2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB service

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION ± DIESEL ENGINES ONLY
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins welcome
you as a new Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel-
powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your new Dodge Ram
truck equipped with the Cummins 6.7 liter, Turbo-
charged, Charge Air Cooled, Diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple to
4 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The Manufacturer's Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/ body builders. See
the Warranty information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac-
turer.Operating instructions for the special equipment in-
stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your selling dealer for assis-
tance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builders Guide go to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-
mensional and technical specifications for Dodge trucks.
It is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer's technical
support. For service issues, contact your Dodge dealer.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped.........21
NTo Unlock The Doors...................21
NTo Lock The Doors.....................22
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................24
NGeneral Information....................24
NTransmitter Battery Service...............25
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........26
mDoor Locks............................27
NManual Door Locks Ð If Equipped.........27
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........28
NChild Protection Door Lock...............31
mWindows.............................32
NPower Windows ± If Equipped.............32NPower Sliding Rear Window ± If Equipped....34
NSliding Rear Window ± If Equipped.........34
NWind Buffeting........................34
mOccupant Restraints......................35
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................35
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....43
NAutomatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode ±
If Equipped..........................43
NCenter Lap Belts.......................44
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................45
NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................45
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............47
NSeat Belt Extender......................47
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
NOTE:For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the power window switches,
radio, hands±free system (if equipped), and power out-
lets will remain active for up to 10 minutes after theignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is
programmable. For details, refer to ªKEY OFF POWER
DELAY > OFFº under ªPersonal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features),º under ªElectronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC)º in Section 3 of this manual.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº position for at least 3
seconds, but no longer than 15-seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the ªLOCKº position and remove the
first key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ªONº position within 15
seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the ªLOCKº
position and remove the second key.4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key is programmed.The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do
not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer
for details.
NOTE:If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your
vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

Transmitter Battery Service
NOTE:Perchlorate Material ± special handling may
apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032 bat-
tery.NOTE:Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
1. With the transmitter buttons facing down, remove the
small screw, and separate the two halves of the transmit-
ter. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during
removal.
2. Remove and replace the battery. When replacing the
battery, match the + sign on battery to the + sign on the
inside of the battery clip, located on back cover. Avoid
touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may
cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case, snap the two
halves of the case together. Make sure there is an even
ªgapº between the two halves. If equipped, install and
tighten the screw until snug. Test transmitter operation.
Transmitter Battery Replacement
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2

Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be
injured because the airbags are not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or stickers to
the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a colli-
sion. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equip-
ment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works
on your vehicle that it has airbags.
NOTE:Perchlorate Material ± special handling may
apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE