2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS air conditioning

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. For proper coolant type,
refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Genuine Partsº in
Section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
4

NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.Winter Operation
When operating the system during the Winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
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
400 STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
NOTE:Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information
book for further warranty information.WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air condi-
tioning service be performed by authorized 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 an autho-
rized dealer.
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 manufacturers 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 ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
4 x 2 Models
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
470 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Any time you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until
fully seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do
a full sweep when the ignition key is cycled to RUN. This
is a normal condition.
NOTE:
When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the
IOD fuse is in the up, or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry, or other features do not work
with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse (or check
to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is fully seated.
When the IOD fuse is extracted, the instrument cluster in
the odometer window will display9NO FUSE.º
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Interior Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights............... TS212-2
Dome Light............................7679
NOTE:For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS Ð Exterior Bulb No.
Backup...............................3057
Center High Mounted Stop Light............. 912
Fog Light...........................9006LL
Headlight (Halogen)...................... H13
Side Marker, Park & Turn Signal.........3157NAK
Rear License Plate Light.................... 168
Rear Cargo Light......................... 912
494 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................... 375
Adjustable Pedals....................... 144
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..............455,481
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 459
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............459,460
Air Conditioning System................261,459
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 264
Air Pressure, Tires....................348,357
Airbag............................34,48,56
Airbag Light.......................59,79,197
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 56
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,199
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 356
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 254
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........466,467,508
Disposal............................ 469Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............320,325
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............202,322
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,199
Appearance Care........................ 484
Ashtray............................... 168
Assistance Towing....................... 104
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 87
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 478
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 479
Fluid Level Check...................476,477
Fluid Type........................476,511
Shift Indicator........................ 199
Shifting............................. 283
Special Additives...................... 479
Axle Fluid..........................474,511
532 INDEX