bed DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2009 4.G User Guide

overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
WARNING!
In the “Partial Off” mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are desensitized. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.All 4WD vehicles in Auto and 4HI Modes can also
choose the following ESP operating mode. This is
the only ESP operating mode in 4LO:Full Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESP stability
features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. This mode is entered by depressing and
holding the ESP OFF switch for five seconds when thevehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After five
seconds, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will illuminate
and the “ESP OFF” message will appear in the odometer.
Press and release the trip odometer button located on the
instrument cluster to clear this message.
NOTE:
The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed
into the PARK position from any other position, and then
moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if
the message was previously cleared.
In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the “Limited Slip”
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At
40 mph (64 km/h), the system returns to “Partial Off”
mode, described above. When the vehicle speed drops
below 35 mph (56 km/h), the ESP system shuts off. ESP
is off at low vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere
with off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) — IF
EQUIPPEDThe Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will warn
the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold tire inflation placard pressure. The
placard pressure is defined on the Tire and Loading
Information label. The Tire and Loading Information
label is located on the drivers side B-pillar. Vehicles
equipped to be operated in either the “max load inflation
pressure” condition described on the Tire and Loading
Information label or the alternative “light load inflation
pressure” condition described on the Supplemental Tire
Pressure Information label, may also be equipped with a
“Tire Light Load Inflation” switch to choose the appro-
priate TPMS low pressure warning threshold levels
based upon the vehicle load condition. The Supplemental
Tire Pressure Information label is located on the rear face
of the driver door. Operation of the “Tire Light Load
Inflation” switch is described later in this manual section.The tire pressure will vary with temperature by approxi-
mately 1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means
that when the outside temperature decreases, the tire
pressure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as
the tire pressure after a vehicle has not been driven for
more than three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
after a three-hour period. For information on how to
properly inflate the vehicle’s tires, refer to ”Tire Pressure”
under “Tires – General Information” in this section. The
tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven -
this is normal and there should be no adjustment for this
increased pressure.
The TPM System will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below the low pressure
warning threshold for any reason, including low tem-
perature effects, or natural pressure loss through the tire.366 STARTING AND OPERATING

the max load inflation pressure (cold) values to switch
the TPMS system to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning threshold. If after pressing
the tire light load inflation switch, and tire pressures are
below the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure
warning thresholds, the TPMS low pressure warning
telltale light (located in the instrument cluster) will turn
ON and a chime will sound. The tire pressures are now
required to be inflated to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) values described on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. The Tire and Loading Information label is
located on the drivers side B-pillar. If the tire light load
inflation switch LED turns OFF, the TPMS has been reset
and the TPMS is using the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning thresholds.Tire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors tomonitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) consists of
the following components:
•
Receiver Module
•
Four Wheel Sensors
•
Two Trigger Modules (mounted in the front wheel-
wells)
•
Tire Light Load Inflation Switch (located in the instru-
ment panel)
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fifth-Wheel HitchA special high platform with a coupling that mounts over
the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. Connects
a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.Gooseneck HitchThe gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm
which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup
truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted
over the rear axle in the truck bed.Trailer Hitch ClassificationThe rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alter-
ations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be
factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing
over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep
Package. See your dealer for package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class cantow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Greater than 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Refer to “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” for the website address that con-
tains the necessary information for your specific
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in an acci-
dent. Do not expect that the airbag will perform as
described earlier in this manualRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational towing of two-wheel drive models is not
allowed.Towing with the rear wheels on the ground can
result in severe transmission damage.Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these requirements can cause severe
damage to the transmission and/or transfer case.
NOTE: Both the manual shift and electronic shift trans-
fer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL for recreational
towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into the
PARK position for recreational towing. Refer to the
following for the proper transfer case NEUTRAL shifting
procedure for your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 397
5

face. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the nuts until the
vehicle has been lowered.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. The correct nut tightness is
135 ft lbs (183 N·m) torque for 2500/3500 single-rear
wheel (SRW) models, and 145 ft lbs (197 N·m) for 3500
dual rear-wheel models. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your authorized dealer or at a service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.7. Install wheel center cap 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 bottle
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 CoversThe hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.
For 2500/3500 single rear-wheel (SRW) models, use the
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry the hub cap off.
414 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

NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain And RefillRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.Lubricant SelectionRefer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level CheckThis fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.Automatic Transmission
Selection Of LubricantIt is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant may be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

2. Pull the bulb straight from the connector.
3. Reverse the procedure for installation of the bulbs and
housing.
Tail, Stop, Turn and Backup Lights1. Remove the two screws that pass through the bed
sheetmetal.
Removing The Two Screws
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 34 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 35 Gallons132 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified). For trucks oper-
ating under a gross combined weight rating lessthan
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified). For 2500/3500
trucks operating under a gross combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
5.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE