lights DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G User Guide

LIGHTSThe headlight switch is located on instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.Interior LightsCourtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotatingwheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
upward detent position, or by pressing the UNLOCK
button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter (if
equipped).
When a door is open and the interior lights are on,
rotating the dimmer control all the way down to the off
detent will cause all the interior lights to go out. This is
also known as the
Partymode because it allows the
doors to stay open for extended periods of time without
discharging the vehicle’s battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
“Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day.
Headlight Switch Location
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Battery SaverTo protect the life of your vehicle’s battery, load shedding
is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar, or if the
dimmer control is rotated upwards for approximately
10 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.If the headlights are left on, or turned on, when the
ignition is turned OFF, the headlights will automatically
turn off after approximately eight minutes.
NOTE:
Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Headlight DelayTo aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
approximately 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when
the ignition is turned OFF while the headlight switch is
on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight
delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlight
switch on then off, or by turning the ignition ON.
Dimmer Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
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Headlights, Parking Lights and Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. The headlights will turn on when
the switch is rotated to the second position. Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass. Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be
followed. To minimize the possibility of scratching the
lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a
dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash the lenses with a
mild soap solution followed by rinsing.
NOTE:
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, sol-
vents, steel wool or other abrasive materials to clean the
lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only and Fleet
Vehicles)The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constant Lights On
condition until the ignition is turned OFF or the parking
brake is applied. The lights illuminate at less than 50% of
their normal intensity. If a turn signal is activated, the
Headlight Switch Rotation
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

DRL lamp on the same side of the vehicle will turn off for
the duration of the turn signal activation. Once the turn
signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate.Lights-on ReminderIf the headlights, parking lights or cargo lights are left on
after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime will sound when
the driver’s door is opened.Fog Lights — If Equipped
The fog lights are turned on by placing the head-
light rotary control in the parking light or low
beam headlight position and pushing in the head-
light rotary control. An indicator light, located in the
instrument cluster, will illuminate when the fog lights are
on. The fog lights will turn off when the switch is pushed
a second time, when the headlight switch is rotated to the
off position, or the high beam headlights are activated.
NOTE: The fog lights will only operate when the
parking lights or low beam headlights are on.
Cargo Light — If EquippedThe cargo lights are turned on by pressing the cargo
button. The interior lights will also turn on when the
cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also turn ON, for
approximately 30 seconds, as part of the Illuminated
Entry feature when the UNLOCK button is pressed on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Cargo Light Switch
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3

Multifunction LeverThe multifunction lever, located on the left side of the
steering column, is used to activate the turn signals and
high beams headlights.Turn SignalsMove the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, see your autho-
rized dealer.
Turn Signal Lever
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lane Change AssistTap the lever up or down once and the turn signal (left or
right) will flash three times then automatically turn off.Flash-to-PassYou can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will turn on the high beam headlights
until the lever is released.High Beam/Low Beam Select SwitchPull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.
High Beam/Low Beam
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE — IF EQUIPPEDThe two optional overhead consoles may consist of the
following features:•
Courtesy/Reading Lights
•
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer
(CMTC) — If Equipped
•
Universal Garage Door Opener — If Equipped
Courtesy/Reading LightsIn the middle of the console are two courtesy/reading
lights.
Both lights illuminate as courtesy lights when a door is
opened, when the dimmer control is rotated to the
courtesy light position (fully-upward position), or when
the UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter, if equipped. These lights are also
operated individually as reading lights by pressing the
recessed area of the corresponding lens.
NOTE:The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have
been turned off before leaving the vehicle. If the interior
lights are left on after the vehicle is turned off, they will
extinguish after 15 minutes.
Overhead Console Features
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3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/
TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER — IF
EQUIPPEDThis optional overhead console consists of the following:•
Courtesy Lights
•
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)This overhead console allows you to choose between a
compass/temperature display and one of four trip con-
ditions being monitored.
Courtesy Lights
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•
Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
•
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVERThe removable ash receiver is located in the instrument
panel cupholder tray.
The cigar lighter is located on the instrument panel,
above and to the left of the ash receiver.
As a child safety precaution, the lighter only operates
with the ignition switch ON. It heats when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use.To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the
heating position.
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the
armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle
operation, or an accident. Only use the center
seating position when the armrest is fully upright.
•
In an accident, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs
(4.5 kg). These items could be thrown about en-
dangering occupants of the vehicle. Items stored
should not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
CAUTION!
•
Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE