2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB jump start

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................378
mJacking And Tire Changing................379
N3500 Models ± If Equipped..............379
mJacking Instructions.....................380
NTire Changing Procedure................380
mHoisting.............................389mJump-Starting.........................390
NWith Portable Starting Unit..............393
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................393
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........394
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................395
N4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles.................396
N2±Wheel- Drive Vehicles................396
6

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or fabrics.
Do not lean over a battery when connecting jumper
cables or allow cable clamps to touch each other.
Keep open flames or sparks away from battery vent
holes. Always wear eye protection when working
with batteries.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 volt system, i.e. do
not use a 24 volt power source.NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicles charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12±volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery, with jumper
cables, to start a vehicle's engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be followed:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If indica-
tor (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
390 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Use the Jump Start Procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If charge indicator (if equipped) has a green
dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of
booster battery and the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the discharged battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 391
6

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative
(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
392 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 143
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 294
Emergency Brake........................ 308
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 393
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jacking............................. 380
Jump Starting......................... 390
Tow Hooks.......................... 394
Towing............................. 395
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 480
Emission Related Components.............. 425
Engine............................400,401
Air Cleaner........................413,414
Block Heater....................256,264,270
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Compartment......................... 400
Compartment Identification............... 401
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 476Cooling............................. 433
Data Plate........................... 403
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 340
Flooded, Starting...................... 253
Identification......................... 400
Idling.............................. 266
Jump Starting......................... 390
Oil ..............................406,476
Oil Filler Cap......................408,410
Oil Selection.......................... 408
Oil Synthetic.......................265,410
Runaway............................ 337
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Brake.......................... 270
Exhaust Gas Caution................74,340,433
Exhaust System.................74,432,433,452
Exterior Lighting........................ 124
514 INDEX

Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 355
Hoisting.............................. 389
Hood Release.......................... 120
Hoses................................ 440
Hub Caps............................. 385
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 443
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Infant Restraint........................59,60
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 333
Information Center...................... 143
Information Center, Vehicle................. 143
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 81
Instrument Cluster....................172,174Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 171
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 461
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 462
Interior Appearance Care.................. 460
Interior Lights.......................... 122
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 128
Intervention Regeneration Strategy........... 422
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 379
Jack Operation.......................... 380
Jump Starting.......................... 390
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
INDEX 517
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION - DIESEL ENGINES ONLY HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE
MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING
WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the
SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic AlarmGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery Service REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks - If EquippedPower Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows - If Equipped Power Sliding Rear Window -If Equipped Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder Belts
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front
Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintNEW ENGINE BREAK-IN 5.7L Gas Engine6.7L Diesel EngineSAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding FeatureElectronic Power Mirrors - If Equipped
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) -IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings
You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS 40-20-40 Front Seat Reclining SeatsAdjustable Head RestraintsManual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only and FleetVehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedMultifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND
WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED AdjustmentELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary
The Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED US/M Button RESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip
Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Automatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationRecalibrating The CompassOutside TemperatureOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - DIESEL ONLY
Dome/Reading LightsElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) - If Equipped Compass/Temperature ButtonELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40-20-40 Seats) - Automatic
TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats) - Automatic TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders - Manual Transmission Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40-20-40 Seat) - If Equipped Center
Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) - If Equipped Storage and Seats (Quad Cab Models)Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side view Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If Equipped
Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS 5.7L Gas Engines 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH
OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite
Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES)CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE
for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RAK - AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH
OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, VIDEO, MP3, and WMA CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - Tape PlayerSeek ButtonFast Forward (FF)Rewind (RW)Tape EjectScan ButtonChanging Tape DirectionMetal Tape
SelectionPinch Roller ReleaseNoise ReductionOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button
(CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplayVIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV)
- IF EQUIPPED SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, and RAK RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program
Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationTape PlayerCD PlayerCASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE COMPACT DISC
MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - If Equipped Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature Control - If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING
AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES - GAS ENGINES Manual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingSTARTING PROCEDURES - DIESEL ENGINES Manual Transmission - If Equipped
Automatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Above 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting FluidsNORMAL OPERATION - DIESEL
ENGINE Cold Weather PrecautionsEngine Idling - In Cold WeatherStopping The EngineEngine Speed ControlOperating PrecautionsCooling System Tips -Automatic TransmissionENGINE BLOCK HEATER (GAS ENGINES)- IF EQUIPPED DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (5 Speed 545RFE) - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission(6 Speed AS68RC) - If EquippedMANUAL TRANSMISSION Manual Transmission - 6 Speed (G56)
Recommended Vehicle Shift SpeedsDownshifting - Gas EngineDownshifting - Diesel EngineFOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED Manually ShiftedTransfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case Transfer
Case Reminder LightElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) - If Equipped Shifting Procedure- Electronically Shifted Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION - IF
EQUIPPED Stationary ModeMobile ModePower Take Off - Aftermarket InstallationDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterDRIVING OFF-ROAD PARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake Noise
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresLimited Use Spare
- If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Dual Rear Wheels ENGINE
RUNAWAY FUEL REQUIREMENTS Fuel Requirements (5.7L Gas Engines)Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines)ADDING FUEL Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)Adding Fuel (Diesel Engines)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing
DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedSNOWPLOW Before plowingSnowplow Prep Package Model AvailabilityOver the
Road Operation With Snowplow AttachedMethods For Removing Snow Operating TipsGeneral MaintenanceRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing - 2 Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational Towing - 4 Wheel Drive ModelsWHAT TO DO
IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING 3500 Models - If EquippedJACKING INSTRUCTIONS Tire Changing ProcedureHOISTING JUMP-STARTING With Portable Starting UnitFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY
TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles2-Wheel- Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 6.7LDIESEL ENGINE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L GAS ENGINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageREPLACEMENT PARTS ENGINE DATA PLATE DEALER SERVICE SERVICE INFORMATION MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES EngineOilDrive Belts (Gas Engines)Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas
Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel Engines) Engine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)Spark Plugs (Gas Engines)Catalytic Converter (Gas Engines)Intervention Regeneration Strategy - EVIC Message Process Flow (Catalyst
Full Message) (Diesel Engines Only)Emission-Related Components (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Batteries(Diesel Engines)Air Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsSteering Linkage
- InspectionFront Prop Shaft LubricationFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemFanCharge Air Cooler - Inter-Cooler (Diesel Engines)Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Fuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemClutch LinkageRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer Case - If EquippedManual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine
Only)Front and Rear Wheel BearingsNoise Control System Required Maintenance and WarrantyAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsFog LightsCab Top Clearance Lights - If EquippedFLUID AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINEPARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - 6.7L TURBO DIESEL Oil Change Indicator SystemMaintenance ScheduleMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE - 5.7L GAS ENGINE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING
SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER
FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX