2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB fuel cap

27. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
28. Low Fuel Warning Light
Glows when the pointer is between ªEº and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge
pointer is on ªEº (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren't many gas stations.(See page
137 for more information.)Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²52 gallons - Standard Rear Tank
²22 gallons - Optional Mid Ship Tank
29. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ªONº or
ªACCº position.
When the ignition switch is in the ªOFFº position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time keep-
ing is accurately maintained.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
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Winter Front Usage
If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a
percentage of the total grille opening area must be left
uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air
cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The per-
centage of opening must be increased with the increasing
ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the
cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the
size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your Mopartdealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0ÉF (-18É). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized Mopartdealer.
Arctic Operation
Where there are no provisions to keep the engine warm
when it is operating in ambient temperatures consistently
below (-10ÉF/-23ÉC), use 5W-40syntheticengine oil and
fuel that meets the requirements in Section 7, ªMainte-
nance Procedures,º Engine Oil Selection.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.
NOTE:High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor engine
performance. No-load engine speeds should be kept
under 1,200 rpm during the warm-up period, especially
in cold ambient temperature conditions.
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Engine Speed Control
CAUTION!
Prevent overspeeding the engine going down hill.
When descending steep grades, use a combination of
gears and service brakes to control vehicle/engine
speed. Overspeed can cause severe engine damage.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the coolant (a mixture of 50%
ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not exceed the
normal range of the temperature gauge (240ÉF/116ÉC)
with a 16 psi (110 kPa) radiator cap.
Usually the coolant temperature indicated during opera-
tion will be to the left of center in the normal range of the
gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low coolant temperature below
the normal range on the gauge (140ÉF/60ÉC) can be
harmful to the engine. Low coolant temperature can
cause incomplete combustion which allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings and injector nozzles.
Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting
the lubricating oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
Cooling System Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
²City Driving Ð
when stopped, put transmission in neutral and increase
engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving Ð
reduce your speed.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

ADDING FUEL
Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system. Also a poorly fitted
after-market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction
Indicator Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running. This is in violation of most state and
federal fire regulations and will cause the Mal-
function Indicator Light to turn on.
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NOTE:Tighten the gas cap 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on, Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adding Fuel (Diesel Engines)
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
²Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each time the
vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned.
Always place fuel containers on the ground while
filling.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement
cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
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WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
(See Section 7 for Maintenance Procedures).
NOTE:Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel is a
blend of Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel fuel which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in the fuel.
Bulk Fuel Storage
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of ªmicrobes.º These
microbes form ªslimeº that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
You may try priming as described below. However, if the
engine will not start, refer to the fuel priming procedure
in the Service Manual or have the vehicle towed to an
authorized Dodge dealer.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
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