🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 2500 Year: 2008 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for work, towing, and hauling. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD. Key Features Towing Capacity: High towing and payload capacities, robust chassis and suspension for heavy loads. Engine Options: Powerful V8 gasoline and turbo-diesel engine options available. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 400-600 pages (typical for this model year and segment). Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation. Chassis: Brake system, steering system, suspension system, driveline (4x4 systems). Electrical: Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, indicators, basic electrical component locations, fuses and relays. Body And Comfort: Doors, windows, locks, seats, climate control, interior features, exterior features. Safety And Security: Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-theft system, alarm. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic diagnostic information. Operation: Startup and shutdown procedures, operating various vehicle features, towing information. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Not a full service or repair manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans suitable for clear printing. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options Available: 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (depending on specific configuration). Performance 5.7L Hemi V8 (Approximate): Horsepower: 350-380 hp, Torque: 400-410 lb-ft. 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Approximate): Horsepower: 350 hp, Torque: 650 lb-ft. Fuel System Diesel Fuel Type: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) equipped, requiring ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel). Gasoline Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 68RFE for diesel, 545RFE for gasoline). Optional Optional Transmission: Some models may have offered a manual transmission option, but automatic was more common in the 2500. Features Tow Haul Mode: Integrated Tow/Haul mode to optimize transmission shift points for towing. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Various wheelbases available (e.g., 140.5", 160.5", 170.5" depending on cab and bed configuration). Cab Styles: Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door). Bed Lengths: Short Bed (approx. 6'4"), Long Bed (approx. 8'). Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 6,000 - 7,500 lbs depending on configuration. Gvwr Range: Typically 8,800 lbs to 9,900 lbs. Gcwr Range: Up to 23,000 lbs or more, depending on engine and drivetrain. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: NHTSA safety ratings vary by year and specific tests; consult official NHTSA reports for exact data. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard. Traction Control: Traction control system (often Electronic Stability Program - ESP, depending on specific package). Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Various options available including AM/FM radio, CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, and optional Infinity premium audio system. Navigation: Optional Uconnect navigation system available on some trims. Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Optional rear parking assist sensors. Connectivity Uconnect: Uconnect hands-free communication system (Bluetooth) available on select models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Gasoline: Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations. Oil Change Diesel: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6 months for the Cummins diesel, especially with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations. Tire Rotation: Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles. Fuel Filter Diesel: Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles for the diesel fuel filter, depending on conditions and manufacturer recommendations. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Gasoline: API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 (check dipstick for exact viscosity for your engine). Engine Oil Diesel: API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common (check manual for specific viscosity and approval). Coolant: Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically purple or orange. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for most transmissions. Verify with manual for specific transmission type. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Common Complaints Gasoline: Lifter noise (HEMI tick), catalytic converter issues, some transmission hard shifting. Common Complaints Diesel: DPF regeneration issues, EGR valve problems, potential for injector issues in high-mileage vehicles, turbocharger wear. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Trucks: Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s. Model Evolution Ram Legacy: The Ram nameplate itself originated in 1981 and has evolved through several generations, with the 2008 model belonging to...
6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 68RFE for diesel, 545RFE for gasoline).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
Some models may have offered a manual transmission option, but automatic was more common in the 2500.
Features
Tow Haul Mode:
Integrated Tow/Haul mode to optimize transmission shift points for towing.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases available (e.g., 140.5", 160.5", 170.5" depending on cab and bed configuration).
Cab Styles:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door).
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6'4"), Long Bed (approx. 8').
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 6,000 - 7,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Gvwr Range:
Typically 8,800 lbs to 9,900 lbs.
Gcwr Range:
Up to 23,000 lbs or more, depending on engine and drivetrain.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA safety ratings vary by year and specific tests; consult official NHTSA reports for exact data.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (often Electronic Stability Program - ESP, depending on specific package).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Various options available including AM/FM radio, CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, and optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional Uconnect navigation system available on some trims.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Uconnect:
Uconnect hands-free communication system (Bluetooth) available on select models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6 months for the Cummins diesel, especially with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles for the diesel fuel filter, depending on conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 (check dipstick for exact viscosity for your engine).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common (check manual for specific viscosity and approval).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically purple or orange.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for most transmissions. Verify with manual for specific transmission type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Complaints Gasoline:
Lifter noise (HEMI tick), catalytic converter issues, some transmission hard shifting.
Common Complaints Diesel:
DPF regeneration issues, EGR valve problems, potential for injector issues in high-mileage vehicles, turbocharger wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Model Evolution
Ram Legacy:
The Ram nameplate itself originated in 1981 and has evolved through several generations, with the 2008 model belonging to the fourth generation (2003-2009, with major refresh in 2006).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Past Awards:
While specific awards for the 2008 model year may vary, Dodge Ram trucks consistently received recognition for towing, hauling, and overall capability in their class during this period.