DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. This is not resettable.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to an alternating text display of “LO” and “FUEL.” This
display will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will
turn off the “LO FUEL” text and a new DTE value will be
displayed, based on the current values in the DTE
calculation and the current fuel tank level. NOTE:
It is possible for DTE to display “LO FUEL”
before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru-
ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning
is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an
estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy
and remaining fuel tank volume.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
•52 gal (196 L) - Standard rear tank
•22 gal (83 L) - Optional midship tank
Trip Odometer (ODO)
NOTE: The maximum value is approximately
6,000 miles (9,657 km). Then the trip odometer must be
reset in order to update the trip odometer miles/
kilometers.
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This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset. Resetting of this screen will cause the trip odometer
to change to zero.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset. Resetting the elapsed time will cause
the display to change to zero.
C/T Button
Use this button to select a readout of the outside tem-
perature and one of eight compass headings that indicate
the direction in which the vehicle is facing.
C/T Button
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WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F (0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly in
woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Global Reset
If the RESET button is pressed twice within two seconds
while in any of the three resettable displays (AVG, ECO,
ODO, ET), the Global Reset will reset all three displays.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new the compass may appear erratic and the CAL
symbol will be displayed.
Reset Button
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After completing up to three 360 degree turns, with the
vehicle traveling less than 5 mph (8 km/h), in an area free
from large metal or metallic objects, the CAL symbol will
turn off and the compass will function normally.
Manual Compass Calibration
NOTE:To ensure proper compass calibration, make
sure the compass variance is properly set before manu-
ally calibrating the compass.
If the compass appears erratic and the CAL symbol does
not appear, you must manually put the compass into the
“Calibration” mode.
Recalibrating The Compass
Start the engine and leave the transmission in the PARK
position. Then set the display to “Compass/
Temperature.” Press and hold the RESET button to
change the display between VAR (compass variance) and CAL (compass calibration) modes. When the CAL sym-
bol is displayed, slowly drive the vehicle 5 mph (8 km/h)
in a complete 360° circle in an area free from large metal
objects or power lines. The CAL symbol will turn off and
the compass will function normally.
Reset Button
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Compass Varianceis the difference between magnetic
North and geographic North. In some areas of the
country, the difference between magnetic and geographic
North is great enough to cause the compass to give false
readings. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set
according to the Compass Variance Map. NOTE:
The default for the compass variance is Zone 8.
To set the variance: Turn the ignition ON and set the
display to “Compass/Temperature.” Press and hold the
RESET button approximately five seconds. The last vari-
ance zone number will be displayed. Press the STEP
button to select the new variance zone and press the
RESET button to resume normal operation.
Outside Temperature
Because the ambient temperature sensor is located un-
derhood, engine temperature can influence the displayed
temperature. Therefore, temperature readings are slowly
updated when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(30 km/h) or during stop-and-go driving.
Compass Variance Map
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ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for
in-cab accessories designed for use with the standard
“cigar lighter” plug. The outlet is located in the instru-
ment panel below and to the right of the climate control
panel. A cap is attached to the outlet base indicating
“Power Outlet” 12-Volt/20 A.
There is an additional power outlet inside the center
console of vehicles equipped with 40-20-40, or bucket
front seats. There is also a power outlet located on the
rear of the center console (if equipped with bucket seats).
The outlet(s) has/have a fused direct feed from the
battery so it/they receive power whether the ignition is
ON or OFF.
All accessories connected to this/these outlet(s) should
be removed or turned off when the vehicle is not in use
to protect the battery against discharge.NOTE:
If desired, all of the power outlets can be
converted by your authorized dealer to provide power
with the ignition switch in the ON position only.
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•Do not use a three-prong adapter.
•Do not insert any objects into the receptacles.
•Do not touch with wet hands.
•Close the lid when not in use and while driving
the vehicle.
•If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
144 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 engine 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 RECEIVER
The 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.
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CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40–20–40
Seats)
Your new vehicle is equipped with two adjustable cup-
holders. The cupholder is opened by pulling on thecupholder door handle, on the front surface. Each open-
ing in the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups and
mugs of various sizes.
To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the
cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the
cup until it is held stable.
Ash Receiver
Cupholder Door Handle
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats)
If your new vehicle is equipped with bucket seats there
are three cupholders located on the front of the center
console.
Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) — If Equipped
Quad Cabvehicles may be equipped with a rear cup-
holder that consists of two cupwells for rear passenger
convenience.
CupholdersCupholders Bucket Seat
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STORAGE
Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) —
If Equipped
The center portion of the seat folds down to provide an
armrest with unique storage compartments under the lid.
Push the button on the front of the armrest to raise the
cover. Inside there is a power outlet (if equipped),
removable coin holder (if equipped), and two dividers to
configure the storage area into compartments. For ex-
ample, compartments can be configured to hold a laptop
computer, a cellular telephone, CDs and miscellaneous
items. The top of the cover provides a generous firm
surface to serve as a desktop for your “mobile office.”
Center Storage Compartment
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE