turn DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Service Manual

WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end
of the multifunction lever and hold while spray is
desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds
after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer
knob is pushed for a period greater than one second
while in the off position, the wiper will cycle approxi-
mately three times after the wash knob is released.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, pull rearward on the lever below the
turn signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Push the lever forward to lock the column firmly
in place.
Tilt Steering Control Lever
130 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

To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
30 mph (50 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the Electronic Speed Control is on, speed can be
increased by pressing and holding the RESUME/ACCEL
button. When the button is released, a new set speed will
be established.
Tapping the ACCEL button once will result in a speed
increase of 1 mph (2 km/h). Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a speed
decrease of 1 mph (2 km/h). Each time the button is
tapped, speed will decrease. For example, tapping the
button three times will decrease the speed by 3 mph
(4.8 km/h)To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:
When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000 ft
(610 m), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded (especially
when towing) the vehicle may slow below the SET speed.
If the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40 km/h), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 6–speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th or 5th gear under the above
conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
3

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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

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
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
3

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

Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
Retainer hooks which will hold plastic grocery bag
handles are built into the back panel of the cab, behind
the rear seat.REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview
Mirrors — If Equipped
The electric rear window defroster and heated
sideview mirrors are activated by pressing the
heated grid button, located on the climate control panel,
with the ignition ON. Turning OFF the ignition will
deactivate the electric rear window defroster and heated
sideview mirrors feature. These features also turn off
after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed. For an
additional 10 minutes of operation, push the button a
second time.
Grocery Bag Hooks
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

Power Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
The power sliding rear window switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls. Press the
right side of the switch to open the glass and the left side
of the switch to close the glass.
Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
A locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.
FOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR — IF EQUIPPED
Quad Cabmodels with a 60/40 rear seat may be
equipped with a folding load floor.
WARNING!
Do not operate the vehicle with loose items stored on
the load floor. While driving or in an accident you
may experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration,
or sharp turns. Loose objects stored on the load floor
may move around with force and strike occupants,
resulting in serious or fatal injury.
Power Sliding Rear Window Switch
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Check GaugesThis 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 Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating.
162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL