DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURESDo not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Also, there is a greater
risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed or
towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WARNING!
•
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24-Volt power source.
1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets which might make an unintended electrical
contact.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 419
6

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

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPEDYour vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
•
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only to rescue a
vehicle stranded off-road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEProper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
422 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.•
The transfer case must be in the neutral position, and
the transmission must be in PARK to tow a 4-Wheel
Drive vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
•
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
2–Wheel Drive VehiclesProvided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed
30 mph (50 km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 miles
(25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more than 15 miles (25 km) the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground. It may also be towed on a flatbed or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a dolly.
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 miles (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 423
6

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

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

ENGINE COMPARTMENT— 5.7L1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Battery 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Integrated Power Module MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immedi-
ate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageIf the vehicle’s diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE