2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS service

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure.
If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and
should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set
properly. The fluid level should be checked when theengine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmis-
sion is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the
transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE/42RLE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82ÉC (180ÉF). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
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Required Maintenance for Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every six months or 6,000 mi (9 600 km), whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise
control systems. In addition, inspection and service
should be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
cleaner for tightness. The gasket between the air cleaner
housing and throttle body must be intact and in good
condition. The engine air cleaner filter must also be clean
and serviced according to the instructions outlined in the
appropriate maintenance schedule.
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo-
rated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle
after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
²Removal of the air cleaner.
²Inverting the air cleaner lid.
²Removal of the air ducting.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
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Noise Systems Maintenance Chart and Service Log Insert Month, Day, Year under column mileage closest to the
mileage at which service was performed.
MILES 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000
KILOMETERS 10 000 19 000 29 000 39 000 48 000 58 000 68 000 77 000
Exhaust system-inspect
Air cleaner assembly-inspect
ODOMETER READING
PERFORMED BY
PERFORMED AT
MILES 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000
KILOMETERS 87 000 97 000 106 000 116 000 126 000 135 000 145 000 154 000
Exhaust system-inspect
Air cleaner assembly-inspect
ODOMETER READING
PERFORMED BY
PERFORMED AT
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 483
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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

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled maintenance services, listed inbold type
in this section (Section 8) must be done at the times or
mileages specified to assure the continued proper func-
tioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The ªChange Oilº message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
514 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90FÉ (32CÉ).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ²90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 4.7L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the side row of spark plugs on 4.7L engines. **102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 519
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
520 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
CONTENTS
mSuggestions For Obtaining Service For Your
Vehicle..............................523
NPrepare For The Appointment............523
NPrepare A List........................523
NBe Reasonable With Requests.............523
mIf You Need Assistance...................523
NChrysler LLC Customer Center...........524
NChrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center......525
NIn Mexico Contact.....................525NCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY).............525
NService Contract......................525
mWarranty Information (U.S. Vehicles Only).....526
mMOPARtParts.........................526
mReporting Safety Defects..................526
NIn The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C......................526
NIn Canada..........................527
mPublication Order Forms..................527
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