Dodge 2500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual — part 24

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

CAUTION!

Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.

Recreational Towing – 2-Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing of 2-Wheel Drive models is not
allowed.

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground can

result in severe transmission damage.

Recreational Towing – 4-Wheel Drive Models

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these requirements can cause severe
damage to the transmission and/or transfer case.

NOTE:

Both the Manual Shift and Electronic Shift

transfer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL for recre-
ational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted
into PARK position for recreational towing. Manual
transmissions must be left in gear (not in NEUTRAL) for
recreational towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case NEUTRAL shifting procedure for your
vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual Shift
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut OFF the engine.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL, or depress
the clutch on manual transmissions.

5. Shift transfer case lever into NEUTRAL.

6. Start the engine.

7. Shift automatic transmission into REVERSE.

8. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in DRIVE.

10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.

11. Shift automatic transmission into PARK or 1st gear
on manual transmissions.

12. Apply the parking brake.

13. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

14. Release the parking brake.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Damage to the automatic transmission may occur if
the transmission is shifted into PARK with the trans-
fer case in NEUTRAL and the engine running. With
the transfer case in NEUTRAL ensure that the engine
is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

Returning to Normal Operation — Manual Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Shut OFF the engine.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL, or depress
the clutch on manual transmissions.

6. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.

7. Shift automatic transmission into PARK.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar

on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.

• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because

fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.

Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing, to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut OFF the engine.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL or depress
clutch on manual transmission.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.

378

STARTING AND OPERATING

7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.

8. Start engine.

9. Shift automatic transmission into REVERSE.

10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.

12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.

13. Shift automatic transmission into PARK or 1st gear
on manual transmissions.

14. Apply parking brake.

15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

16. Release parking brake.

NOTE:

Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not
met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button or are no
longer met during the four second timer, then the NEU-
TRAL indicator light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is
released.

NOTE:

The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take

place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

NOTE:

Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL ensure, that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

Returning to Normal Operation — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut OFF the engine.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

5. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL or depress
clutch on manual transmission.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
one second.

7. After the Neutral indicator light turns off, release the
Neutral (N) button.

8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.

9. Shift automatic transmission into PARK.

NOTE:

The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEU-

TRAL from the 4AUTO (if equipped) position.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

met prior to depressing the transfer case Neutral (N)
button, and must continue to be met until one second
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements (with the exception of step 3 - key ON) are
not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button, or are
no longer met during the one second time, then all of the
mode position indicator lights will flash continuously
until all requirements are met, or until the Neutral (N)
button is released.

NOTE:

The ignition key must be ON for a transfer case

shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to
be operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take
place and no position indicator lights will be on or
flashing.

NOTE:

Flashing Neutral position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in
the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar

on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.

• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because

fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid loss
will damage internal parts.

382

STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

m Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
m Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

▫ All Models – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

m Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

▫ Removing The Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
▫ Tire Changing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

m Hoisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

m Jump-Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

▫ With Portable Starting Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
m Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 401
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402

▫ 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
▫ 2–Wheel Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

The Hazard Warning switch is mounted on the top of the
steering column as shown in the illustration.

To engage the Hazard Warning lights, depress the button
on the top of the steering column. When the Hazard
Warning switch is activated, all directional turn signals
will flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Push the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning lights will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning lights

may discharge your battery.

Hazard Light Warning Switch

384

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The

vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

All Models – If Equipped

The jack and jack tools are stored under the front
passenger seat. Lift the flap on the side of the seat for
access.

Remove the jack and tools by removing the wing bolt and
sliding the assembly from under the seat.

Jack Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

WARNING!

After using the jack and tools, always reinstall them
in the original carrier and location. While driving
you may experience, abrupt stopping, rapid accelera-
tion, or sharp turns. A loose jack, tools, bracket or
other objects in the vehicle may move around with
force, resulting in serious injury.

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Removing The Spare Tire

Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under

the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.

It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.

386

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:

The winch mechanism is designed for use with

the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.

Tire Changing Procedure

WARNING!

Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.

Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The jack is
designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle only.
It is not recommended that the jack be used for service
purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.

Preparations
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or
slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission). On four-wheel drive vehicles,
shift the transfer case to the “4L” position.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

• Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

• Block both the front and rear

of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if the right front
wheel is being changed, block
the left rear wheel.

• Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the

vehicle is being jacked.

Instructions

WARNING!

Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the

edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.

• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to

be raised.

• Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
• Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a

jack.

• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely

careful of motor traffic.

Jack Warning Label

388

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

1. 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. For 2500/3500 4x2 series trucks, when changing a
front wheel, place the bottle jack under the frame rail
behind the wheel. Locate the jack as far forward as
possible on the straight part of the frame.

For 2500/3500 4x4 series trucks, 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.

When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive
tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle between the
spring and the shock absorber with the drive tubes
extending to the rear. Connect the jack tube extension and
wheel wrench.

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

NOTE:

If the jack will not lower by turning the dial

(thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the
jack drive tube in order to lower the jack.

4X2 Jacking

390

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES