2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS steering

loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
STARTING AND OPERATING 393
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signals
will flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights
may discharge your battery.
Hazard Light Warning Switch
416 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NMaintenance-Free Battery................457
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............459
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............460
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............460
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............461
NHalf-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........461
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication Ð
2500/3500 (4X4) Models................462
NBody Lubrication.....................462
NWindshield Wiper Blades................463
NWindshield Washers...................463
NExhaust System......................464NCooling System.......................465
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......470
NFuel System Connections................471
NBrake System........................471
NClutch Hydraulic System................474
NClutch Linkage.......................474
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................474
NTransfer Case........................475
NManual Transmission..................476
NAutomatic Transmission................476
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........479
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. However, if the seals on the ball joints are
damaged, the joints should be replaced. Serviceable
replacement ball joints are available.
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
Steering Linkage Ð Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to preventleakage or contamination of the grease. Lubricate the
steering linkage regularly according to the ªMaintenance
Scheduleº in this manual.
Half-shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four-wheel drive 1500 models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boots should be
inspected for external leakage or damage, periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
7

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture's specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471
7

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder Ð Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
ªMAXº dot and an ªMINº dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark, because leakage may occur at the cap.
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity 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 CHMSLCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
27 40 Amp
GreenPower Seats
28 10 Amp
RedPower Run/Start-
PCM/Steering Angle
Sensor
29 10 Amp
Red4X4 Switch/Pass Dr
Switch/EC Mirror
30 15 Amp
BluePower Run/Start-
ABS/RWAL/Smart
Bar/YAW Sensor/
Universal Exhaust
Gas Oxygen (Uego)
Sensor Controller
31 10 Amp
RedPCM (Gas)/TCM
(Diesel 58RFE)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491
7