2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB spare wheel

NStationary Mode......................302
NMobile Mode........................303
NPower Take Off ± Aftermarket Installation....304
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............304
mDriving Through Water..................305
NFlowing/Rising Water..................305
NShallow Standing Water.................305
mDriving Off-Road.......................307
mParking Brake.........................308
mBrake System..........................309
NBrake Noise.........................310
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........310
mPower Steering........................312mTire Safety Information...................313
NTire Markings........................313
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........317
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........318
mTires Ð General Information...............322
NTire Pressure.........................322
NTire Inflation Pressures.................323
NRadial-Ply Tires......................328
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........329
NTire Spinning........................329
NTread Wear Indicators..................330
NLife Of Tire.........................331
NReplacement Tires.....................331
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5

Limited Use Spare Ð If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use
spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare
tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire,
replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity.WARNING!
The limited use spare tires are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more
than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold tire
inflation pressure listed on either your tire placard or
limited use spare tire and wheel assembly. Replace
(or repair) the original tire at the first opportunity
and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could
result in loss of vehicle control.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

Dual Rear Wheels
The tires used on dual wheel assemblies should be
matched for wear to prevent overloading one tire in a set.
To check if tires are even, lay a straight edge across all
four tires. The straight edge should touch all the tires.
CAUTION!
3500/4500/5500 Dual Rear Tires have only one ap-
proved direction of rotation. This is to accommodate
the asymmetrical design (tread pattern) of the ON/
OFF road tire and the use of Outline White Letter
(OWL) tires.
²When replacing a flat, the spare tire may have to
be remounted on the rim or installed at a different
location to maintain the correct placement of the
tire on the wheel relative to the tire/wheel position
on the truck. For example, if the spare is used to
replace an outer rear tire it will have to be re-
mounted on the rim so that the wheel is dished
inward. That way the tread design of asymmetrical
tires and the white writing of the OWL tires will
maintain proper position.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
²Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
²Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
²Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
²Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
²Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
²Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
²Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
²If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.1. If equipped, remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools
from storage.
2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove,
the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. When changing the front wheel, assemble the jack
drive tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle as close to
the tire as possible with the drive tubes extending to the
front. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.
382 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel (SRW)
models. On dual rear wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts
are a two piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten
the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been
lowered.6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ft.
lbs. (183 N´m) torque for single rear wheel (SRW) models
and 145 ft. lbs. (197 N´m) for dual rear wheel models. If in
doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a service
station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.
7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and remove
wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel
center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap
damage.
384 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the
inner wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be
completely off the ground when tightening to insure
wheel centering and maximum wheel clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to cor-
rectly tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to
remove and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle
lifting device.
NOTE:When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part
of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of
the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. Correct direction of rotation for dual tire
installations must also be observed.These dual rear wheels should be tightened as follows:
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 387
6

Disc
WheelsType Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs.Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare (If Equipped)
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (If Equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389
6

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