2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB tire type

poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permissibleif desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
NOTE:On Canadian vehicles only, if your Ram truck is
equipped with All-Season type tires on the front and
ON/OFF Road type tires mounted on the rear, do not use
a front to back rotation pattern. Instead, rotate your tires
side to side at the recommended intervals.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
9loaded and ready for operation9condition. The recom-
mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 68 kg (150 lbs) allowance for the presence of a
driver).
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
²Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

Disc
WheelsType Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs.Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare (If Equipped)
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (If Equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389
6

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

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

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION - DIESEL ENGINES ONLY HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE
MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A 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 Locks - If EquippedPower Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows - If Equipped Power Sliding Rear Window -If Equipped Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder Belts
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front
Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintNEW ENGINE BREAK-IN 5.7L Gas Engine6.7L Diesel EngineSAFETY 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 MIRRORS Inside MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding FeatureElectronic Power Mirrors - If Equipped
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) -IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced 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 Running Lights (Canada Only and FleetVehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedMultifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND
WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED AdjustmentELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary
The Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD 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 TemperatureOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - DIESEL ONLY
Dome/Reading LightsElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) - If Equipped Compass/Temperature ButtonELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40-20-40 Seats) - Automatic
TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats) - Automatic TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders - Manual Transmission Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40-20-40 Seat) - If Equipped Center
Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) - If Equipped Storage and Seats (Quad Cab Models)Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR 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 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS 5.7L Gas Engines 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines 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 DisplayVIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV)
- IF EQUIPPED SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, and RAK RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program
Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCANPTY 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 - If Equipped 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 StartingSTARTING PROCEDURES - DIESEL ENGINES Manual Transmission - If Equipped
Automatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Above 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting FluidsNORMAL OPERATION - DIESEL
ENGINE Cold Weather PrecautionsEngine Idling - In Cold WeatherStopping The EngineEngine Speed ControlOperating PrecautionsCooling System Tips -Automatic TransmissionENGINE BLOCK HEATER (GAS ENGINES)- IF EQUIPPED DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (5 Speed 545RFE) - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission(6 Speed AS68RC) - If EquippedMANUAL TRANSMISSION Manual Transmission - 6 Speed (G56)
Recommended Vehicle Shift SpeedsDownshifting - Gas EngineDownshifting - Diesel EngineFOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED Manually ShiftedTransfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case Transfer
Case Reminder LightElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) - If Equipped Shifting Procedure- Electronically Shifted Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION - IF
EQUIPPED Stationary ModeMobile ModePower Take Off - Aftermarket InstallationDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterDRIVING OFF-ROAD PARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake Noise
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresLimited Use Spare
- If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Dual Rear Wheels ENGINE
RUNAWAY FUEL REQUIREMENTS Fuel Requirements (5.7L Gas Engines)Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines)ADDING FUEL Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)Adding Fuel (Diesel 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 Before plowingSnowplow Prep Package Model AvailabilityOver the
Road Operation With Snowplow AttachedMethods For Removing Snow Operating TipsGeneral MaintenanceRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing - 2 Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational Towing - 4 Wheel Drive ModelsWHAT TO DO
IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING 3500 Models - If EquippedJACKING INSTRUCTIONS Tire Changing ProcedureHOISTING JUMP-STARTING With Portable Starting UnitFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY
TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles2-Wheel- Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 6.7LDIESEL ENGINE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L GAS ENGINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageREPLACEMENT PARTS ENGINE DATA PLATE DEALER SERVICE SERVICE INFORMATION MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES EngineOilDrive Belts (Gas Engines)Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas
Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel Engines) Engine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)Spark Plugs (Gas Engines)Catalytic Converter (Gas Engines)Intervention Regeneration Strategy - EVIC Message Process Flow (Catalyst
Full Message) (Diesel Engines Only)Emission-Related Components (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Batteries(Diesel Engines)Air Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsSteering Linkage
- InspectionFront Prop Shaft LubricationFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemFanCharge Air Cooler - Inter-Cooler (Diesel Engines)Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Fuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemClutch LinkageRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer Case - If EquippedManual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine
Only)Front and Rear Wheel BearingsNoise Control System Required Maintenance and WarrantyAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsFog LightsCab Top Clearance Lights - If EquippedFLUID AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINEPARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - 6.7L TURBO DIESEL Oil Change Indicator SystemMaintenance ScheduleMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE - 5.7L GAS ENGINE 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 GradesTemperature GradesINDEX