2008 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL heater

CAUTION!
If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. Refer to ªDrain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L Diesel Engine)º
under ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure ± Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)
NOTE:The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. When certain engine
temperatures fall below 66ÉF (19ÉC) the lights will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
²The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture).
²After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the
ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator
during starting.
²After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
²Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until
the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat
cycle.
²Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
NOTE:If the engine stalls or if the ignition switch is left
ON for more than two minutes after the WAIT TO START
light goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to OFF for at least five seconds and then
back ON. Repeat steps 3 through 7 of the normal starting
procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

For Extremely Cold Weather Starting Ð Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 0ÉF (-18ÉC)
In extremely cold weather below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) it may be
beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before
attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished
by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and
then back ON after the WAIT TO START light has gone
off, but before the engine is started. However, repeated
cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to
the heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
Proceed by following the steps in the Normal Starting
Procedure.
NOTE: If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory level.
²If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition
must be turned to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then to the ON position to recycle the
manifold heaters.
NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
²Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates
rapidly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes
pass between the time the WAIT TO START light goes
OFF and the engine is started, recycle the manifold
heaters by turning the ignition OFF for at least five
seconds and then back ON.
²If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19
mph (31 km/h) before the manifold heater post-heat
(after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heaters will
shut off.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Voltmeter Operation:
1. The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation if
certain engine temperatures are below 66ÉF (19ÉC).
This cycling operation is caused by the post-heat cycle
of the intake manifold heater system. The number of
cycles and the length of the cycling operation is
controlled by the engine control module. Post-heat
operation can run for several minutes, and then the
electrical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
2. The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below 32ÉF (0ÉC) may
require special considerations. The following charts sug-
gest these options:
Fuel Operating Range (6.7L Diesel Engine)
NOTE:Use ªUltra Low Sulfur Diesel FuelsºONLY.
*No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10ÉF/-23ÉC) exist.
NOTE:
²Use of Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel or
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel results in a
noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

²Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a blend of
Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuels which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in fuel.
NOTE:The engine requires the use ofªUltra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuelº. Use of incorrect fuel could result in
engine and exhaust system damage. Refer to Fuel Re-
quirements in this section for further details on fuel
recommendations.
Engine Block Heater
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground±fault interrupter protected 110±115 volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to
the right side and can be located just behind the grille
near the headlamp.NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110±115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
NOTE:The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

Block Heater Usage
A.Temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 15W-40
²Block Heater Recommended for 5W-40
B.Temperatures below - 20ÉF (-29ÉC)
²Block Heater Required for 5W-40
Winter Front Usage
If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a
percentage of the total grille opening area must be left
uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air
cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The per-
centage of opening must be increased with the increasing
ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the
cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the
size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your Mopartdealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0ÉF (-18É). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
Arctic Operation
Where there are no provisions to keep the engine warm
when it is operating in ambient temperatures consistently
below (-10ÉF/-23ÉC), use 5W-40syntheticengine oil and
fuel that meets the requirements in Section 7, ªMainte-
nance Procedures,º Engine Oil Selection.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or fabrics.
Do not lean over a battery when connecting jumper
cables or allow cable clamps to touch each other.
Keep open flames or sparks away from battery vent
holes. Always wear eye protection when working
with batteries.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24-volt power source.NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle's charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12±volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper
cables to start a vehicle's engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If indica-
tor (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 397
6

Electric Rear Window Defrost.............87,173
Electrical Power Outlets................... 160
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 289
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 139
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 143
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 299
Emergency Brake........................ 310
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 400
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 384
Jacking............................. 387
Jump Starting......................... 397
Tow Hooks.......................... 401
Towing............................. 402
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 484
Engine............................... 408
Air Cleaner.......................... 419
Block Heater.......................268,276
Break-In Recommendations................ 74Compartment......................... 408
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 436
Data Plate........................... 410
Identification......................... 408
Idling.............................. 278
Jump Starting......................... 397
Oil ..............................413,480
Oil Filler Cap......................... 415
Oil Synthetic.......................277,415
Runaway............................ 347
Temperature Gauge..................... 191
Event Data Recorder...................... 59
Exhaust Brake.......................... 283
Exhaust Gas Caution................76,181,435
Exhaust System....................76,435,452
Exterior Lighting........................ 131
Fabric Care............................ 457
510 INDEX