2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB check oil

Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
²Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
²The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN
5.7L Gas Engine
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds
up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide open throttle acceleration in low gear.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality, energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with the anticipated cli-
matic conditions under which vehicle operation will
occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
discussed in Section 7 under Maintenance Procedures,
Engine Oil.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
2

²Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
²Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
Because of the construction of the Cummins Diesel
engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating
conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
CAUTION!
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your axles, drivetrain and vehicle.
²Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the
first 500 miles (805 km) of towing.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2

Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

9. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained.(See page 406 for more
information.)
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
(See page 289 for more information.)
11 .TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once.(See page 277 for
more information.)12.OD/OFF
the OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.(See page 277 for more
information.)
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ª245ÉFº mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on ªMaintain-
ing Your Vehicle.º
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
17. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
4

5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure Ð Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66ÉF (19ÉC)
NOTE:The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. When certain engine
temperatures fall below 66ÉF (19ÉC) the lamp will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least 2 minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
²The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture).
²After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the
ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator
during starting.
²After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
NORMAL OPERATION ± DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
²All message center lights are off.
²Check Engine Lamp is off.
²Engine Oil Pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
²Low Oil Pressure light is off.
²Voltmeter Operation:
²The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation
is caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake mani-
fold 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 several minutes, and then the electrical system
and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
²The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING