2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB fuel cap

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....400
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......401
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........402
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............402
mReplacement Parts......................403
mEngine Data Plate......................403
mDealer Service.........................403
mService Information.....................404
mMaintenance Procedures..................406NEngine Oil..........................406
NDrive Belts (Gas Engines)...............413
NDrive Belt (Diesel Engines)..............413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines).....413
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)....414
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel
Engines)............................417
NEngine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)...........420
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............420
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Vehicles equipped with California emissions controls
have 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 emissions 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
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²If you have your vehicle undercoated, make sure no
undercoating material is sprayed on the exhaust sys-
tem or components of the seat belt system.
NOTE:It is not possible for the manufacturer and
Cummins, Inc. to anticipate every possible circumstance
that can involve a potential hazard.
WARNING!
To maintain your vehicle safely and avoid personal
injury, follow these guidelines:
²Never spray or pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid or
starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner assembly, air
intake piping or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to
start the vehicle, unintended engine acceleration may
occur.
²Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent.
They can be unstable under certain conditions and be
hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
²If an engine has been operating and the coolant is hot,
allow the engine to cool before you slowly loosen the
filler cap and relieve the pressure from the cooling
system.
²To avoid burns, remember that the engine components
will stay hot after the engine is shut off.
²Do not use gasoline or other flammable materials to
clean parts. Always use approved cleaning solvents.
²Relieve all pressure in the fuel, oil and cooling systems
before any lines, fittings or related items are removed
or disconnected. Be alert for possible pressure when
disconnecting any device from a system that utilizes
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
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Engine Oil Selection (Gas Engines)
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
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. These engine oils improve low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your
engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use a container that can hold at least 12 quarts (11.3
Liters) to hold the used oil.
Always check the condition of the used oil. This can give
you an indication of some engine problems that might
exist.
²Thin, black oil indicates fuel dilution.
²Milky discoloration indicates coolant dilution.
Clean the area around the oil filter base. Remove the filter
from the underside of the vehicle using a cap style oil
filter wrench.
Clean the gasket surface of the filter mount. The filter
gasket can stick on the filter mount. Make sure it is
removed.
Change the engine oil filter with every engine oil change.
Only a high quality MOPAR filter should be used to
assure most efficient service.
CAUTION!
The filtering medium of other aftermarket filters
may disintegrate. Debris from failed filters may plug
the piston oil cooling nozzles, resulting in scuffed
pistons and engine failure.
CAUTION!
Fill the oil filter element with clean oil before instal-
lation. Use the same type oil that will be used in the
engine. When filling the oil filter, prevent foreign
material from falling into the filter. Severe engine
damage may occur.
Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the sealing surface
of the filter gasket before installing the filter.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

3. Pull the bulb straight from it's socket and replace.FLUID AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Appoximate)
6.7L HO Turbo Diesel
Engine
Standard Rear Tank 52 gal. 197 L
Optional Midship Tank 22 gal. 83L
Fuel (Appoximate)
5.7L Gas Engine
Standard Rear Tank 52 gal. 197L
Optional Midship Tank 22 gal. 83L
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................343,345
Adjustable Pedals....................... 131
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)............413,414,453
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 427
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............427,428
Air Conditioning System................237,427
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 240
Air Filter.............................. 414
Air Pressure, Tires....................323,333
Airbag..............................47,52
Airbag Light.........................75,175
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 52
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,177
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 332
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 229Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............435,436
Capacities........................... 474
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............181,312
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,177
Appearance Care........................ 457
Ashtray............................... 152
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 146
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 82
Automatic Door Locks.................... 146
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission...........273,279,446,448
Fluid and Filter Changes..............448,450
Fluid Level Check................446,448,449
Fluid Type.....................446,448,478
Shift Indicator........................ 177
Special Additives...................448,451
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only).... 446
510 INDEX

Radiator Cap......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........435,476
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cup Holder............................ 154
Customer Assistance..................... 500
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 125
Dealer Service.......................... 403
Defroster, Rear Window.................85,161
Defroster, Windshield................75,235,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 270
Diesel Fuel............................ 341
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 341
Bulk Storage of........................ 346
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 301
Dipsticks.............................. 406Power Steering........................ 428
Disc Brakes............................ 440
Disposal.............................. 412
Engine Oil........................... 412
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 437
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Downshifting.......................... 288
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 417
Drive Belts............................ 413
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 305
Dual Rear Wheels.....................336,386
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost.............85,161
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
INDEX 513
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