check engine light DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G User Guide

22. Cargo LightThe Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the
Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo
Light Button on the headlight switch.
23. SERV 4WD Indicator The 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.
24. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Lamp – If Equipped The malfunction light for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow ESP/BAS
warning lamp is in the instrument cluster it comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, it should go out with the engine running. If the
ESP/BAS warning lamp comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:
The ESP control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light — If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on theUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
4

33. Charging System LightThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
34. Oil Pressure Warning Light This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on. Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCKThe clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC
position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
On the RAQ radio the time button alternates the location
of the time and frequency on the display. On the REF only
one of the two, time or frequency, is displayed at a time.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

your vehicle’s abilities and be able to recover it if
something goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water
first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. You want
to use 1st gear in 4L (Low Range) and proceed very
slowly with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h]
maximum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving;
do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After
crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle
differentials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids
for signs of water ingestion.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other
vehicle components and your brakes will be less
effective once wet and/or muddy•
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water– As you
approach any type of water you need to determine if
you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a
stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or
muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can
recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.PARKING BRAKEThe foot-operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. NOTE:
The “Brake Warning Light” will come on and
flash to indicate that the parking brake is applied. You
must be sure that the parking brake is fully applied
before leaving the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on
Parking Brake
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL light off.EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMSIn some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should
be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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, clean and tighten the terminals as
required.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•
Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.Required Maintenance IntervalsRefer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Fuel........................... 379
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 141
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 434
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 435
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............435,436
Air Conditioning System ................237,435
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 355,360
Airbag ............................ 34,47,54
Airbag Light ....................... 58,75,189
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 191
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........442,443,478
Disposal ............................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 333Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............196,332
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 164
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ....................... 14
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 451
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 452
Fluid Level Check ................... 449,450
Fluid Type ........................ 449,480
Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives ...................... 452
Axle Fluid .......................... 448,480
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 448510 INDEX

Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System................ 282
Battery ............................... 434
Emergency Starting ..................... 419
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 133
Belts, Seat ............................ 35,75
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 437
B-Pillar Location ........................ 350
Brake Assist System ...................... 335
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 333
Brake Fluid ......................... 447,480
Brake System ........................ 330,447
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 331,333
Fluid Check .......................... 447
Master Cylinder ....................... 447
Parking ............................. 329
Warning Light ........................ 194
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 73
Bulb Replacement ....................... 465 Bulbs, Light
.......................... 76,464
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 473
Calibration, Compass ..................... 151
Camper ............................... 178
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 478
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 432
Power Steering ........................ 328
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 444
Car Washes ............................ 453
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............74,179,379
Cargo Light ............................ 135
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............202,216
Cellular Phone .......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 472
Center Lap Belts ......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment .........167,169
Certification Label ....................... 381
INDEX 511
10

Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............194,429
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 74
Checks, Safety ........................... 74
Child Restraint ........................ 60,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,68
Child Seat ............................ 61,67
Cigar Lighter ........................... 164
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 454
Climate Control ......................... 234
Clock ........................ 201,204,218,224
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 232
Compass ........................... 150,151
Compass Calibration ..................... 151
Compass Variance ....................... 152
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 146
Console, Overhead ....................... 145 Contract, Service
........................ 503
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 444
Cooling System ......................... 441
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 443
Coolant Capacity ...................... 478
Coolant Level ...................... 441,445
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 445
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 442
Inspection ........................... 445
Points to Remember .................... 446
Pressure Cap ......................... 444
Radiator Cap ......................... 444
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......442,478,479
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 142
Cupholders ............................ 165
Customer Assistance ..................... 501
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 58
Daytime Running Lights ................... 134512 INDEX