2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS engine oil

27. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
28. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
29. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.30. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead
console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
ªLO FUELº before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and
DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle
fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume.
Vehicle fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models
²34 gal (128 L) - 1500/2500/3500 short box models
²35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500 long box models
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
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31. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
32. Coolant Temperature Light ± Base Cluster Only
This light indicates engine coolant temperature is
to high. If the light comes on, stop the vehicle, shift
into NEUTRAL, and increase the engine idle
speed for two to three minutes. If the light does not turn
off, shut your engine OFF and allow it to cool. See an
authorized dealer for service immediately. Refer to
ªCooling Systemº under ªMaintaining Your Vehicleº in
section 7.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.NOTE:Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.
33. Battery Voltage Indicator Light ± Base Cluster
Only
When the engine is running, this light indicates
the electrical system voltage is out of normal
range. This indicator may also illuminate prior to the
voltage gauge moving out of normal range. In either case,
see you local authorized dealer for system service.
34. Oil Pressure Indicator light ± Base Cluster Only
This light indicates continuous high or low oil
pressure, and under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

mFuel Requirements......................371
NReformulated Gasoline.................372
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............373
NMMT In Gasoline.....................373
NMaterials Added To Fuel................374
NFuel System Cautions..................374
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............375
mAdding Fuel..........................375
NAdding Fuel (Gas Engines)..............375
mFlexible Fuel Ð If Equipped...............377
NE-85 General Information................377
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................379
NFuel Requirements....................379NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......380
NStarting............................380
NCruising Range.......................380
NReplacement Parts.....................381
mVehicle Loading........................381
NCertification Label.....................381
mTrailer Towing.........................385
NCommon Towing Definitions.............385
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............389
NTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........390
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............390
NTowing Requirements..................392
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
²Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle's drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) vehicles operated on E-85
require specially formulated engine oils. These special
requirements are included in Mopartengine oils, and in
equivalent oils meeting DaimlerChrysler Specification
MS-6395. The manufacturer only recommends engine
oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395 contains additional
requirements, developed during extensive fleet testing,
to provide additional protection to DaimlerChrysler
Corporation engines. Use Mopartor an equivalent oil
meeting the specification MS-6395.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0É F (-18É C). In
the range of 0É F (-18É C) to 32É F (0É C), you may
experience an increase in the time it takes for your engineto start, and a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or
hesitations) until the engine is fully warmed up.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine CompartmentÐ 3.7L...............444
mEngine CompartmentÐ 4.7L...............445
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L...............446
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........447
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............447
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................448
mReplacement Parts......................449
mAuthorized Dealer Service................450mMaintenance Procedures..................450
NEngine Oil..........................451
NEngine Oil Filter......................454
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 454
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............454
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................455
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................455
NCatalytic Converter....................455
NEmission-Related Components............457
7

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
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