light Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though 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
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immedi-
ate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle’s diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
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4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
468 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights (if equipped) 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 MOPAR
Glass 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
J03 25 Amp Natural Bat — Passenger
Door Node
J04 40 Amp Green Bat — ABS Pump
J05 30 Amp Pink Bat — ABS Valve
J06 30 Amp Pink Bat — H/Lamp
Wash/MTV/
CM2200/Elec Vac
Pump
J07 25 Amp Natural Bat — Driver Door
Node
J08 30 Amp Pink Bat — DTCM/Axle
Locks
J09 30 Amp Pink Bat — Plg/Electric
Brake
J10 40 Amp Green Bat — L/Bar/Off-
RoadCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
J11 30 Amp Pink Bat — Sway/
Thatchum/Rear
Doors
J12 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
J13 60 Amp Yel- low Bat — Rad Fan #1/
#2/SSR
J14 40 Amp Green Bat — Folding
Seat/PZEV
J15 60 Amp Yel- low Bat — IOD Main
J16 40 Amp Green Frt HVAC Motor
M17 25 Amp
NaturalBat — Sunroof/
Skylight
M18 25 Amp
NaturalTCM/Trans Range
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M19 5 Amp
Ta nIgn R/ACC —
Sunroof/Window
Sw Illum
M20 25 Amp
NaturalFrt Wiper
M21 25 Amp
NaturalDoor Locks
M22 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump
M23 20 Amp
YellowBat — Trlr Light/
Pre-Safe #2
M24 20 Amp
YellowBat — Trlr Tow
BUX/HGM
M25 10 Amp
RedBat — J1962 Diag/
Mirrors
M26 10 Amp
RedBat — Ign Sw,
WIN, PASSCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M27 15 Amp
BlueBat — CHMSL/
Brake Sw
M28 10 Amp
RedBat — Corax TPM/
PEM/HVAC Htr
Pump
M29 15 Amp
BlueBat — Folding Mir-
ror
M30 25 Amp
NaturalBat — Inverter
M31 20 Amp
YellowBat — Pwr Out #1
M32 20 Amp
YellowFr/Rr Washer
M33 15 Amp
BlueBat — NGC/
EATX/PCM
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M34 15 Amp
BlueBat — CCN/
Interior Light/
SCM/Sw Bank
M35 20 Amp
YellowIgn R-Frt Seat/Vent
M36 20 Amp
YellowIgn R-Rear Seat/
Steer Wheel
M37 10 Amp
RedHorn #1
M38 20 Amp
YellowIOD-CCN/Interior
Mods
M39 30 Amp
GreenIOD-Amp/Radio
M40 25 Amp
NaturalRear WiperCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M41 15 Amp
BlueIOD-SDARS/VES
2–3/DVD/HFM/
UGDO/Vanity
Lamp
M42 10 Amp
RedIOD-HVAC,
U/Hood Lamp
M43 10 Amp
RedHorn #2
M44 10 Amp
RedIGN R/S-ORC/
OCM
M45 10 Amp
RedIGN R-ORC/Trail
Tow (BUX) Sense
M46 20 Amp
YellowIGN R-Trail Tow
(BUX)
M47 10 Amp
RedIGN R-H/Lamp
Wash/HVAC/Park
Assist/Ir Sns
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — InteriorBulb No.
Overhead Console Lamp ............... TS212-2
Dome Lamp ........................... 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 ................................ 921
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) ..... 921
Fog Lamp ............................. 9145
Dual Headlamp ......................... H13
Quad Headlamp — Low Beam .............. H11
Quad Headlamp — High Beam ..............9005
Side Marker (Dual Headlamp) .............3157KSide Marker (Quad Headlamp)
............3157NA
Rear License Plate Lamp ................... 194
Rear Cargo Lamp ........................ 921
Rear Tail/Turn and Stop .................. 3157K
BULB REPLACEMENT
Dual or Quad Headlamp/Front Park and Turn
Signal — If Equipped
1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the four plastic push-in fasteners that secure
the upper radiator seal to the grille support and both
fender ledges.
4. Remove the two plastic push-in rivets that secure the
upper radiator seal to the radiator.
5. Remove the upper radiator seal from the vehicle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481

•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE: ** Vehicle’s built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs. One set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 48,000 miles
(80 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(160 000 km).
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S494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES