2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS Light load

NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAUL OD/OFFº feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 399
5

Before Plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tightness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.4 mm
to13 mm) above ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability
For Detailed Information Visit www.dodge.com or refer
to the Current Dodge Truck Body Builders Guide.
1. The 1500 models are NOT available for snowplow
applications.
2. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.3. The total GVWR, or the Front GAWR, or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
4. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver's side door opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and reset if
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

Filters
Air Cleaner........................455,481
Engine Fuel.......................... 455
Engine Oil........................454,510
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 453
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 139
Flat Tire Stowage.....................422,433
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 380
Engine Oil........................... 380
Fuel Requirements..................377,379
Replacement Parts..................... 381
Starting............................. 380
Flooded Engine Starting................... 280
Fluid, Brake............................ 511
Fluid Capacities......................... 508
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 477Brake............................... 472
Power Steering........................ 460
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 510
Fog Lights.......................138,201,498
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 179
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 416
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 437
Front Axle (Differential)................... 474
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 479
Fuel................................. 371
Adding............................. 375
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 377
Filter............................... 455
Gauge.............................. 207
Hoses.............................. 471
Octane Rating......................371,510
Requirements......................371,508
System Hoses......................... 471
INDEX 537
10

Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 48
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 139
Lap Belts.............................. 45
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 66
Life of Tires............................ 354
ªLight Loadº Reset Switch (TPMS).........193,365
Lights..............................80,134
Airbag............................59,197
Anti-Lock Warning..................202,322
Brake Warning........................ 202
Bulb Replacement...................494,495
Cap Top Clearance..................... 503
Cargo .............................. 138
Center Mounted Stop................... 502
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 201Courtesy/Reading..................... 149
Cruise.............................. 208
Daytime Running...................... 137
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 505
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator...........................204,333
Fog ..........................138,201,498
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 298
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 416
Headlights........................... 136
High Beam........................140,197
High Beam Indicator.................... 197
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 140
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 196
Intensity Control....................... 135
Interior..........................135,149
Lights On Reminder.................... 138
Passing............................. 140
540 INDEX

Seat Belt Reminder..................... 197
Service...........................494,495
Side Marker.......................... 507
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 204
Traction Control....................... 333
Transfer Case......................... 298
Transmission Warning................... 207
Turn Signal..................139,196,495,499
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 196
Limited-Slip Differential................313,475
Loading Vehicle......................... 381
Tires ............................... 343
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 18Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 66
Lubrication, Body....................... 462
Lug Nuts............................. 428
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance........................... 450
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 457
Maintenance Procedures................... 450
Maintenance Schedule.................... 514
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 448
Manual, Service......................... 527
Manual Transmission...............288,291,476
Fluid Level Check...................475,476
Lubricant Selection..................476,511
Shift Speeds.......................... 290
Mirrors................................ 86
Automatic Dimming..................... 87
Electric Powered....................... 88
INDEX 541
10

Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 156
Operating Precautions.................... 447
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 87
Overdrive............................. 285
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 285
Overhead Console....................148,149
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 149
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 527
Parking Brake.......................... 318
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 56
Passing Light........................... 140
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 144
Pets.................................. 76
Pets, Transporting........................ 76
Phone, Cellular.......................... 91
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectt) .............. 91
Pickup Box............................ 183
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 344Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 457
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 489
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors.............................. 88
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 166
Seats............................122,124
Sliding Rear Window................... 182
Steering..........................323,460
Sunroof............................. 163
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 511
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Radial Ply Tires......................... 351
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......466,468
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 209
INDEX 543
10

Radio, Navigation....................... 248
Radio Operation................... 211,219,233
Radio Remote Controls.................... 255
Radio, Satellite.......................248,251
Radio (Sound Systems).............. 211,219,233
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 474
Rear Seat, Folding....................126,128
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 480
Rear Window Features.................... 182
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 183
Reclining Front Seats.................. 119,120
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 126
Recorder, Event Data...................... 60
Recreational Towing...................... 406
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....407,409
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 408,411
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 372
Refrigerant............................ 460
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46Remote Control
Starting System........................ 25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 255
Remote Starting System.................... 25
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Tires....................... 355
Reporting Safety Defects................... 526
Reset Switch ªLight Loadº (TPMS).........193,365
Resetting Oil Change Indicator.............. 200
Restraint, Head......................... 121
Restraints, Child.......................62,70
Restraints, Occupant...................... 34
Rotation, Tires.......................... 359
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 79
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 79
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 526
Safety Information, Tire................... 339
544 INDEX

Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 453
System, Navigation...................... 248
System, Remote Starting.................... 25
Tachometer............................ 196
Tailgate............................... 185
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............66,71
Tilt Steering Column..................... 143
Tip Start.............................. 279
Tire and Loading Information Placard....343,344,357
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 342
Tire Markings.......................... 339
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ªLight Loadº
Reset Switch........................193,365
Tire Safety Information.................... 339
Tires ............................79,347,528
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 354
Air Pressure.......................... 347
Alignment........................... 356Chains.............................. 357
Compact Spare........................ 351
Dual............................361,431
General Information.................... 347
High Speed.......................... 350
Inflation Pressures..................... 348
Jacking............................. 423
Life of Tires.......................... 354
Load Capacity.....................343,344
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 362
Pressure Warning Light.................. 204
Quality Grading....................... 528
Radial.............................. 351
Replacement......................... 355
Rotation............................. 359
Safety...........................339,347
Sizes............................... 340
Snow Tires........................... 359
Spare Tire........................... 422
INDEX 547
10