2008 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL power steering fluid

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when pos-
sible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 6.7L Diesel Engine....408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
mReplacement Parts......................409
mEngine Data Plate......................410
mAuthorized Dealer Service................410
mService Information.....................410
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413
NDrive Belt...........................418NEngine Air Cleaner Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engines)............................419
NDraining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L
Diesel Engine).......................422
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(6.7L Diesel Engines Only)...............425
NMaintenance Free Batteries...............428
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............430
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............431
7

NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............431
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............432
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............432
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball
Joints..............................432
NBody Lubrication.....................433
NWindshield Wiper Blades................433
NWindshield Washers...................434
NExhaust System......................435
NCooling System.......................436
NFan ...............................442
NCharge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)..........442
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......443NBrake System........................443
NClutch Linkage.......................445
NClutch Hydraulic System................445
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................446
NTransfer Case Ð If Equipped.............446
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......447
NAutomatic Transmission................447
NFront Wheel Bearings..................450
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty.........................451
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................455
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........459
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent.Limited slip additive is not re-
quired.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Shifting............................. 285
Special Additives...................... 450
Autostick............................. 192
Axle Fluid..........................446,482
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 446
Ball Joints............................. 431
Battery............................... 428
Blanket..........................277,430
Emergency Starting..................... 397
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 130
Bearings.............................. 450
Belts, Drive............................ 418
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Builders Guide....................... 7
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 433
B-Pillar Location........................ 320
Brake Fluid............................ 482Brake System........................312,443
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 313
Disc Brakes.......................... 443
Fluid Check.......................... 444
Hoses.............................. 445
Master Cylinder....................... 444
Parking............................. 310
Warning Light........................ 194
Bulb Replacement....................... 466
Bulbs, Light............................ 465
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 474
Calibration, Compass..................... 150
Camper............................... 179
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 479
Capacities, Fluid........................ 479
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 415
Power Steering........................ 431
INDEX 507
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Fan .................................. 442
Filters
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)......... 426
Engine Oil.....................413,416,480
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 133
Flat Tire Stowage.....................386,396
Fluid, Brake........................... 482
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 444
Manual Transmission.................446,447
Power Steering........................ 431
Transfer Case......................... 446
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Lights.......................132,193,469
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 384Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 400
Front Axle (Differential)................432,446
Fuel..............................348,349
Adding............................. 349
Diesel.........................348,349,480
Gauge.............................. 199
Light............................... 199
Requirements......................... 348
Specifications......................... 349
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuses................................ 459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 151
Gauges............................... 189
Coolant Temperature.................... 191
Fuel................................ 199
Oil Pressure.......................... 191
Speedometer......................... 190
Tachometer.......................... 190
INDEX 511
10

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
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