turn signal DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

•If it detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the light either momen-
tarily or continuously. The instrument clus-
ter will flash the seat belt indicator if it
detects a fault with the airbag indicator.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
•When the ORC detects a collision requiring the air-
bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the airbags. The
airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as the
airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully
inflate in milliseconds. This is less time than it takes
you to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger (if equipped with passenger side airbag).
The driver’s front airbag deflates through vents to-
ward the instrument panel. The passenger’s front
airbag (if equipped) is deflated through vent holes in
the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags do not
interfere with your control of the vehicle.
•The knee impact bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light should come on, and remain on,
for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during
starting, see your authorized dealer. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If there is a problem
with the airbag warning light, the seat belt light will
flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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

Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down.
Turn Signal Auto-Mode
Tap the multifunction lever once and the turn signal (left
or right) will flash three times, and automatically turn off.
Turn Signal Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
3

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

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

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

WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
Twelve trailer tow circuits are provided at the rear of the
chassis. These circuits are unterminated and sealed.Seven of the 12 circuits are the standard 7-pin trailer
wiring circuits. Three of the 12 circuits are upfitter
circuits used for aftermarket applications. Two of the 12
circuits are additional trailer circuits. For additional
information about trailer tow circuits or other exterior
lighting capabilities of your vehicle, refer to the Body
Builder’s Guide by accessing “www.dodge.com/
bodybuilder” and choosing the appropriate links.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicle’s electrical system or
wiring should be performed by a qualified automo-
tive technician. If done improperly it may cause
damage to the electrical system wiring and could
result in serious or fatal injury.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is mounted on the
top of the steering column.Press the button on the top of the steering column to turn
on the Hazard Warning flasher. When the Hazard Warn-
ing flasher is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash off and on to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Press the button a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:
With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may discharge your battery.
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — InsideBulb No.
Overhead Console Lights ............... TS212-2
Dome Light ............................ 7679
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS — Exterior Bulb No.
Backup ............................... 1156
Fog Light ........................... 9006LL
Headlight (Halogen) ...................... H13
Side Marker, Park & Turn Signal .............1157
Rear License Plate Lamp ................... 1157
Rear Cargo Light ......................... 912
Tail & Stop ............................ 1157
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn Lights
CAUTION!
This is a halogen bulb. Avoid touching the glass with
your fingers. Reduced bulb life will result.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE