2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON fuel

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............409
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................410
mReplacement Parts......................411
mDealer Service.........................412
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413NEngine Oil Filter......................415
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 416
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............416
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................416
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................417
NCatalytic Converter....................417
NEmission-Related Components............419
NMaintenance Free Battery................419
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............420
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

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 manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil.This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
For trucks with a 5.7L engine operating under a gross
combined weight rating of 14,000 lbs. or greater, SAE
5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. For all other trucks with a 5.7L engine,
operating under a gross weight rating less than 14,000
lbs. SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your
engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
5.7L, 89 Octane
2500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
Engine Oil (with filter)
5.7L Engine V-8 (SAE 5W-20, API Certified). For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight ratinglessthan 14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6L
5.7L Engine V-8 (SAE 5W-30, API Certified). For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight ratinggreaterthan 14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6L
Cooling System
5.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 18.7 qts. 17.7L
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil (For trucks operating under a
gross combined weight ratinglessthan
14,000 lbs.)Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil (For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight rating
greaterthan 14,000 lbs.)Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (5.7L Engine) REC14MCC4 (Gap 0.040º)
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane Mid-Grade, (R+M)/2 Method Preferred (87 Octane Accept-
able)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
7

²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 469
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Adding Fuel........................... 362
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................416,440
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 420
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............420,421
Air Conditioning System................242,420
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 245
Air Pressure, Tires....................336,344
Airbag............................34,47,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,180
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,182
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 234
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........427,428,464
Disposal............................ 429Anti-Lock Warning Light...............185,323
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,182
Appearance Care........................ 443
Ashtray............................... 161
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 89
Automatic Transaxle...................... 13
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 436
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 438
Fluid Level Check...................... 436
Fluid Type........................437,466
Shift Indicator........................ 182
Shifting............................. 262
Special Additives...................... 438
Axle Fluid..........................434,466
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 434
486 INDEX