steering Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Guide

Steering wheel EVIC control button, as
it appears on the left side of the steer-
ing wheel.
Press and release the UP button to scroll up-
ward through the main menus (DTE, mi/gal,
System Info, Messages, Units, Setup) and sub
menus.
Press and release the DOWN button to scroll
downward through the main menus and sub
menus. Steering wheel EVIC control button as
it appears on the right side of the
steering wheel.
Press and release the SELECT button for access
to main menus, sub menus or to select a
personal setting in the setup menu.
Press the RETURN button to scroll back to a
previous menu or sub menu.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245

and release the SELECT button until a check-mark ap-
pears next to the feature showing the system has been
activated or the check-mark is removed, showing the
system has been deactivated.
NOTE:The seat will return to the memorized seat
location (if Recall Memory with Remote Key Unlock is set
to ON) when the RKE transmitter is used to unlock the
door. Refer to “Easy Entry/Exit Seat” under “Driver
Memory Seat” in Section 3 of this manual for more
information.
Tilt Mirror In Reverse
When this feature is selected and the shift lever is placed
in reverse gear, the side mirrors tilt downward to allow
the driver to see into the previous blind spot and avoid
objects in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle. To
make your selection, press and release the SELECT
button until a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the system has been activated or the check-mark
is removed, showing the system has been deactivated.
Remote Start Comfort Sys.
When this feature is selected and the remote start is
activated, the heated steering wheel and driver heated
seat features will automatically turn on in cold weather.
In warm weather, the driver vented seat feature will
automatically turn on when the remote start is activated.
These features will stay on through the duration of
remote start or until the key is turned to RUN. To make
your selection, press and release the SELECT button until
a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the
system has been activated or the check-mark is removed,
showing the system has been deactivated.
Display Units of Measure In
The EVIC, odometer, and navigation system (if
equipped) can be changed between English and Metric
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. Pressing the top of the switch
will increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.
The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio or CD.
The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. The function of the left hand
control is different depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will SEEK up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will SEEK down for the next listenable station.
The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set pushbuttons.
Remote Sound System Controls
(Back View Of Steering Wheel)
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped ...... 333
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 337
 Limited-Slip Differential – If Equipped ...... 339
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 340
 Driving Through Water ................. 341
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 341
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 341
 Driving Off-Road ..................... 343
 Power Steering ....................... 343
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 345
 Parking Brake ........................ 346
 Brake System ........................ 347
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 348
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 349
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 350
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 350
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 351
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 351
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 352
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 356
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 361
 Tire Safety Information ................. 362
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 362
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 366
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 367
 Tires — General Information ............. 371
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 371
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
Column Shifter — If Equipped
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (i.e., dead battery).
1. Turn the key to the ACC or ON position without
starting the engine.
2. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position
3. Firmly set the parking brake.4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Using the screwdriver, press and hold the override tab
through the access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column.
6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
Interlock Manual Override
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STARTING AND OPERATING 313

Five–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift
lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering
column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift
lever left (-) or right (+), or toggle the switch on the
column shift lever down (-) or up (+) to select the desired
top gear. For example, if the driver shifts the transmissioninto 3 (third gear), the transmission will never shift above
third gear, but can shift down to 2 (second gear) or 1 (first
gear), when needed.
Column Shift Lever
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep
hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain,
shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator
slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.NOTE:
After off-road usage, particularly in sand or
mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumu-
lated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake
rotors and calipers.
Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud.
Check the exhaust system and all exposed components
for any sign of damage.
If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud,
slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for im-
pacted material. Impacted foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance. Removing the foreign material from
the wheels will correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 343

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 345

ABS Warning Light
The ABS includes an amber warning light. When the light
is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The system
reverts to standard, non-anti-lock brakes.
WARNING!
•Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF
EQUIPPED) – 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 349