wheel DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owner's Manual

vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If
Equipped If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP),
or Traction Control System (TCS).
27. 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.
28. 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199
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VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES)™ — IF
EQUIPPEDThe optional Video Entertainment System (VES)™ con-
sists of a DVD player and LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen, a battery-powered remote control, and two head-
sets. The system is located in the headliner behind the
front row seat. Refer to your VES™ User’s Manual for
detailed operating instructions.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPEDThe remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
Remote Sound System Controls(Back View Of Steering Wheel)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTSStarting Procedures .................... 252
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 252
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 252
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 252
▫ After Starting ....................... 254
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 254
 Automatic Transmission ................. 254
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 255
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped
... 260
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ............... 260
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 263
▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light ...... 264
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (Five
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 264
▫ Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 269
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▫Understanding The Features Of Your
Winch ............................ 310
▫ Winch Accessories .................. 312
▫ Operating Your Winch ............... 313
▫ Rigging Techniques .................. 325
 Power Steering ...................... 327
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ........... 328
 Parking Brake ....................... 329
 Brake System ....................... 330
▫ 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ...... 331
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ..... 331
 Electronic Brake Control System —
If Equipped .......................... 333
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .......... 333▫
Traction Control System (TCS) .......... 334
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ............. 335
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ............... 336
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ........ 339
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ....... 340
▫ TSC (Trailer Sway Control) ............ 345
 Tire Safety Information ................ 346
▫ Tire Markings ..................... 346
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ........ 349
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ......... 350
 Tires — General Information ............ 354
▫ Tire Pressure ...................... 354
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ............... 355
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
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▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 356
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 357
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 357
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 358
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 359
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 359
 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 360
 Tire Chains .......................... 361
 Snow Tires .......................... 363
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 363
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 365
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped .......................... 366 ▫
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire
Light Load Inflation Switch Description –
If Equipped ........................ 369
▫
Tire Pressure Monitor System Components
. . 372
▫ General Information .................. 374
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 375
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 375
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 376
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 376
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 377
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 377
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 378
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 379
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adding Fuel ........................ 379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . 381
 Vehicle Loading ..................... 381
▫ Certification Label .................. 381
 Trailer Towing ....................... 383
▫ Common Towing Definitions ........... 384
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ............ 388
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 389
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............ 389▫
Towing Requirements ................ 390
▫ Towing Tips ....................... 395
 Snowplow ......................... 396
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 397
▫ Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 397
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 397
 Equipment Identification Plate ........... 403
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
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WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.Automatic Transmission with OverdriveThe gear shift lever display located in the instrument
panel cluster indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The shift lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. You
must depress the brake pedal to pull the shift lever out of
PARK position (Brake Interlock System). To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desiredDRIVE position. Pull the shift lever toward you when
shifting into REVERSE, SECOND, FIRST or PARK, or
when shifting out of PARK.
Gear RangesDO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place the shift lever into the PARK position. On
four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is
in a drive position!
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
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the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:•
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Pressing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button,
when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of overdrive.
•
If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter intothe transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPEDFour-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a
manually shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted
transfer case. Refer to the operating instructions for your
transfer case, located in this section.Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/PrecautionsThe transfer case provides four mode positions.•
Two-wheel drive high range (2H)
•
Four-wheel drive high range (4H)
•
Neutral (N)
•
Four-wheel drive low range (4L)
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together and force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to the desired positions. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry,
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is in
four-wheel drive and that the front and rear driveshafts
are locked together. This light will illuminate when the
transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position.
There is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL positions.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
can cause damage to the transfer case.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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