headlights DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
This Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the
alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and
visible signals. For the first three minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights and security light will flash
repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes only, the head-
lights and security light will flash. The engine will run
only if a valid Sentry Keyis used to start the vehicle.
Use of the Sentry Key will disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System
The Vehicle Security Alarm system will rearm itself after
the 15 additional minutes of headlights and security light
flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the
system will ignore that condition and monitor the re-
maining doors and ignition.
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
system is arming. The Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument panel cluster will flash rapidly for about
16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being set. After
the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a
slower rate to indicate that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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The Horn Chirp feature is activated when shipped from
the assembly plant. If desired, this feature can be disabled
by using the following procedure:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
(i.e., functional) RKE transmitter.
3. Continue to hold the LOCK button, wait at least four
seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press and
hold the PANIC button. Release both buttons at the same
time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
This vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with the
park lamp flash feature activated. If desired, this feature
can be disabled by using the following procedure:1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
(i.e., functional) RKE transmitter.
3. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button, wait at least
four seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press
and hold the LOCK button. Release both buttons at the
same time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Using the Panic Alarm
To activate the Panic Mode while the ignition is OFF,
press and release the PANIC button on the RKE trans-
mitter once. When the Panic Mode is activated, the
interior lights will illuminate, the headlights and parking
lights will flash, and the horn will sound.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
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Seats .............................. 114
▫ 40-20-40 Front Seat ................... 115
▫ Reclining Seats ...................... 116
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ............. 117
▫ Manual Rotary Lumbar Support
Adjustment — If Equipped ............. 118
▫ Power Seats — If Equipped ............. 118
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 120
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 121
 Lights ............................. 123
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 123
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 124
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 124 ▫
Headlights, Parking Lights And
Panel Lights ........................ 125
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 126
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 126
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 126
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 126
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 129
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 129
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 130
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 130
 Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ..... 131
▫ Adjustment ........................ 132
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHTS
The headlight switch is located on the left side of the
instrument panel next to the steering wheel.
Interior Lights
Courtesy 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 if equipped, when the UN-
LOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. 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
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
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NOTE:Quad Cab models may have an optional
switched dome lamp that may be operated by pressing
the lens.
Battery Saver
To 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 for
10 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for
10 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes.
NOTE:
Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
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
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). For details, refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” under “Overhead
Console with Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) – If Equipped” in Section 3.
Headlights, Parking Lights and Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, tail lights, 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 headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
Light Switch Rotation
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
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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

Flash-to-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the High beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from High or Low beam.
High Beam/Low Beam
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 The indicator lights and remains lit for six to
eight seconds when the ignition is first turned
on. If the light stays on, flickers or comes on
while driving, have the airbag system checked
by an authorized dealer.
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 seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to Enhanced Driver Seat
Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) under “Occupant
Restraints” in section 2.
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
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Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
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 with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
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