2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS Owners Manual

a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your authorized
dealer, and the manufacturer.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll free at 1±888±327±4236 (TTY: 1±800±424± 9153),
or go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administra-
tor, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you
should contact the Customer Service Department imme-
diately. Canadian customers who wish to report a safety
defect to the Canadian government should write to:
Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Defect Investigations
and Recalls, 2780 Sheffield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1B
3V9.
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cepted. If you prefer mailing your payment, please call
for an order form.
NOTE:A street address is required when ordering
manuals (no P.O. Boxes).
²Service Manuals
These comprehensive Service Manuals provide the
information that students and professional technicians
need in diagnosing/troubleshooting, problem solving,
maintaining, servicing, and repairing Chrysler LLC
vehicles. A complete working knowledge of the ve-
hicle, system, and/or components is written in
straightforward language with illustrations, diagrams,
and charts.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 527
9

²Diagnostic Procedure Manuals
Diagnostic Procedure Manuals are filled with dia-
grams, charts and detailed illustrations. These practi-
cal manuals make it easy for students and technicians
to find and fix problems on computer-controlled ve-
hicle systems and features. They show exactly how to
find and correct problems the first time, using step-by-
step troubleshooting and drivability procedures,
proven diagnostic tests and a complete list of all tools
and equipment.
²Owner's Manuals
These Owner's Manuals have been prepared with the
assistance of service and engineering specialists to
acquaint you with specific Chrysler LLC vehicles.
Included are starting, operating, emergency and main-
tenance procedures as well as specifications, capabili-
ties and safety tips.Call toll free at:
²1±800±890±4038 (U.S.)
²1±800±387±1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the Worldwide Web at:
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire's manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
528 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 529
9

Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
530 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

INDEX
10

Adding Fuel........................... 375
Adjustable Pedals....................... 144
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..............455,481
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 459
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............459,460
Air Conditioning System................261,459
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 264
Air Pressure, Tires....................348,357
Airbag............................34,48,56
Airbag Light.......................59,79,197
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 56
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,199
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 356
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 254
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........466,467,508
Disposal............................ 469Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............320,325
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............202,322
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,199
Appearance Care........................ 484
Ashtray............................... 168
Assistance Towing....................... 104
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 87
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 478
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 479
Fluid Level Check...................476,477
Fluid Type........................476,511
Shift Indicator........................ 199
Shifting............................. 283
Special Additives...................... 479
Axle Fluid..........................474,511
532 INDEX

Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 474
Ball Joints............................. 460
Battery............................... 457
Emergency Starting..................... 434
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 136
Bearings.............................. 479
Belts, Drive............................ 454
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 462
B-Pillar Location........................ 343
Brake Assist System...................... 326
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 324
Brake Fluid.........................472,511
Brake System........................319,471
Anti-Lock (ABS).................320,321,325
Disc Brakes.......................... 471
Fluid Check.......................... 472Hoses.............................. 471
Master Cylinder....................... 472
Parking............................. 318
Warning Light........................ 202
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Bulb Replacement....................... 495
Bulbs, Light............................ 494
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 503
Calibration, Compass..................... 154
Camper............................... 185
Capacities, Fluid........................ 508
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 452
Power Steering........................ 460
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 468
Car Washes............................ 484
Carbon Monoxide Warning............78,187,375
Cargo Light............................ 138
INDEX 533
10

Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 257
Catalytic Converter...................... 455
CD (Compact Disc) Player............ 211,219,233
Cellular Phone.......................... 91
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 502
Center Lap Belts......................... 45
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........173,174
Certification Label....................... 381
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 340
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 201
Child Restraint........................62,63
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............66,71
Child Seat............................63,70
Cigar Lighter........................... 168
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 486
Climate Control......................... 259
Clock.....................209,213,221,234,248Clutch............................... 474
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 474
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 258
Compact Spare Tire...................... 351
Compass...........................153,154
Compass Calibration..................... 154
Compass Variance....................... 155
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 149
Console, Overhead....................... 148
Contract, Service........................ 525
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 468
Cooling System......................... 465
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 467
Coolant Capacity...................... 508
Coolant Level......................465,469
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 469
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 466
Inspection........................... 469
Points to Remember.................... 469
534 INDEX