towing DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G User Guide

engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/
rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
22. SERV 4WD IndicatorThe 4WD indicator will be illuminated when-
ever the 4WD mode is engaged for either the
manual or electric shift 4WD systems. The
SERV 4WD indicator monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on
during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required. 23. Transmission Temperature Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
24. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
25. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4

smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to ”Engine Cool-
ant” under “ Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in
section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
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Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 276
 Tire Chains .......................... 276
 Snow Tires .......................... 278
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 279
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 280
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 281
▫ 5.7L Gas Engine ..................... 281
 Adding Fuel ......................... 285
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . . 286
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 287
▫ Certification Label ................... 287
 Trailer Towing ........................ 289 ▫
Common Towing Definitions ............ 289
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 292
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 293
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 294
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 295
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 299
 Snowplow .......................... 300
▫ Before Plowing ...................... 301
▫ Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . 302
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .......................... 303
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 303
▫ General Maintenance .................. 303
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Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 304
▫ Recreational Towing –
2-Wheel Drive Models ................. 304 ▫
Recreational Towing –
4-Wheel Drive Models ................. 305
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW HAUL” and “O/D OFF”
Modes
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button once to
select TOW HAUL.This will improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive
shifting. When operating in “TOW HAUL” mode, 5th
gear (if equipped) is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift
patterns are modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are
allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel
Tow Haul O/D Off Switch
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H
4-Wheel Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
N
NEUTRAL - Disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in this section.
4L
4-Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by depressing the recessed button located on the lower
left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer
case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section for specific procedures on shifting into and out of
NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights —
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Only
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. When you select a different trans-
fer case position, the indicator lights will do the follow-
ing:
If All Shift Conditions are Met
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
NEUTRAL Button
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

4WD LOW
4-Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
NEUTRAL - Disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in this section for more information.Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case
NOTE:
•If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The indicator light for the previous position will
5 Position Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by depressing the recessed button located on the lower
left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational
towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights —
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Only
Transfer case position indicator lights are located in the
instrument cluster and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. When you select a different trans-
fer case position, the indicator lights will do the follow-
ing:
If All Shift Conditions Are Met:
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
NEUTRAL Button
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4WD LOCK
4-Wheel Drive Lock Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
4-Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section for more information.Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case
NOTE:
•If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The indicator light for the previous position will
Transfer Case Switch
246 STARTING AND OPERATING