Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual

of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the
child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should
stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child.
Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are
not toys and should not be played with, and never leave
your child unattended in the vehicle.

NOTE:

If your child restraint seat is not LATCH com-

patible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belt.

Installing the Child Restraint System

WARNING!

Do not install child restraint systems equipped with
LATCH attachments in the center position of a Quad
Cab

t model rear seat. The LATCH anchorages in this

seat are designed for the two outboard seating posi-
tions only. A child may be placed in the rear center
seating position of a Quad Cab

t model using the seat

belt and child tether anchorage. Failure to follow this
may result in serious or fatal injury.

We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many,
but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector and a means for adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap, a hook and means for adjusting the
tension in the strap.

In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach
the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether
anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat.

Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the child restraint system.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

Child Restraint Tether Anchor
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for con-
nection to tether anchors have been available for some
time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will
provide add-on tether strap kits for their older products.
Regular Cab models of Ram Pickups have two tether
anchorages, one each behind the front center and right
seats. Quad Cab

t models have three anchorages, one

behind each of the rear seats.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
seat failure and injury to the child. In a collision, the
seat could come loose and allow the child to crash
into the inside of the vehicle or other passengers, or
even be thrown from the vehicle. Use only the anchor
positions directly behind the child seat to secure a
child restraint top tether strap. Follow the instruc-
tions below. See your authorized dealer for help, if
necessary.

Tether Anchorage Points at the Right and Center
Front Seat (Regular Cab - All Seats)

1. Place the child restraint on the seat and adjust the
tether strap so that it will reach over the seatback under
the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the
seat.

2. Lift the cover (if so equipped), and attach the hook to
the square opening in the sheet metal.

3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the
tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Regular Cab With Any Bench Seat

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Multiple Child Restraint Installation Sequence -
(Quad Cab

t Rear Seats)

1. Obtain tether straps by raising the head restraints and
reaching between the rear glass and rear seat. The tether
strap may be retained with an elastic band. Accessibility
to the tether strap is greatly improved by raising the seat
cushion to the “up” position. Remove the elastic before
use.

2. Place a child restraint on each outboard rear seat and
adjust the tether strap so that it will reach under the head
restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the seat and
then to the anchor directly behind the center rear seat.

3. Pass each tether strap hook under the head restraint
and through the loop of webbing behind the child seat.

4. Route each tether strap to the anchor behind the center
seat, and attach the hooks to the metal ring.

5. Place a child restraint on the center rear seat and
adjust the tether strap so that it will reach under the head
restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the seat and
to the anchor directly behind the right seat.

6. Install each child restraint and remove the slack in the
tether strap according to the child restraint manufactur-
er’s instructions.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tether Anchorage Points at All Three Seating
Positions (Mega Cab

1. Place the child restraint on the seat and adjust the
tether strap so that it will reach over the seatback under
the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the
seat.

2. Lift the cover, and attach the hook to the square
opening in the sheet metal.

3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the
tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

Mega Cab Tether Anchor

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
• The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug

as possible.

• Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or

slouching can move the belt out of position.

If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.

Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN

Your Cummins

t 24-Valve Turbo Diesel engine does not

require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, provided the following recommen-
dations are followed:

NOTE:

Light duty operation such as light trailer towing

or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.

• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged

periods.

• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent

engine lugging.

• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-

tors.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-

ing or towing significant weight.

Because of the construction of the Cummins

t Diesel

engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating
conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 mi (10 000 km).

CAUTION!

• During the first 500 mi (805 km) that your vehicle

is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may
damage your vehicle.

• Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the

first 500 mi (805 km) of towing.

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.

WARNING!

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lock Your Vehicle

Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lighted area and never invite theft by leaving ar-
ticles of value exposed.

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a potentially
toxic gas that, by itself, is colorless and odorless. To
avoid inhaling these gases, the following precautions
should be observed:

• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined

areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.

• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the

engine running for more than a short period, adjust
your climate control system to force outside air into
the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed and the
controls in any position except OFF or MAX A/C.

• The best protection against carbon monoxide entry

into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.

Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system,
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle, or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
authorized mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or
oil change. Replace or adjust as required.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle

Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there are any questions regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the
belt.

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light,
the seat belt light will flash.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle

Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.

Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.

Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.

Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.

Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

▫ Inside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror – If Equipped . . . .85
▫ Outside Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature . . . . . . . . . . .86
▫ Electronic Power Mirrors – If Equipped . . . . . .86
▫ Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated

Sideview Mirrors – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . .87

▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors – If Equipped . . . . . . . .87

m Hands-Free Communication (UConnectt) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
▫ Phone Call Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
▫ UConnectt System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
▫ Things You Should Know About Your

UConnect

t System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

m Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

▫ 40-20-40 Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
▫ Reclining Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
▫ Manual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

▫ Power Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
▫ Rear Seat Features — Mega Cab Models . . . . . 121
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

m To Open And Close The Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
m Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

▫ Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
▫ Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
▫ Headlamp Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights . . . . . 131
▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only And

Fleet Vehicles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

▫ Lights-On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
▫ Multifunction Control Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

m Windshield Wipers And Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

▫ Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
▫ Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

m Tilt Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
m Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped . . . . . . 138

▫ Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

m Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped . . . . . . 139

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
▫ To Resume Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

m Overhead Console With Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC) — Diesel Only . . . . . 142

▫ Dome/Reading Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
▫ Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

▫ Compass/Temperature Button . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

m Garage Door Opener — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 151

▫ Programming HomeLinkt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming . . . . . 155
▫ Using HomeLinkt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
▫ Reprogramming A Single HomeLinkt

Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

▫ Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
▫ Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

m Power Sunroof — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

▫ Open Sunroof - Express Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
▫ Closing Sunroof - Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
▫ Pinch Protect Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Pinch Protect Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
▫ Venting Sunroof - Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
▫ Sunshade Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
▫ Sunroof Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
▫ Sunroof Fully Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

m Electrical Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
m Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
m Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40–20–40

Seats) — Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 163

▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket

Seats) — Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 165

▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —

Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

▫ Rear Cupholder (Quad Cabt) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

▫ Rear Cupholder (Mega Cabt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

m Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

▫ Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167