Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual

INTRODUCTION

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar

t parts, and is interested

in your satisfaction.

A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CORPORATION

DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Cummins

t welcome

you as a Cummins

t 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

t, engines power

well over half of these trucks. Now this same technology
and proven performance is yours in your truck equipped
with the Cummins

t, turbocharged, 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

INTRODUCTION

follow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.

Thank you for choosing the Cummins

t Turbo Diesel

powered truck.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:

INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures which could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures 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 Cau-
tions.

VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS

The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. Refer
to 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 authorized selling dealer
for assistance in obtaining replacement documents from
the applicable manufacturer.

For information on the Body Builders Guide refer to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-
mensional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It
is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical
support. For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.

INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

▫ Ignition Key Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
▫ Locking Doors With The Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

m Sentry Keyt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

▫ Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
▫ Customer Key Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

m Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .18

▫ If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering

Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock . . . . . . . . .18
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

m Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .19

▫ Rearming Of The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Set The Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Disarm The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

m Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . . . .20

m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .21

▫ To Unlock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
▫ To Lock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
▫ Using The Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
▫ Transmitter Battery Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

m Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

▫ Manual Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .26
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .27
▫ Child Protection Door Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

m Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

▫ Power Windows – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
▫ Power Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped . . . .34

▫ Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped . . . . . . . . .34
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

m Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . .43
▫ Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode – If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

▫ Center Lap Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped . . . . . . .45
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert

t) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . . .47
▫ Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS)—Airbags . . . . . . . . . . .48

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
▫ Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

m New Engine Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
m Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

▫ Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

▫ Lock Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Ignition Key Removal

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.

Ignition Key

Ignition Switch Positions

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If you try to remove the key before you place the

shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. 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 time for this feature is pro-
grammable. Refer to “Personal Settings (Customer Pro-
grammable Features)/KEY OFF POWER DELAY > OFF”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 3.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle 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

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.

Locking Doors With The Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward; to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Body Lubrication” in Section 7.

Ignition Key Release Button

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key

t Immobilizer system prevents unautho-

rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.

NOTE:

A key that has not been programmed is also

considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will

turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.

NOTE:

• The Sentry Keyt Immobilizer System is not compat-

ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keyst,

or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key

being 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

t is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot

be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove the Sentry Keys

t 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 Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.

NOTE:

When having the Sentry Key

t Immobilizer

System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid Sentry Keys

t, you can program

new Sentry Keys

t to the system by performing the

following procedure:

1. Cut the additional Sentry Key

t 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 ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15
seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key

t into the ignition switch.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON 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 Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.

The new Sentry Key

t is programmed. The Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.

Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key

t, contact your

authorized dealer for details.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized

dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key

t system complies with FCC rules Part 15

and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than one-half turn in either direction and the key is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.

If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.

To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:

Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If you turned the wheel to the right to engage

the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON position, and the brake
pedal is depressed.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visible signals. For the
first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights
and security telltale will flash repeatedly. For an addi-
tional 15 minutes only, the headlights and security telltale

will flash. The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Key

is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key

t will

disable the alarm.

Rearming of the System:

The Security Alarm System will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and security telltale
flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the
system will ignore that condition and monitor the re-
maining doors and ignition.

To Set the Alarm

The alarm will set when you use the power door locks, or
use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter to
LOCK the doors. After all the doors are locked and
closed, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will
flash rapidly to signal that the system is arming. The
SECURITY light in the instrument panel cluster will flash
rapidly for about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual - part 1