2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB automatic transmission

Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission
If your new Ram truck is equipped with bucket seats
there are three cup holders located on the front of the
center console.
Cup Holders Automatic Transmission
Cup Holders Bucket Seat
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
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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.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
14. Security Light
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light willflash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
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the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
23. Water In Fuel Indicator Ð Diesel Only
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure.(See page 417 for more infor-
mation.)
24. 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 thislight comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
25. Wait To Start Indicator Ð Diesel Only
The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66 degrees F.
Follow engine starting procedure for proper engine start-
ing and operating. Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator
turns OFF then start the vehicle.
NOTE:The Wait To Start Indicator may not illuminate if
the engine coolant temperature is warm enough.
26. 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.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
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.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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures ± Gas Engines...........252
NManual Transmission ± If Equipped........252
NAutomatic Transmission ± If Equipped......252
NNormal Starting......................253
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................253
NAfter Starting........................255
mStarting Procedures ± Diesel Engines.........255
NManual Transmission ± If Equipped........256
NAutomatic Transmission ± If Equipped......256NNormal Starting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66ÉF (19ÉC)........257
NStarting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)...........258
NStarting Fluids.......................261
mNormal Operation ± Diesel Engine..........262
NCold Weather Precautions...............263
NEngine Idling Ð In Cold Weather..........266
NStopping The Engine...................267
NEngine Speed Control..................268
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NOperating Precautions..................268
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................268
mEngine Block Heater (Gas Engines)Ð
If Equipped...........................270
mDiesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) ±
If Equipped...........................270
mAutomatic Transmission..................273
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive
(5 Speed 545RFE) Ð If Equipped..........273
NAutomatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) Ð
If Equipped.........................279
mManual Transmission....................285
NManual Transmission Ð 6 Speed (G56)......286
NRecommended Vehicle Shift Speeds........287NDownshifting ± Gas Engine..............288
NDownshifting ± Diesel Engine............288
mFour-Wheel-Drive Operation Ð If Equipped....289
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................289
NShifting Procedure Ð Manually Shifted
Transfer Case........................292
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............293
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................294
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................298
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......301
mPower Take Off Operation ± If Equipped......302
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES ± GAS ENGINES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission ± If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission ± If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).
Tip Start Feature Ð Automatic Transmission Only
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
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