2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS Owners Manual

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................416
mJacking And Tire Changing................417
NJack Location........................417
NReinstalling The Scissors-Type Jack And Tools
(1500 Models)........................419
mJacking Instructions.....................422
NRemoving The Spare Tire................422
NTire Changing Procedure................423mHoisting.............................434
mJump-Starting Procedures.................434
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................437
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........438
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................439
N4-Wheel Drive Vehicles.................439
N2±Wheel Drive Vehicles.................439
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signals
will flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
Hazard Light Warning Switch
416 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
Jack Location
The jack and jack tools are stored under the front passenger
seat. Lift the flap on the side of the seat for access.
Removal (2500/3500/Mega Cab)
Remove the jack and tools by removing the wing bolt and
sliding the assembly from under the seat.
Jack Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 417
6

Removal (1500 Regular Cab/Quad CabtVehicles)
The jack and jack tools are stored under the front
passenger seat. Lift the tab and slide the plastic cover
forward for access.Remove the jack and tools by removing the wing bolt and
sliding the assembly from under the seat.
Jack Cover
Jack Wing Bolt
418 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.
Reinstalling The Scissors-Type Jack And Tools
(1500 Models)
1. Lower the jack all the way down by turning the jack
turn-screw until the jack is snug.2. Position the jack and tool bag (unrolled). Make sure
the lug wrench is under the jack near the jack turn-screw.
Turn Screw and Lug
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 419
6

3. Fold the flap and roll the jack tool kit into a cylindrical
package (in direction of arrows), and tie to the jack using
the tie straps.
Folding Flap and Rolling Bag
Tying Bag to Jack with Straps
420 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. Place the jack and tools in the storage position holding
the jack by the jack turn-screw, slip the jack and tools
under the seat so that the bottom slot engages into the
fastener on the floor, and then secure to the floor pan
using the wing bolt. Reinstall the plastic cover.
Jack and Tools TiedJack Wing Bolt
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 421
6

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
NOTE:The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
422 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES