engine DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owners Manual

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 EquippedUse 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. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.400 STARTING AND OPERATING

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.
12. Shut the engine OFF and place ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK.
14. Apply the parking brake.
15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with the tow bar.
16. Release the 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, thenthe NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL
button is released.
•
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.
•
Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 401
5

Returning to Normal Operation — Electronic Shift
Transfer CaseUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the 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 the transmission into NEUTRAL.
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 into the position identified by the
selector switch.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
NOTE:
•
The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEUTRAL
from the 4AUTO (if equipped) position.
•
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 ste
p3-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.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
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 an
authorized 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.
Jack LocationThe 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 LocationWHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 407
6

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 an
authorized service center where it can be raised on
a lift.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•
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.
Preparations1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
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.
2. Set the parking brake.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 409
6

3. Place the shift lever into PARK. On four-wheel drive
vehicles, shift the transfer case to the 4L position.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
5. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.6. Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite the jacking
position. For example, if the right front
wheel is being changed, block the left
rear wheel.
NOTE: 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.
•
Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•
Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
(Continued)
410 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles, place the automatic transmission in PARK
and turn the ignition OFF.
3. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.5. Connect the other cable; first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery, and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
•
You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•
Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•
During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
420 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:•
Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent.
•
Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion.
•
Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLEIf the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE, while ap-
plying slight pressure to the accelerator.
In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after
every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 421
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTSEngine Compartment— 5.7L ............. 427
 Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) ...... 428
â–« Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .......... 428
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 429
 Replacement Parts .................... 430
 Dealer Service ....................... 430
 Maintenance Procedures ................ 431
â–« Engine Oil ........................ 431
â–« Engine Oil Filter .................... 433 â–«
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............. 434
â–« Maintenance-Free Battery ............. 434
â–« Air Conditioner Maintenance ........... 435
â–« Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models ....................... 436
â–« Body Lubrication ................... 437
â–« Windshield Wiper Blades ............. 437
â–« Adding Washer Fluid ................ 438
â–« Exhaust System .................... 438
7

â–«Cooling System .................... 441
â–« Brake System ...................... 447
â–« Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ............................. 448
â–« Transfer Case ...................... 449
â–« Automatic Transmission .............. 449
â–« Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 452
 Fuses ............................. 458
â–« Integrated Power Module ............. 458
 Vehicle Storage ...................... 463
 Replacement Light Bulbs ............... 464
 Bulb Replacement .................... 465
â–« Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights ............................ 465 â–«
Fog Lights ........................ 468
â–« Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights ...... 469
â–« Center High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL)
With Cargo Light .................... 472
â–« Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped . . 473
â–« Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) —
If Equipped ........................ 475
â–« Rear Light Bar ID Marker
(Dual Rear Wheel) — If Equipped ........ 476
â–« Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) . . . 477
 Fluids And Capacities ................. 478
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...... 479
â–« Engine ........................... 479
â–« Chassis .......................... 480
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE