2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB air condition

þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
Trailer Towing Mirrors Ð If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
NOTE: Fold the7x10inch trailer towing mirrors
rearward prior to entering an automated car wash.
Blindspot Mirror
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surfaceconditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Methods For Removing Snow
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
5

Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator
should be familiar with the area and surface to be
cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when
plowing unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
NOTE:During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped
with an overhead console module, the outside tempera-
ture display will show higher temperatures than the
outside ambient temperature. The higher displayed tem-
perature is due to blocked or reduced airflow to the
underhood ambient temperature sensor by the snow-
plow. This is common and outside temperature display
operation will return to normal when the snowplow is
removed.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery
terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and driv-
etrain damage, the following precautions should be ob-
served.
²Operate with transfer case in 4L when plowing small
or congested areas where speeds are not likely to
exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in
4H.
²Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4L
range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

NCatalytic Converter (Gas Engines).........420
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(Diesel Engines Only)..................422
NEmission-Related Components (Gas Engines) . . 425
NMaintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines).....425
NMaintenance Free Batteries (Diesel Engines) . . . 426
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............427
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............428
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............429
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............429
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............430
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And
Ball Joints...........................430NBody Lubrication.....................430
NWindshield Wiper Blades................431
NWindshield Washers...................431
NExhaust System......................432
NCooling System.......................433
NFan ...............................439
NCharge Air Cooler Ð Inter-Cooler
(Diesel Engines)......................439
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
NFuel System Connections................440
NBrake System........................440
NClutch Hydraulic System................443
NClutch Linkage.......................443
398 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
7

Drive Belts (Gas Engines)
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)
Inspection
Check the belt for intersecting cracks.
²Transverse (across the belt width) cracks are accept-
able.
²Longitudinal (direction of belt length) cracks that
intersect with transverse cracks are NOT acceptable.
Replace the belt if it has unacceptable cracks, is frayed or
has pieces of material missing.
The engine speed sensor, located near the damper, should
be inspected for damage if a belt is frayed.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines)
Follow the appropriate Maintenance Schedule for recom-
mended Air Cleaner Replacement intervals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be filtered.
The abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause
rapid wear to engine components.
The air filter housing on your Diesel Ram is equipped
with a Filter MinderŸ. This is an air flow restriction
gauge that will indicate when the filter element needs to
be replaced.
Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to
inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under
normal operating conditions.
NOTE:The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage black top paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
WARNING!
Do 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.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline, the
use of these fuels can cause damage to the fuel
system.
NOTE:A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-6751 may be used with your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle. Use of bio-diesel
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7