2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON differential

Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only
be attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible
manner. You should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread lightly and
avoid damage to the environment. You should know
your vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if some-
thing goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water
first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. You want
to use 1st gear in 4L (low) and proceed very slowly with
a constant slow speed (3-5 mph maximum) and light
throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate
through the crossing. After crossing any water higherthan the bottom of the axle differentials, you should
inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water inges-
tion.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other
vehicle components and your brakes will be less
effective once wet and/or muddy
²Before You Cross Any Type Of Water± As you
approach any type of water you need to determine if
you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a
stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
towing. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way and pushing or towing a
vehicle equipped with a manual transmission may over-
heat and damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed
or towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399
6

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type. 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 5/8º (16 mm) below on
9 1/4º Manufacturer's Rear Axles.
For all 2500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/4º  
1/4º (6.4 mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25º
Front and 3/4º  1/4º (19 mm   6.4 mm) on 10.5º Rear
axles.
Drain and Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
front and rear axle fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
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 Differentials
Power Wagon AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 138
Cup Holder............................ 162
Customer Assistance..................... 476
Data Recorder, Event...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights................... 131
Dealer Service.......................... 412
Defroster, Rear Window.................92,165
Defroster, Windshield................77,240,243
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 135
Differential............................. 84
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 275
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player.............. 84
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 436
Power Steering........................ 421
Disc Brakes............................ 432
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 429Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 150
Drive Belts............................ 416
Driving
Off-Pavement......................... 281
Off-Road............................ 281
Electric Rear Window Defrost.............92,165
Electrical Power Outlets................... 159
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 138
Emergency Brake........................ 321
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 402
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 390
Jacking............................. 393
Jump Starting......................... 399
Tow Hooks.......................... 402
Towing............................. 403
INDEX 489
10

Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 465
Fog Lights.......................132,184,463
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 166
Four Wheel Drive....................... 271
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 390
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 402
Front Axle (Differential)................... 434
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 439
Fuel................................. 357
Adding............................. 362
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 363
Filter............................... 417
Gauge.............................. 189
Octane Rating......................357,465
Requirements......................357,464
Tank Capacity........................ 464
Fuses................................ 447
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 150Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............363,409
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 357
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 358
Gauges............................... 179
Coolant Temperature.................... 181
Fuel................................ 189
Oil Pressure.......................... 180
Speedometer......................... 180
Tachometer.......................... 179
Voltmeter............................ 179
Gear Ranges........................263,269
Gear Ratios............................. 84
General Information.................18,120,357
Glass Cleaning.......................... 446
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 368
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 367
Guide, Body Builders...................... 6
GVWR............................... 364
INDEX 491
10

Intensity Control....................... 129
Interior..........................129,142
Lights On Reminder.................... 132
Passing............................. 134
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 180
Service.............................. 453
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 187
Transfer Case......................... 274
Transmission Warning................... 189
Turn Signal..................133,179,453,457
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 179
Limited-Slip Differential................275,434
Loading Vehicle......................... 364
Tires ............................... 331
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28Steering Wheel......................... 19
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 424
Lug Nuts............................. 396
Lumbar Support........................ 123
Maintenance........................... 412
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 419
Maintenance Procedures................... 412
Maintenance Schedule.................... 468
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 410
Manual, Service......................... 480
Manual Transmission..................268,435
Fluid Level Check...................... 435
Lubricant Selection..................435,466
Shift Speeds.......................... 269
Mirrors................................ 88
Automatic Dimming..................... 89
494 INDEX

