brake light DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a remote starting
system, which will allow the vehicle to be started from
distances up to approximately 300 ft (91 m) away from
the vehicle using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter, which is part of your ignition key.
In order to remote start your vehicle, the hood and all the
doors must be closed.Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec-
onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn
will honk twice (if programmed). Then, the
engine will start and the vehicle will remain in the
Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle.
To cancel remote start, press the REMOTE START button
once.
The parking lamps will remain illuminated to indicate
that the vehicle has remote started and the engine is running. The lamps will turn off when the ignition is
turned to RUN or the remote start is cancelled.
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. After the
vehicle is unlocked, you have 15 minutes to enter the
vehicle, insert the key in the ignition and move it to the
RUN position, otherwise the engine will cancel remote
start and automatically turn off.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
•The engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500
•Any engine warning lamps come on
•The hood is opened
•The hazard switch is pressed
•The transmission is moved out of PARK
•The brake pedal is pressed
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you.
These protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-
ing.
•Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as
trailer brake controllers, snowplow controllers,
auxiliary light switches, radios, etc. on or behind
the knee bolster. Knee bolsters are designed to
work with the airbag and seat belt to protect you.
Mounting any additional equipment on or behind
the knee bolster can cause injury during a crash.Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instru-
ment panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection
for the driver and front passenger.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. In certain types of collisions, the
front airbags may be triggered. But even in collisions
where the airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep
you in the right position for the airbags to protect you
properly.
Here are some simple steps you can follow to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
•Children 12 years and under should ride buckled up in
a rear seat, if available.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constantlights oncondi-
tion until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate
at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the parking brake
is applied the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) will turn
OFF. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the 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 Reminder
If 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 head-
light position and pushing in the headlight rotary
control. The fog lights will operate only when the parking
lights are on or when the vehicle headlights are on Low
beam. 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 is selected.
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control system has been
designed to shut down if multiple speed control switch
buttons (i.e., SET and CANCEL) are operated simulta-
neously, in order to ensure proper operation. The system
can be reactivated by pushing the Electronic Speed
Control switch ON/OFF button and reestablishing the
desired vehicle SET speed.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. An indi-
cator light in the instrument cluster illuminates when the
system is on.
To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle, or pressing the CAN-
CEL button will deactivate the Electronic Speed Control
without erasing the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF but-
ton to the OFF position or turning off the ignition erases
the memory.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control on when not in
use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the
system to cause it to go faster than you want. You
could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Headlight Switch6 - Passenger Airbag11 - Exhaust Brake Switch* 16 - Parking Brake Release Lever
2 - Air Outlets 7 - Glove Compartment12 - Power Sliding Back Glass
Switch* 17 - Adjustable Pedal Control
Switch*
3 - Instrument Cluster 8 - Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch* 13 - Cupholders
* If Equipped
4 - Climate Controls 9 - Power Outlet14 - Cigar Lighter
5 - Radio 10 - Heated Seat Switch15 - Transfer Case Control Switch*
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

18. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system which monitors
the emissions and engine control system. If the
vehicle is ready for emissions testing the light will come
on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as
a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is
not ready for emissions testing the light will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for
15 seconds, then blink for five seconds, and remain on
until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come on
during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
19. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running your vehicle will usually be
drivable, however, see your authorized dealer for service
as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If One or More Shift Conditions are not Met
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SERVICE 4WD” warning light monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the
\bService 4WD\blight is illu-
minated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
AUTO or 4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

If One or More Shift Conditions Are Not Met:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SERVICE 4WD” warning light monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the
\bSERVICE 4WD\blight is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
244 STARTING AND OPERATING