Dodge 5500 Chassis Cab (2008 year). Manual

▫ Operating Instructions - Hands Free Phone —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

▫ Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

m Sales Code RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio

With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free Phone,
And Vehicle Entertainment Systems (VES)
Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

▫ Operating Instructions - Radio Mode . . . . . . . 194
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For CD

Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

▫ Load/Eject Button

(CD Mode For CD Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . 201

▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3

Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 205

m Sales Code RAK – AM/FM/Cassette/CD (6-Disc)

Radio With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free
Phone, Video, MP3, And WMA Capabilities . . . . 208

▫ Operating Instructions - Radio Mode . . . . . . . 208
▫ Operating Instructions — Tape Player . . . . . . . 212
▫ Seek Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
▫ Fast Forward (FF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Rewind (RW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Tape Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Scan Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Changing Tape Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Metal Tape Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
▫ Pinch Roller Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

168

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫ Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For CD

Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For CD Audio

Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3

And WMA Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 And

WMA Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

m Sales Code REC — AM/FM/CD (6–Disc) Radio

With Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

▫ Operating Instructions — Satellite Radio

(If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

▫ REC Setting The Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

▫ Audio Clock Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

m Video Entertainment System (Sales Code XRV) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

m Satellite Radio — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

▫ System Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
▫ Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification

Number (ESN/SID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

▫ Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, RAQ, And

RAK Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

▫ Selecting a Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
▫ Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels . . . . . . 229
▫ Using The PTY (Program Type) Button — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

▫ PTY Button 9Scan9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

169

▫ PTY Button 9Seek9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
▫ Satellite Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
▫ Reception Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

m Remote Sound System Controls —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

▫ Radio Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
▫ Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
▫ CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

m Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance . . . . . . . 232
m Compact Disc Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

m Radio Operation And Cellular Phones . . . . . . . . 233
m Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

▫ Heater Only — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
▫ Air Conditioning And Heating —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

▫ Air Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature

Control — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

▫ Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
▫ Operating Tips Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

170

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION

1. Check Gages

This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature

gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.

NOTE:

When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the

Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.

2. Voltmeter

When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should

stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If

the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.

NOTE:

If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of

the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.

NOTE:

• The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-

ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.

• The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of

the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating.

4. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.

CAUTION!

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high rpm for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.

5. Airbag Indicator Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8 seconds
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.

6. High Beam Indicator

This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.

7. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is

unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer to

9Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-

minder System (BeltAlert™)

9 in the Occupant Restraints

section for more information.(See page 35 for more
information.)

8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

175

9. Oil Pressure Gauge

The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous

high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained.(See page 406 for more
information.)

NOTE:

If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of

the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.

10. Transfer Case Position
(See page 289 for more information.)

11. TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once.(See page 277 for
more information.)

12. OD/OFF
the OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.(See page 277 for more
information.)

13. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-

ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the “245°F” mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle.”

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.

NOTE:

Engine idle speed will automatically increase to

1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.

NOTE:

If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of

the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.

14. Security Light
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will

flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.

15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.

16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

177

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button.

To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button until the
display resets (approximately 2 seconds).

Vehicle Warning Messages

For non–Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, and the appropriate conditions exist,
messages such as “door” (indicates that a door(s) may be
ajar), “hood” (if the hood is open or ajar, on vehicles with
remote start), “gASCAP” (which indicates that your gas
cap is possibly loose or damaged),

9CHANgE OIL”

(indicates that the engine oil should be change), “Lo-
WASH” (low washer fluid),” LoCOOL” (low engine
coolant level) and “noFUSE” (indicates that the IOD fuse
is removed from the Integrated Power Module), will
display in the odometer.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is equipped with an EVIC, most

warnings will display in the EVIC. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — If Equipped” in Section 3.

NOTE:

There is also an engine hour function. This

indicates the total number of hours the engine has been
running. To display the engine hours perform the follow-
ing: Place the ignition in RUN, but do not start the
engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the trip
button down for a period of 6 seconds. The odometer will
change to trip value first, then it will display the engine
hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a
period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned off or the
engine is started.

Change Oil Message

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Change Oil” message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.

17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.

18. Malfunction Indicator Light

This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions

testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

179

If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.

If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.

19. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a
period of time may result in the red brake light illumi-
nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS
equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should
extinguish the red brake light.

20. ABS Warning Light

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This

light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS
light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates
that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.

21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with

the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

22. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

181

the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.

23. Water In Fuel Indicator — Diesel Only

Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure.(See page 417 for more infor-
mation.)

24. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)

This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high

torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If this

light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.

25. Wait To Start Indicator — Diesel Only

The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the

intake manifold temperature is below 66 degrees F.
Follow engine starting procedure for proper engine start-
ing and operating. Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator
turns OFF then start the vehicle.

NOTE:

The Wait To Start Indicator may not illuminate if

the engine coolant temperature is warm enough.

26. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

27. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.

28. Low Fuel Warning Light

Glows when the pointer is between “E” and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge

pointer is on “E” (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren’t many gas stations.(See page
137 for more information.)

Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:

• 52 gallons - Standard Rear Tank
• 22 gallons - Optional Mid Ship Tank

29. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK

The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position.

When the ignition switch is in the “OFF” position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time keep-
ing is accurately maintained.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

183

Dodge 5500 Chassis Cab (2008 year). Manual - part 11