2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON stop start

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ªTOW
HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº or ªOD/OFFº range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See the Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAUL OD/OFFº feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
Trailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
NOTE: Fold the7x10inch trailer towing mirrors
rearward prior to entering an automated car wash.
STARTING AND OPERATING 381
5

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
5. Shift transfer case lever into N (NEUTRAL).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
8. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in Drive
(D).
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.11. Shift automatic transmission into P (PARK).
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
Damage to the automatic transmission may occur if
the transmission is shifted into P (PARK) with the
transfer case in N (NEUTRAL) and the engine RUN-
NING. With the transfer case in N (NEUTRAL)
ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the
transmission into P (PARK)
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
5

Returning to Normal Operation Ð Manual Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
5. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
6. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (NEUTRAL) po-
sition disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to
move regardless of the transmission position. The
parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Jack Location........................... 391
Jack Operation.......................... 393
Jump Starting.......................... 399
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 47
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 133
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 65
Life of Tires............................ 341
Lights..............................78,128
Airbag............................58,180Anti-Lock Warning..................185,323
Brake Warning........................ 185
Bulb Replacement...................... 453
Cap Top Clearance..................... 461
Cargo .............................. 132
Center Mounted Stop................... 459
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 184
Courtesy/Reading..................... 142
Cruise.............................. 190
Daytime Running...................... 131
Fog ..........................132,184,463
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 274
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 390
Headlights........................... 130
High Beam........................134,180
High Beam Indicator.................... 180
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 134
Illuminated Entry....................... 21
Instrument Cluster..................... 179
INDEX 493
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