning Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Window Bags above Side Windows (if equipped)
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
²Front Acceleration Sensors (1500 Vehicles Only)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

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

Cargo Light Ð If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned ON by pressing on the
CARGO button. The interior lights will also turn on
when the cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also
turn ON for 30 seconds when a key fob UNLOCK is
pressed, as part of the illuminated entry feature.
Multifunction Control Lever
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
Cargo Light Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5

The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4-Pin Connector
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicles electrical system, or
wiring, should be performed by a qualified automo-
tive technician, if done improperly it may cause
damage to the electrical system wiring and could
result in serious or fatal injury.
The following chart identifies the maximum electrical
loads that the trailer tow output circuits are capable of
supporting.
7-Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
5

If the WATER IN FUEL LIGHT comes on and a single
chime is heard while you are driving, or with the key in
the ON position, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your authorized dealer
for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel filter, the
WATER IN FUEL LIGHT will remain illuminated for
approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the water in fuel light may
remain on for approximately three minutes.
NOTE:Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact your local authorized dealer, service station, or
government agency for advice on recycling programs
and for where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter monthly or when the WATER IN FUEL LIGHT is
on. Turn the drain valve located on the bottom of the
filter counterclockwise and allow any accumulated water
to drain into an approved container. Leave the drain
valve open until all water and contaminants have been
removed. Close the drain valve by turning it clockwise
when clean fuel is visible.
NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
located on the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained,
follow the directions below for ªPriming if the engine has
run out of fuel.º
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

Inflation Pressures..................... 325
Jacking............................. 387
Life of Tires.......................... 330
Load Capacity.....................320,321
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 338
Pressure Warning Light.................. 196
Quality Grading....................... 503
Radial.............................. 327
Replacement......................... 331
Rotation............................. 335
Safety...........................316,324
Sizes............................... 317
Snow Tires........................... 335
Spare Tire........................... 386
Spinning............................ 329
Tread Wear Indicators................... 330
Wheel Mounting....................... 387
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 392
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 361Torque Converter Clutch.................. 290
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 401
Tow/Haul............................. 288
Towing............................... 356
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 102
Disabled Vehicle....................... 402
Guide.............................. 361
Recreational.......................... 375
Weight.............................. 361
Towing Assistance....................... 102
Traction.............................. 307
Traction Control......................... 446
Trailer Towing.......................... 356
Cooling System Tips.................... 369
Hitches............................. 360
Minimum Requirements................. 362
Mirrors...........................87,370
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 361
Wiring.............................. 365
INDEX 521
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