2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB fuel pressure

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
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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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pressure. Do not check for pressure leaks with your
hand. High pressure oil or fuel can cause personal
injury.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
²Important:All maintenance other than that listed in
this manual, as well as some procedures listed here,
MUSTbe performed by your local Dodge Truck
Dealer. Your authorized Dodge Dealer has been
trained and has the necessary parts to maintain your
engine.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

agency for advice on recycling programs and for where
used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in
your area.
Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter monthly or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator
lamp is on. Turn the drain valve, located on the bottom of
the filter, counterclockwise and allow any accumulated
water to drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water
and contaminants have been removed. Close the drain
valve, by turning it clockwise, when clean fuel is visible.
NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
located on the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained,
follow the directions below for ªPriming if the engine has
run out of fuel.ºWARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19L to 38L).
2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mixture in excess of 5% can negatively impact the on-
engine fuel filter's ability to separate water from the fuel,
resulting in high pressure fuel system corrosion or dam-
age.
NOTE:As sufficient testing has not been completed,
ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for use
with your Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.
NOTE:In addition, commercially available fuel addi-
tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.
Engine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)
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.
Spark Plugs (Gas Engines)
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section in this manual.
Catalytic Converter (Gas Engines)
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.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Fan
Inspection
Check the fan for cracks and bent or broken blades. If any
of these conditions exist, you must replace the fan. Make
sure it is securely mounted.
NOTE:This service procedure must be performed by a
trained service technician. Make arrangements with your
authorized Dodge Truck Dealer for this inspection.
Charge Air Cooler Ð Inter-Cooler (Diesel
Engines)
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50 to 100
degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more
efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
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Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance Schedule
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front axle fluid (3500/4500/5500 4X4) (Die-
sel Engine only).XX
Change rear axle fluid (3500 4X4 and 4X2) (Diesel
Engine Only)XX
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483
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