2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB service indicator

If One or More Shift Conditions are not Met
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5)
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the9Shifting Procedure9for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner's manual.The ªSERVICE 4WDº warning light monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(Service 4WD(light is illu-
minated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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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

tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
ENGINE DATA PLATE
Use the information from the engine data plate when
discussing service or sourcing parts for your engine. The
engine data plate is located on the intake side of the
breather cover.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
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Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it is
time to change your engine oil by displaying the words
ªOil Change Requiredº on your Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC). The engine oil change indicator
system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your per-
sonal driving style. Driving styles such as frequent stopand go type driving can increase the frequency of the
engine oil change. This is the result of more frequent
regeneration of the exhaust aftertreatment system, which
can decrease the life of the engine oil. Failure to change
the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in
internal engine damage.
For information on resetting the Oil Change Indicator
message, refer to ªOil Change Required ± If Equipped,º
under ªSystem Status (EVIC Displays)º in the ªElectronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º Section of this
manual.
482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
*This maintenance is not required if belt was previously
replaced.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Ð 5.7L GAS ENGINE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The ªChange Oilº message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 232
Catalyst Full Message..................... 422
Catalytic Converter...................... 420
CD (Compact Disc) Player............186,194,208
Cellular Phone.......................... 87
Center Lap Belts......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........157,158
Certification Label....................... 347
Charge Air Cooler....................... 439
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 315
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 179
Child Restraint........................59,60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............63,67
Child Seat............................60,66
Cigar Lighter........................... 152
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 459
Climate Control......................... 234Clock.....................183,188,196,209,222
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 443
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 233
Compass.............................. 139
Compass Calibration..................139,149
Compass Variance....................140,150
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 135
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 502
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 436
Cooling System......................... 433
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 436
Coolant Capacity...................... 474
Coolant Level...................433,434,437
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 437
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 435
Inspection........................... 437
Points to Remember.................... 438
Pressure Cap......................... 436
512 INDEX

Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 126
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 63
Life of Tires............................ 331
Lights..............................76,122
Airbag............................56,175
Anti-Lock Warning..................181,312
Brake Warning........................ 180
Bulb Replacement...................... 468
Cap Top Clearance..................... 473
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 179
Cruise.............................. 183
Daytime Running...................... 125
Dome.............................. 142
Fog ..........................125,179,472
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 293
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378Headlights........................... 124
High Beam........................127,175
High Beam Indicator.................... 175
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 127
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 174
Intensity Control....................... 123
Interior............................. 122
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Passing............................. 127
Reading............................. 142
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Service.............................. 468
Transfer Case......................... 293
Transmission Warning................... 182
Turn Signal.....................126,175,468
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Limited-Slip Differential................301,444
Loading Vehicle......................... 347
518 INDEX