DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owners Manual

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 — Manual Shift
Transfer CaseUse 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 the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Shift the transfer case lever into desired position.
7. Shift the 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 399
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 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

•
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.
•
Flashing Neutral position indicator light indicates that
shift requirements have not been met.
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.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATEThe equipment Identification Plate is located on the hood
inner surface.
The following information about your vehicle is dis-
played on this plate: Model, Wheelbase, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number, Truck Order Number, and code numbers
with descriptions of all production and special equip-
ment on the truck as shipped from the factory.
NOTE:Always refer to the Equipment Identification
Plate When Ordering Parts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTSHazard Warning Flasher ............... 406
 Jacking Instructions ................... 407
▫ Jack Location ...................... 407
▫ Removing The Spare Tire ............. 408
▫ Tire Changing Procedure .............. 409
▫ Preparations ....................... 409
▫ Instructions ....................... 410
▫ Hub Caps/Wheel Covers ............. 414
Hoisting ........................... 418
 Jump-Starting Procedures ............... 419
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................ 421
 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ..... 422
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle .............. 422
▫ 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles ............... 423
▫ 2–Wheel Drive Vehicles ............... 423
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERThe Hazard Warning flasher switch is mounted on the
top of the steering column.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
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 flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may discharge your battery.
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
406 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

Removing The Spare TireRemove 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.
NOTE:Always stow the spare tire with the valve stem
facing the ground.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
Removing the Spare Tire
1 — Lower
2 — Raise
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES