2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON towing

NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
(See page 271 for more information.)
11 .TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once.(See page 266 for
more information.)
12.OD/OFF
the OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.(See page 266 for more
information.)13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ª245ÉFº mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on ªMaintain-
ing Your Vehicle.º
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4

cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
17. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.18. Check Gages Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.
21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remainon for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
22. Cargo Light
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the
Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo
Light Button on the headlight switch.
23. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

TPMS ªLight Loadº Reset Switch ± If Equipped
The TPMS ºLight Loadº reset switch allows you to
choose between Light Load vehicle conditions and Max
Load vehicle conditions tire pressures and related TPMS
warning levels. The switch is located in the instrument
panel, below the climate control panel. For additional
information refer to ªTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Ð If Equippedº in section 5 of this manual.
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If thislight comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
26. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
27. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
28. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead
console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
ªLO FUELº before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, 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. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
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 intoNEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NTire Pressure Monitor System Components . . . 355
NGeneral Information...................357
mFuel Requirements......................357
NReformulated Gasoline.................358
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............358
NMMT In Gasoline.....................359
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................359
NMaterials Added To Fuel................360
NFuel System Cautions..................360
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............361
mAdding Fuel..........................362
NAdding Fuel (Gas Engines)..............362
mVehicle Loading........................364NCertification Label.....................364
mTrailer Towing.........................367
NCommon Towing Definitions.............367
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............371
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................372
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............372
NTowing Requirements..................373
NTowing Tips.........................380
NTrailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped......381
mSnowplow............................383
mRecreational Towing Ð 4±Wheel Drive Vehicles
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................384
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

NRecreational Towing Procedure Ð Manual
Shift Transfer Case Ð If Equipped.........384
NReturning To Normal Operation Ð Manual
Shift Transfer Case....................386mEquipment Identification Plate.............387
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on
the brake pedal.
ªRº Reverse
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.ªNº Neutral
Shift to Neutral when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving, with
the transmission in neutral (N) position, can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
ªDº Drive
This position provides all forward gears, including 3rd
gear direct and 4th and 5th (if equipped) gear overdrive
(see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city
and highway driving.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING