2008 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL service indicator

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depthbecomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
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
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Tires and the 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.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
mEmission Control System Maintenance........484
mMaintenance Schedules Ð 6.7L Turbo Diesel....484
NOil Change Indicator System.............486NPerform Service Indicator...............486
NMaintenance Schedule..................487
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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 stop
and 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,ºunder ªSystem Status (EVIC Displays)º in the ªElectronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º Section of this
manual.
Perform Service Indicator
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
will display ªPerform Serviceº. When the ªPerform Ser-
viceº message is displayed on the EVIC it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance includes replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element, cleaning of the EGR
Cooler, and cleaning of the EGR Valve. The procedure for
clearing and resetting the9Perform Service9indicator
message is located in the appropriate Service Informa-
tion.
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 439
Car Washes............................ 455
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,181
Cargo Light............................ 133
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 247
Catalyst Full Message..................... 425
CD (Compact Disc) Player............202,210,224
Cellular Phone.......................... 89
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 473
Center Lap Belts......................... 45
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........167,168
Certification Label....................... 352
Charge Air Cooler....................... 442
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 317
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 194
Child Restraint........................61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............65,69
Child Seat............................62,68Cigar Lighter........................... 162
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 457
Climate Control......................... 249
Clock.....................200,204,212,225,239
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) Filter...... 426
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 445
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 248
Compact Spare Tire...................... 328
Compass Calibration..................... 150
Compass Variance....................... 150
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 499
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 439
Cooling System......................... 436
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 439
Coolant Capacity...................... 479
Coolant Level...................436,437,440
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 440
508 INDEX

Bulb Replacement...................465,466
Cap Top Clearance..................... 474
Cargo .............................. 133
Center Mounted Stop................... 473
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 194
Cruise.............................. 199
Daytime Running...................... 132
Dome.............................. 142
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 476
Fog ..........................132,193,469
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 298
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 384
Headlights........................... 131
High Beam........................134,190
High Beam Indicator.................... 190
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 134
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 189
Intensity Control....................... 130Interior............................. 129
Lights On Reminder.................... 132
Passing............................. 134
Reading............................. 142
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 190
Service...........................465,466
Side Marker.......................... 478
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 196
Transfer Case......................... 298
Transmission Warning................... 198
Turn Signal..................133,190,466,470
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 189
Limited-Slip Differential................306,446
Loading Vehicle......................... 352
Tires ............................... 320
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 26
Keys................................ 12
514 INDEX

Trip .............................192,199
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 309
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 309
Oil Change Indicator..................145,486
Oil, Engine............................ 480
Capacity............................ 479
Change Interval....................... 414
Dipstick............................. 413
Disposal............................ 418
Filter.........................413,416,480
Identification Logo..................... 414
Materials Added to..................... 415
Pressure Gauge....................... 191
Recommendation...................... 414
Synthetic............................ 415
Viscosity............................ 415
Oil Filter, Change........................ 416
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 409
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 151Operating Precautions.................... 409
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 85
Overdrive............................. 287
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 287
Overhead Console....................... 142
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 501
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 310
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 55
Passing Light........................... 134
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 138
Perform Service Indicator, Reset...........146,486
Personal Settings........................ 146
Pets.................................. 74
Pets, Transporting........................ 74
Phone, Cellular.......................... 89
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............. 89
Pickup Box............................ 177
516 INDEX