tire pressure DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owner's Manual

Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-
tion” in this section. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
5

7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and remove
wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or aluminum wheel
center caps on the spare wheel. This may result in cap
damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack
will not lower by turning the dial (thumbwheel) by hand,
it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order to
lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as
previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground. For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the blade on the
end of the lug wrench to pry the hub cap off. Insert the
blade end into the pry off notch and carefully pop off the
hub cap with a back and forth motion.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the
rear hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the
ratchet firmly. The hub cap should pop off. The wheel
skins can now be removed. For the front hub cap on
models use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry
the caps off. The wheel skin can now be removed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 321
6

Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for anyaccumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 383
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Adding Fuel........................... 285
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 131
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 340
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 342
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............342,343
Air Conditioning System ................207,342
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 210
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 267,276
Airbag .............................. 48,53
Airbag Light ......................... 75,163
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 53
Alarm Light ........................... 165
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 200
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............349,350
Capacities ........................... 377
Disposal ............................ 352 Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............170,257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ........................ 19
Appearance Care ........................ 359
Ashtray ............................... 145
Assistance Towing ....................... 100
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Automatic Transmission ................... 356
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 358
Fluid Level Check ..................... 357
Fluid Type ........................ 356,379
Shifting ............................. 224
Special Additives ...................... 359
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only) .... 356
Axle Fluid .......................... 356,379
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 356
Battery ............................... 341
410 INDEX

Emergency Starting..................... 326
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 124
Belts, Seat .............................. 36
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 343
B-Pillar Location ........................ 262
Brake Fluid ............................ 379
Brake System ........................ 255,353
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 256
Fluid Check .......................... 353
Master Cylinder ....................... 353
Parking ............................. 254
Warning Light ........................ 168
Bulb Replacement ....................... 370
Bulbs, Light ............................ 370
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 375
Calibration, Compass ..................... 141
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 377Capacities, Fluid
........................ 377
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 339
Power Steering ........................ 253
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 351
Car Washes ............................ 360
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 284
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............173,187
Cellular Phone .......................... 86
Center Lap Belts ......................... 45
Center Seat Storage Compartment .........148,150
Certification Label ....................... 287
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 259
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 168
Child Restraint .......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,67
Child Seat ............................ 60,66
Cigar Lighter ........................... 145
INDEX 411
10

HitchesTrailer Towing ........................ 292
Hoisting .............................. 326
Hood Release .......................... 121
Hub Caps ............................. 321
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 60
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 276
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 81
Instrument Cluster .................... 161,162
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 160
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 363
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 364
Interior Appearance Care .................. 362 Interior Lights
.......................... 123
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 129
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 315
Jump Starting .......................... 326
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 21
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 127
Lap Belts .............................. 45
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 36
LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren) ...................... 64
Life of Tires ............................ 274
416 INDEX

Change Interval....................... 339
Dipstick ............................. 338
Disposal ............................ 340
Filter ......................... 338,340,378
Identification Logo ..................... 339
Materials Added to ..................... 340
Pressure Gauge ....................... 164
Recommendation ...................... 339
Synthetic ............................ 340
Viscosity ............................ 339
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 336
Operating Precautions .................... 336
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 82
Overdrive ............................. 227
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 227
Overhead Console ....................... 136
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 136
Overheating, Engine ...................... 165 Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
.........4,405
Parking Brake .......................... 254
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 53
Passing Light ........................... 128
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 131
Pets .................................. 72
Pets, Transporting ........................ 72
Phone, Cellular .......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 86
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 262
Power Door Locks ........................... 28
Mirrors .............................. 83
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 144
Seats ............................... 118
Sliding Rear Window ................. 34,154
Steering .......................... 252,253
Windows ............................. 32
INDEX 419
10

Power Steering Fluid..................... 379
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 47
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 272
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......348,351
Radio, Navigation ....................... 194
Radio Operation ...................... 173,187
Radio Remote Controls .................... 201
Radio, Satellite ....................... 195,197
Radio (Sound Systems) .................173,187
Rear Axle (Differential) .................355,356
Rear Window Features .................... 153
Rear Window, Sliding ................... 34,154
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 116
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 57
Recreational Towing ...................... 304
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ....305,307 Shifting out of Transfer Case
Neutral (N)
....................... 306,309
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 281
Refrigerant ............................ 343
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 201
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 16
Replacement Parts ....................... 337
Replacement Tires ....................... 274
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 404
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 167
Restraint, Head ......................... 117
Restraints, Child ....................... 60,66
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 35
Rotation, Tires .......................... 279
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 74
420 INDEX

Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer
Case Neutral (N).................... 305,307
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N) .................... 306,309
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 44
Shoulder Belts ........................... 36
Signals, Turn ........................... 127
Sliding Rear Window Power ............................ 34,154
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 276
Snow Plow ............................ 300
Snow Tires ............................ 278
Spark Plugs ............................ 378
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 133
Speedometer ........................... 163
Starting ............................... 221
Automatic Transmission ................. 221
Engine Fails to Start .................... 222
Remote .............................. 26 Starting Procedures (Gas Engines)
............ 221
Steel Carcass Ply Tires .................... 269
Steering Power ........................... 252,253
Wheel Lock ........................... 14
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 130
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 201
Storage, Behind the Seat ................... 148
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .........148,150
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 369
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 369
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 276
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 340
System, Navigation ...................... 194
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 163
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 164
422 INDEX