2008 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL trailer

Trailer Tow Additional Lamp Loads
Output
FunctionsMaximum
CurrentAdditional Bulbs
Allowed Example
Only. Other bulb
combinations can
be used as long
as maximum cur-
rent is not ex-
ceeded.
Stop/Turn Left 16A2 #3157 bulbs for
stop/turn
Stop/Turn
Right16A2 #3157 bulbs for
stop/turn
Trailer Park
Lamps14A2 #1157 bulbs
(two filament
park/stop/turn)
plus up to 24
#168 or #194 pea-
nut bulbs.Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select9TOW/
HAUL9mode or select a lower gear using the Auto-6
(ERS) switch.
NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº range while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAULº feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or downshift the transmission (using the
Auto-6 [ERS] switch).
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
5

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
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain andfollow the recommendations contained within the cur-
rent Dodge BODY BUILDER'S GUIDE. See your dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacture for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in an acci-
dent. Do not expect that the airbag will perform as
described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The ªLamp Outº indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Trailer Towing Position
STARTING AND OPERATING 371
5

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
12 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
13 25 Amp
NaturalPower-Battery
RWAL/ABS Module
Feed
14 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Left
15 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Park Lights
16 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Right
17 Ð Ð
18 40 Amp
GreenABS Pump
19 30 Amp
PinkTrailer Tow Battery
FeedCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
20 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints
Controller (ORC) 2
21 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints/
Pass Disable Switch
22 2 Amp
GrayIGN Switch Feed
23 10 Amp
RedHVAC
24 20 Amp
BlueAISIN Relay Feed
(Diesel Only)
25 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror/T-Case
Brake
26 20 Amp
YellowBrake Switch/Center
High Mount Stop
Light (CHMSL)/
Aftermarket CHMSL
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
7

(Miles) (45,000) (52,500) (60,000) (67,500) (75,000)
Kilometers 72 000 84 000 97 000 109 000 121 000
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Change the transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not replaced at 100,000 miles (160 000 km).***X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
488 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Voltmeter.........................189,275
Gear Ranges........................285,292
General Information.................18,115,347
Glass Cleaning.......................... 458
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 172
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 357
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 356
Guide, Body Builders...................... 7
GVWR............................... 353
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 89
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 307
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 384
Head Restraints......................... 118
Headlights............................ 466
High Beam........................... 134
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 134Lights On Reminder.................... 132
Passing............................. 134
Switch.............................. 131
Heated Mirrors.......................87,173
Heated Seats........................... 126
Heater............................... 252
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 134
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 360
Hoisting.............................. 396
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 151
Hood Release.......................... 127
Hoses.............................443,445
Hub Caps............................. 392
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 445
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
512 INDEX

Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 433
Lug Nuts............................. 392
Lumbar Support........................ 119
Maintenance........................... 410
Maintenance Procedures................... 412
Maintenance Schedule.................... 484
Manual, Service......................... 501
Manual Transmission..................291,447
Fluid Level Check...................446,447
Lubricant Selection..................... 482
Shift Speeds.......................... 292
Map/Reading Lights..................... 142
Mirrors................................ 84
Automatic Dimming..................... 85Electric Powered....................... 86
Outside.............................. 85
Rearview............................. 84
Trailer Towing......................87,370
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 338
Mopar Parts.........................409,500
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 133
Navigation Radio........................ 238
Navigation System....................... 238
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 74
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 452
Tampering Prohibited................... 452
Noise Emission Warranty...............451,453
Occupant Restraints....................... 35
Odometer..........................192,199
INDEX 515
10