2008 DODGE RAM 2500 GAS recommended oil

²The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up
to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality, energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with the anticipated cli-
matic conditions under which vehicle operation will
occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
discussed in Section 7 under Maintenance Procedures,
Engine Oil.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. For proper coolant type,
refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Genuine Partsº in
Section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
4

Change Engine Oil
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended en-
gine oil change intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API-certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API-Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap
location, refer to the ªEngine Compartmentº illustration
in this section.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Re-
fer to ªMulti-Displacement Systemº under ªStarting and
Operatingº in Section 5.
NOTE:For 2500/3500 trucks with a 5.7L engine oper-
ating under a gross combined weight rating of 14,000 lbs.
or greater, SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures.
Lubricants, which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber, should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils if the recommended oil
quality requirements are met, and the recommended
maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are
followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
7

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high-
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are a high-quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs (Gas Engines)
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the ªSpark Plugsº under ªFluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Partsº in Section 7.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Clutch Linkage
If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the
clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. For the
correct lubricant type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Partsº in this Section.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For the correct Fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Partsº in this Section. For normal service,
periodic fluid level checks are not required. When the
vehicle is serviced for other reasons the exterior surfaces
of the axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer's C205F HD front
axles. The fluid level should be 5/8 in (16 mm) below the
fill hole on 9 1/4 in manufacturer's rear axles.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4º   1/4 in(6.4 mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the
9.25 in front and 3/4 in   1/4 in (19 mm   6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be 1/4
in   1/4 in (6.4 mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole.Drain and Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
front and rear axle fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
For the correct fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Partsº in this Section.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Mopartlimited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. The Mopart
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transfer case fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
For the correct Fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Partsº in this Section.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
7

²Use Moparttouch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use Mopart
Wheel Cleaner (05066247AB) or equivalent, or select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only
Mopartor equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven
cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels'
protective finish.
YES EssentialstFabric Cleaning Procedure ± If
equipped
YES Essentialstseats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
²Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
²Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
²For tough stains, apply MopartTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
²For grease stains, apply MopartMultipurpose cleaner
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue.
²Do not use any solvents or protectants on Yes Essen-
tials products.
486 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE