light DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Service Manual

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

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.
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs
(450 kg) total.SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper ApplicationsCertain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing” document available from your authorized dealer.
For safety reasons, follow all instructions in this impor-
tant document.NOTE:
When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate Center High-Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATETailgate removal is sometimes necessary for loading and
can be easily removed by following these steps:
1. Unlatch the tailgate and open it enough so that there is
some slack in the support cables.
2. Remove the support cables by releasing the locking
tang and rotating them away from the box. Once the
cables are free, move to the right side of the tailgate.
178 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket.
4. Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side
pivot.
5. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.NOTE:
•
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck pickup box.
•
Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is oper-
ated without a tailgate, suitable lights must be
installed.
WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly,
the exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap
or Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the
overhanging camper compartment and be free of
leaks.
Tailgate Support Strap Attachment
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179
3

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
RAM TRUCK1 — Headlight Switch 6 — Passenger Airbag11 — TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch* 16 — Transfer Case Control Switch*
2 — Air Outlets 7 — Glove Compartment 12 — Power Sliding Back Glass Switch* 17 — Parking Brake Release Lever
3 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch* 13 — Cupholders 18 — Adjustable Pedal Control Switch*
4 — Climate Controls 9 — Power Outlet 14 — ESP Off Switch** If Equipped
5 — Radio 10 — Heated Seat Switch 15 — Cigar Lighter184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

POWER WAGON1 — Headlight Switch6 — Passenger Airbag* 11 — Cup Holders
2 — Air Outlets 7 — Glove Compartment 12 — Cigar Lighter
3 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Power Outlet 13 — Electronic Axle Locker and Disconnecting
Sway Bar Switch
4 — Climate Controls 9 — Heated Seat Switch 14 — Parking Brake Release Lever
5 — Radio 10 — TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch* 15 — Adjustable Pedal Control Switch*
* If Equipped UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION1. Check Gauges – Premium Cluster OnlyThis light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE: When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltmeter When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced. NOTE:
•
If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of the
gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
•
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-
ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.
3. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about 1 mile (1.6 km) with the turn signals on, a
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
4. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
5. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.
8. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/kph).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

9. Oil Pressure Gauge — Premium Cluster OnlyThe pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE: If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.
For additional information refer to “4-Wheel Drive Op-
eration” in section 5 of this manual. 11. TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of
the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate
when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is
pushed once.
12. OD/OFF
The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.
13. Temperature Gauge The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL