2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON traction control

the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow
to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than
a
1¤4turn quickly back and forth, while still applying
throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh9bite9
and help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine rpm's or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
²Mud± Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get through.
You should use 4L (low range) with a gear low enough
to maintain your momentum without shifting. If you
start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel
no more than a
1¤4turn quickly back and forth for
additional traction. Mud holes pose an increasedthreat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting
stuck. As a good practice before entering any mud
hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if there are
any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely
recovered if stuck.
²Sand± Soft sand is very difficult to travel through
with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots
in a trail maintain your vehicle's momentum and do
not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is to use the
appropriate tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoid-
ing abrupt maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle's
momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft
sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a
minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire
surface area. Reduced tire pressure will drastically
improve your traction and handling, while driving on
the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle's limitations.
Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep
to climb and should not be attempted. You should always
feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You
should always climb hills straight up and down. Never
attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
²Before Climbing A Steep Hill± As you approach a
hill consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is
too steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill
side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on
top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branchesor other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover
the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything
looks good and you feel confident, then change trans-
mission into a lower gear, shift the transfer case into 4L
(Low) and proceed with caution. You should use first
gear and 4L (Low) for very steep hills.
²Driving Up Hill± Once you have determined your
ability to proceed and have shifted into the appropri-
ate gear, line your vehicle up for the straightest
possible run. Accelerate with an easy constant throttle
and apply more power as you start up the hill. Do not
race forward into a steep grade, the abrupt change of
grade could cause you to lose control. If the front end
begins to bounce, ease off the throttle slightly to bring
all four tires back on the ground. As you approach the
crest of the hill ease off the throttle and slowly proceed
over the top. If the wheels start to slip as you approach
the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
headway by turning the steering wheel no more than
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

a1¤4turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a
fresh9bite9into the surface and will usually provide
enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not
make it to the top, place the vehicle in reverse and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a roll over, which may result in
severe injury.
²Driving Down Hill± Before driving down a steep hill
you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe
descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there
obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty ofdistance at the base of the hill to regain control if the
vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your
ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low)
with the transmission in 1st gear (manually select 1st
gear on automatic transmissions) and proceed with
caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent
and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow
the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in neutral. Use vehicle
brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descend-
ing a grade too fast could cause you to lose control
and be seriously injured.
²Driving Across An Incline± If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle's abilities. Driving across an incline places
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

more weight on the down hill wheels, which increases
the possibilities of a down hill slide or roll over. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable
soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a roll
over, which may result in severe injury.
²If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway± If you stall
or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep hill,
allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift to R
(Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing the
compression braking of the engine and transmission tohelp regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to
control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid
locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle, which may result in
severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a
hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never back down a hill in N
(Neutral) or with the clutch pedal depressed using
only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally
across a hill, always drive straight up or down.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

Even the slowest current can push the heaviest vehicle
downstream out of control if the water is deep enough
to push on the large surface area of the vehicle's body.
Before you proceed determine the speed of the current,
the water's depth, approach angle, bottom condition
and if there are any obstacles, then cross at an angle
heading slightly upstream using the low and slow
technique.
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can
push your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of
control. This could put you and your passengers at
risk of injury or drowning.
Airing Down For Off-Road Driving
Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve your
ride comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing the tire air
pressure allows the tire to bulge slightly, improving its
surface area for better flotation and ability to mold or
form to the ground contour. Different terrain, tires, and
vehicles require different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like
rock and heavier vehicles require higher pressures than
softer surfaces such as sand and lighter vehicles. You will
need to experiment to determine what is right for your
situation. It is easier and faster to let air out than it is to
replace it so, start high and lower it as required. Remem-
ber you must return the tires to normal air pressure
before driving on road or at highway conditions. Be sure
you have a way to return the tires to their normal on road
air pressure.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) 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, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those 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.
482 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

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