Radial Ply Tires......................... 338
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......427,429
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio, Navigation....................... 227
Radio Operation...................192,200,213
Radio Remote Controls.................... 235
Radio, Satellite.......................228,231
Radio (Sound Systems)..............192,200,213
Ramp Travel Index....................... 282
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 434
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 439
Rear Window Features.................... 165
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 166
Reclining Front Seats..................... 122
Recorder, Event Data...................... 59
Recreational Towing...................... 384
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 384
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 386Reformulated Gasoline.................... 358
Refrigerant............................ 421
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 45
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 235
Remote Starting System.................... 25
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Tires....................... 342
Reporting Safety Defects................... 479
Resetting Oil Change Indicator.............. 183
Restraint, Head......................... 122
Restraints, Child.......................61,68
Restraints, Occupant...................... 34
Ride Height............................ 85
Rotation, Tires.......................... 346
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 77
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 78
INDEX 497
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
POWER WAGON: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE FeaturesInstrument Panel and ControlsOperationEmergenciesA WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key
ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming
of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic AlarmGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery Service REMOTE
STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows-If EquippedWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt
AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt Pretensioners - If EquippedEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)-Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should
Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE POWER WAGON FEATURES Locking Front and Rear Differentials4.56:1 GearsElectronically Disconnecting Stabilizer/Sway BarIncreased Ride Height12,000 lb. WinchHigh-Pressure
Monotube Shocks/New Front and Rear SpringsOff-Road TiresSkid Plates And Underbody ProtectionWheel FlaresWheelsStandard package featuresMoparOptionsMIRRORS Inside MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature
Electronic Power Mirrors - If Equipped Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System Features
Advanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS 40-20-40 Front Seat Reclining SeatsAdjustable Head RestraintsManual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats
- If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime RunningLights (Canada Only and Fleet Vehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCargo Light - If Equipped
Multifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IFEQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The
Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Courtesy/Reading LightsOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED US/M Button RESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average
Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Automatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationRecalibrating The CompassOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming
HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Open Sunroof - Express ModeComfort StopClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch
Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceSunroof Fully ClosedELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
Rear Cupholder - Quad Cab - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment - If Equipped Storage and Seats - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side view Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If Equipped
Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR - IF EQUIPPED PICKUP BOX SLIDE-IN CAMPERS EASY-OFF TAILGATE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO
WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions
- Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions
- (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RAK - AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD (6-DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, VIDEO, MP3, and WMA CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions- Tape PlayerSeek ButtonFast Forward (FF)Rewind (RW)Tape EjectScan ButtonChanging Tape
DirectionMetal Tape SelectionPinch Roller ReleaseNoise ReductionOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Audio Play)
LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplaySATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED
System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, and RAK RadiosSelectinga ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCAN
PTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationTape PlayerCD PlayerCASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR
PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - Fleet Vehicles Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature Control -If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES -
GAS ENGINES Manual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with OverdriveMANUAL
TRANSMISSION Manual Transmission - 6 Speed (G56)Recommended Vehicle Shift SpeedsDownshifting - All Manual TransmissionsFOUR-WHEEL- DRIVE OPERATION Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually
Shifted Transfer Case Transfer Case Reminder LightLIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Axle Locker System Stabilizer/Sway Bar System POWER WAGON - SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING Off-Road Driving Tips and Vehicle
CharacteristicsDriving in Snow, Mud and SandCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)Hill ClimbingDriving Through WaterAiring Down For Off-Road DrivingVehicle RecoveryAfter Driving Off-RoadWINCH USAGE - IF EQUIPPED Things To Know Before Using
Your WinchUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR WINCH WINCH ACCESSORIESOPERATING YOUR WINCHRIGGING TECHNIQUESPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake NoiseFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If EquippedPOWER STEERING MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L Engine Only TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare
Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Light Load Reset Switch Description - If EquippedTire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineSulfur In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common
Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedSNOWPLOW RECREATIONAL TOWING - 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing Procedure - Manual Shift Transfer Case - If EquippedReturning to Normal Operation - Manual Shift Transfer CaseEQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING All Models - If EquippedJACKING INSTRUCTIONS Removing The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedureHOISTING JUMP-STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED
VEHICLE 4-Wheel-Drive VehiclesWINCH USAGE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L GAS ENGINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)Engine Air Cleaner FilterEngine Fuel FilterCatalytic ConverterEmission-Related Components
Maintenance Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsSteering Linkage - InspectionFrontProp Shaft LubricationBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses
And Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemClutch LinkageRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer CaseFront Drive ShaftManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionFront Wheel BearingsNoise Control System Required
Maintenance and WarrantyAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE EPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsTail, Stop, Turn and Backup
LightsCenter High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo LightCab Top Clearance Lights - If EquippedFog LightsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS ANDGENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU
NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction Grades
Temperature GradesINDEX