lights Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Guide

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in this section for more
information.
18. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE:In vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, the highest
available transmission gear is displayed in the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select (ERS) fea-
ture is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift lever to
activate ERS.
19. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in this section for more
information.
20. High Beam Indicator This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam. Push the multifunction lever forward to
switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

28. Front Fog Light Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
29. 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. 30. Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in this section for more
information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241

EVIC Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in
motion)
•Hood Ajar (if equipped with hood switch)
•Key In Ignition
•Turn Signal On
•RKE Battery Low
•LOW WASHER FLUID
•Oil Change Required
•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out
•Right Front Turn Signal Light Out
•Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out
•Park Assist Disabled
•Service Park Assist System
•Personal Settings Not Available — Vehicle Not in Park
EVIC Warning Lights
•
Door AjarThis light will turn on to indicate that one or
more door may be ajar.
•Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

and release the SELECT button until a check-mark ap-
pears next to the feature showing the system has been
activated or the check-mark is removed, showing the
system has been deactivated.
Flash Lamps With Lock
When this feature is selected, the front and rear turn
signals will flash when the doors are locked or unlocked
with the RKE transmitter. This feature may be selected
with or without the sound horn on lock feature selected.
To make your selection, press and release the SELECT
button until a check-mark appears next to the feature
showing the system has been activated or the check-mark
is removed, showing the system has been deactivated.
Headlamp Off Delay
When this feature is selected, the driver can choose to
have the headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 secondswhen exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
and release the SELECT button until 0, 30, 60, or 90
appears.
Headlamps With Wipers
When this feature is selected and the HEADLIGHT
switch is in the AUTO position, the headlights will turn
on approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned
on. The headlights will also turn off when the wipers are
turned off if they were turned on by this feature. To make
your selection, press and release the SELECT button until
a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the
system has been activated or the check-mark is removed,
showing the system has been deactivated.
Key-Off Power Delay
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, hands-free system (if equipped), DVD
video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

after the ignition switch is turned OFF. Opening a vehicle
door will cancel this feature. To make your selection,
press and release the SELECT button until Off, 45 sec.,
5 min., or 10 min. appears.
Illuminated Approach
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the RKE transmitter. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the SELECT button until “OFF,”
“30 sec.,” “60 sec.,” or “90 sec.” appears.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
When on is selected, the HSA system is active. Refer to
“HSA (Hill Start Assistance)” under “Electronic Brake
Control System” in Section 5 of this manual for systemfunction and operating information. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the SELECT button until a check-
mark appears next to the feature showing the system has
been activated or the check-mark is removed, showing
the system has been deactivated.
Display Fuel Saver — If Equipped
The “Fuel Saver Mode” message is located in the
Compass/Temperature display, this message can be
turned on or off. To make your selection, press and
release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “ON” or
“OFF” appears.
Easy Exit Seat
When this feature is selected it provides automatic driver
seat positioning to enhance driver mobility when enter-
ing and exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 259

desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by pressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this section.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and
4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate
the current and desired transfer case selection. When you
select a different transfer case position, the indicator
lights will do the following: If all shift conditions are met:
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
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 case
will 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
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the
shift, then the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator light
is ON, until all requirements have been met.
•The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD AUTO)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
Transfer Case Switch (Five–Position)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 333

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD,
4LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located on the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection. When you select a different transfer case posi-
tion, the position indicator lights will do the following:
If all shift conditions are met:
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
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 case
will 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 “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or
if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is
in process, the desired position indicator light will flash continuously while the original position indicator light is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
NOTE:
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL – IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 339

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package will include a four and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
408 STARTING AND OPERATING