2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS ECO mode

²In a convertible vehicle, system performance may be
compromised with the convertible top down.
Far End Audio Performance
²
Audio quality is maximized under:
²low-to-medium blower setting,
²low-to-medium vehicle speed,
²low road noise,
²smooth road surface,
²fully closed windows,
²dry weather conditions, and
²operation from the driver's seat.
²Performance, such as audio clarity, echo, and loudness
to a large degree rely on the phone and network, and
not the UConnecttsystem.
²Echo at the far end can sometimes be reduced by
lowering the in-vehicle audio volume.
²In a convertible vehicle, system performance may be
compromised with the convertible top down.
BluetoothtCommunication Link
Cellular phones have been found to lose connection to
the UConnecttsystem. When this happens, the connec-
tion can generally be re-established by switching the
phone off/on. Your cell phone is recommended to remain
in BluetoothtON mode.
Power-Up
After switching the ignition key from OFF to either ON
or ACC position, or after a language change, you must
wait at least five seconds prior to using the system.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle's battery, load shedding
is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for 10
minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for 10
minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlamps remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes. If the headlamps are turned on and left on
for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Headlamp Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlamp delay that will leave the headlamps on for 90
seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is
turned OFF while the headlamp switch is ON, and then
the headlamp switch is cycled OFF. Headlamp delay can
be cancelled by either turning the headlamp switch ON
then OFF, or by turning the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. The headlights will turn ON
when the switch is rotated to the second position.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. This is not resettable
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 mi (48 km/h)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to an alternating test display of ªLOº and ªFUELº. This
display will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will
turn off the ªLO FUELº text and a new DTE value will be
displayed, based on the current values in the DTE
calculation and the current fuel tank level.NOTE:It is possible for DTE to display ªLO FUELº
before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru-
ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning
is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an
estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy
and remaining fuel tank volume.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models
²34 gal (128 L) - 1500 Quad Cabt(if equipped)/2500/
3500/Power Wagon short box models
²35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500//Power Wagon long
box models
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the ªConsumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ingº document available from your authorized dealer.
For safety reasons, follow all instructions in this impor-
tant document.NOTE:When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High-Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle, entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose
in the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
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that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned ONand remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
22. Cargo Light
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the
Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo
Light Button on the headlight switch.
23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
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27. 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.
28. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
29. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.30. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead
console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
ªLO FUELº before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and
DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle
fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume.
Vehicle fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models
²34 gal (128 L) - 1500/2500/3500 short box models
²35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500 long box models
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
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ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC
position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
On the RAQ radio the time button alternates the location
of the time and frequency on the display. On the REF only
one of the two, time or frequency, is displayed at a time.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Press and hold the time button until the hours blink.
2. Adjust the hours by turning the right side Tune/
Audio control.3. After the hours are adjusted, press the right side
Tune/Audio control to set the minutes.
4. Adjust the minutes using the right side Tune/Audio
control.
5. To exit, press any button/knob or wait approximately
five seconds.
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS
The radio will provide excellent reception under most
operating conditions. Like any system, however, automo-
tive radios have performance limitations, due to mobile
operation and natural phenomena, which might lead you
to believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these ªap-
parentº malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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SALES CODE REF Ð AM/FM/CD (SINGLE-DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS-FREE PHONE CAPABILITY
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC
position to operate the radio.
Power Switch/Volume Control (Rotary)
Press the ON/VOL control to turn the radio ON. Press
the ON/VOL a second time to turn OFF the radio.
Electronic Volume Control
The electronic volume control turns continuously (360
degrees) in either direction without stopping. Turning the
volume control to the right increases the volume and to
the left decreases it.
When the audio system is turned on, the sound will be
set at the same volume level as last played.
For your convenience, the volume can be turned down,
but not up, when the audio system is off and the ignition
is ON.
REF Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
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