2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB warning

Seven of the twelve circuits are the standard 7 pin trailer
wiring circuits. Three of the twelve circuits are upfitter
circuits used for aftermarket applications. Two of the
twelve circuits are additional trailer circuits. For addi-
tional information about trailer tow circuits or other
exterior lighting capabilities of your Dodge Truck, please
refer to the Body Builder's Guide by accessing
ªwww.dodge.com/bodybuilderº and choosing the ap-
propriate links.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicles electrical system, or
wiring, should be performed by a qualified automo-
tive technician, if done improperly it may cause
damage to the electrical system wiring and could
result in serious or fatal injury.
The following chart identifies the maximum electrical
loads that the trailer tow output circuits are capable of
supporting.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain andfollow the recommendations contained within the cur-
rent Dodge Body Builders Guide. See your dealer, in-
staller or snowplow manufacture for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airboat system in an acci-
dent. Do not expect that the airbag will perform as
described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The ªLamp Outº indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Trailer Towing Position
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5

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)
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. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shut OFF the engine.4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL), or
depress the clutch on manual transmissions.
6. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
7. 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 371
5

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
²Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
²Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid loss
will damage internal parts.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................378
mJacking And Tire Changing................379
N3500 Models ± If Equipped..............379
mJacking Instructions.....................380
NTire Changing Procedure................380
mHoisting.............................389mJump-Starting.........................390
NWith Portable Starting Unit..............393
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................393
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........394
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................395
N4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles.................396
N2±Wheel- Drive Vehicles................396
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signals
will flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
Hazard Light Warning Switch
378 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
3500 Models ± If Equipped
The jack and jack tools are stored under the front
passenger seat. Lift the flap on the side of the seat for
access.
Remove the jack and tools by removing the wing bolt and
sliding the assembly from under the seat.
Jack Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 379
6

WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience, abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.
4500/5500 Models
These vehicles do not come with a jack.
NOTE:Jacking and tire changing on 4500/5500 models
should be performed by an authorized dealer, or knowl-
edgeable service personnel with the appropriate heavy
duty equipment like a tire service company.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Tire Changing Procedure
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The jack is
designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle only.
It is not recommended that the jack be used for service
purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.
380 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES