2008 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL TOWING

2±Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 mi (25
km).
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 mi (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.If the vehicle is to be towed faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more than 15 mi (25 km) the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground. It may also be towed on a flatbed or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 403
6

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
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

Adding Fuel........................... 349
Adjustable Pedals....................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................419,452
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System................252,430
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 255
Air Filter.............................. 419
Air Pressure, Tires....................325,333
Airbag............................35,48,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,190
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,192
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 332
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 245Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............438,439
Capacities........................... 479
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............195,314
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,192
Appearance Care........................ 455
Ashtray............................... 162
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 146
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 85
Automatic Door Locks.................... 146
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission................... 447
Adding Fluid......................448,449
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 450
Fluid Level Check...................... 448
Fluid Type........................447,482
Shift Indicator........................ 192
506 INDEX

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

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

Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 320
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 459
Door Locks........................... 27
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 160
Seats............................... 119
Sliding Rear Window.................34,173
Steering..........................315,431
Sunroof............................. 158
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 482
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features............ 146
Radial Ply Tires......................... 327
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 439Radio Broadcast Signals................... 200
Radio, Navigation....................... 238
Radio Operation...................202,210,224
Radio Remote Controls.................... 246
Radio, Satellite.......................239,241
Radio (Sound Systems)..............202,210,224
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 446
Rear Seat, Folding....................121,123
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Rear Window Features.................... 173
Rear Window, Sliding...................34,174
Reclining Front Seats..................... 117
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 121
Recorder, Event Data...................... 59
Recreational Towing...................... 375
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....376,378
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 377,380
Refrigerant............................ 431
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
INDEX 517
10