2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB engine

²ªILLUMINATED APRCH > OFFº ± When this feature
is selected, the headlights will activate and remain on
for up to 90 seconds when the doors are unlocked with
the remote keyless entry transmitter. To make your
selection, press and release the RESET button until
ªOFF,º ª30 sec.,º ª60 sec.,º or ª90 sec.º appears.
NOTE:If this feature is enabled, the headlamps will be
on during the engine pre-heat and cold crank; therefore,
it is recommended that the feature be disabled when
overnight ambient temperature is at or below 20F (-7C) to
prevent excessive drain on batteries during cold crank-
ing.
²ªUNIT IN > US/METRICº ± The EVIC, odometer can
be changed between English and Metric units of
measure. To make your selection, press and release the
RESET button until ªUSº or ªMETRICº appears.
²ªCOMPASS VARIANCE > 8º ± Press the RESET
button to change the compass variance setting. Refer
to Compass Variance, in this section for additional
information.
²ªCOMPASS CALIBRATE > YESº ± Press the RESET
button to calibrate the compass. Refer to Manual
Compass Calibration, in this section for additional
information.
Compass/Temperature Button
Pressing the Compass/Temperature button
will return the display to the normal compass/
temperature display.
NOTE:Temperature accuracy can be effected from heat
soak. For best accuracy, the vehicle should be driven at a
speed greater than 25 mph (40 km/h) for several min-
utes.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER
The removable ash receiver is located in the instrument
panel cup holder tray.
The cigar lighter is located on the instrument panel,
above and to the left of the ash receiver.
As a child safety precaution, the lighter only operates
with the ignition switch ON. It heats when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use.To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the
heating position.
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
Center Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) Ð If
Equipped
Push the upper button on the front of the armrest to raise
the upper cover. Inside is a power outlet (if equipped), a
cut out for a cell phone charger cord, removable coin
holder (if equipped), and a divider to configure the
Center Storage Compartment
158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

storage area into separate compartments. Lift the lower
handle on the front of the armrest, and raise the armrest
for access to the lower storage bin. On Quad Cab models
the rear of the floor console offers a power outlet, and a
tip out bin.
WARNING!
²This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the
armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle
operation, or an accident. Only use the center
seating position when the armrest is fully upright.
²In an accident, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs (4.5
kg). These items could be thrown about endanger-
ing occupants of the vehicle. Items stored should
not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
3

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
mInstruments And Controls.................171
mInstrument Clusters.....................172
N5.7L Gas Engines......................172
N6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines............173
mInstrument Cluster Description.............174
mElectronic Digital Clock..................183
NClock Setting Procedure.................184
mRadio General Information................184
NRadio Broadcast Signals.................184NTwo Types Of Signals..................184
NElectrical Disturbances..................185
NAM Reception.......................185
NFM Reception........................185
mSales Code REF Ð AM/FM/CD (Single Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio And Hands
Free Phone Capability...................186
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......186
NOperation Instructions - CD Mode.........190
NOperation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode.....1924

INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
5.7L Gas Engines
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltmeter
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. Ifthe pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
NOTE:
²The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-
ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.
²The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL