2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS Owners Manual

Sliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped
A locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.
PICKUP BOX
The pickup box on your new vehicle has many features
designed for utility and convenience.
NOTE:If you are installing a toolbox to the front of the
pickup box, you must use Moparttoolbox brackets
available from your authorized dealer.
Pickup Box Features
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183
3

You can carry wide building materials (sheets of ply-
wood, etc.) by building a raised load floor. Place lumber
across the box in the indentations provided above the
wheel housings and in the bulkhead dividers to form the
floor.
WARNING!
The pickup box is intended for load carrying pur-
poses only, not for passengers, who should sit in
seats and use seat belts.
WARNING!
²Care should always be exercised when operating a
vehicle with unrestrained cargo. Vehicle speeds may
need to be reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may
cause shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may
result in vehicle damage. If wide building materials
are to be frequently carried, the installation of a
support is recommended. This will restrain the
cargo and transfer the load to the pickup box floor.
²If you wish to carry more than 600 lbs (272 kg) of
material suspended above the wheelhouse, sup-
ports must be installed to transfer the weight of
the load to the pickup box floor or vehicle damage
may result. The use of proper supports will permit
loading up to the rated payload.
²Unrestrained cargo may be thrown forward in an
accident causing serious or fatal injury.
184 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
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
Tailgate Open
Tailgate Support Strap Attachment
186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly,
the exhaust system on vehicles equipped with ªCap
or Slide-In Campersº should extend beyond the
overhanging camper compartment and be free of
leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 187
3

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
mInstruments And Controls.................193
mInstrument Cluster......................194
NPremium Cluster ± If Equipped...........194
NBase Cluster ± If Equipped...............195
mInstrument Cluster Description.............196
mElectronic Digital Clock..................209
NClock Setting Procedure.................209
mRadio General Information................209
NRadio Broadcast Signals.................209NTwo Types Of Signals..................210
mSales Code REF Ð AM/FM/CD (Single-Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio And
Hands-Free Phone Capability..............211
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......211
NOperating Instructions - CD Mode.........215
NOperating Instructions - Auxiliary Mode.....217
NOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone Ð
If Equipped.........................2184

NOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio Ð
If Equipped.........................218
mSales Code RAQ ± AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio
With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands-Free Phone,
And Video Entertainment System (VESŸ)
Capabilities...........................219
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......219
NOperating Instructions -
(CD Mode For CD Audio Play)...........224
NLoad/Eject Button
(CD Mode For CD Audio Play)...........226
NNotes On Playing MP3 Files.............228
NOperating Instructions -
(CD Mode For MP3 Audio Play)..........230
NLoad/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 230mSales Code RAK ± AM/FM/Cassette/CD (6-Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free
Phone, Video, MP3, And WMA Capabilities....233
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......233
NOperating Instructions Ð Tape Player.......237
NSeek Button.........................238
NFast Forward (FF).....................238
NRewind (RW)........................238
NTape Eject...........................238
NScan Button.........................238
NChanging Tape Direction................239
NMetal Tape Selection...................239
NPinch Roller Release...................239
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL