jump start Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in section 6 of this manual.
33. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning LightThe malfunction light for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Light” comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. 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.
34. Check Gauges
This light illuminates when the voltmeter, engine oil
pressure or engine 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 tempera-
ture gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
•Charging System LightThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in section 6 of this manual.
•Electronic Speed Control Light This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) LightThis light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247

Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to the START position and release it. The starter motor
will continue to run but will automatically disengage
when the engine is running.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in Section 6 of this manual.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ................ 420
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 420
▫ Jack Location ....................... 421
▫ Removing The Spare Tire ............... 426
▫ Preparations ........................ 427
▫ Instructions ........................ 428
 Hoisting ............................ 433 
Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 433
▫ With Portable Starting Unit ............. 435
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 436
 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 437
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 437
▫ 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles ................ 438
▫ 2-Wheel Drive Vehicles ................ 438
6

HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Also, there is a greater
risk of an accident when a vehicle is being pushed or
towed. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of startcan be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this
procedure carefully.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24-Volt power source.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 433

1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets which might make an unintended electrical
contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles, place the automatic transmission in PARK
and turn the ignition OFF.
3. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable; first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery, and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
•You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode. (Continued)
434 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent.
•Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion.
•Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 160
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 356
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 168,244
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........327,333
Emergency Brake ........................ 346
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 436
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 420
Jump Starting ......................... 433
Tow Hooks .......................... 437
Towing ............................. 437
Emission Control System Maintenance ......445,492
Engine .......................... 441,442,443
Air Cleaner .......................... 450
Block Heater ......................... 311
Break-In Recommendations ................ 81
Compartment Identification .........441,442,443
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 489 Exhaust Gas Caution
.................. 83,390
Flooded, Starting ...................... 310
Fuel Requirements ..................... 488
Multi-Displacement .................... 349
Oil ........................... 448,488,489
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 449
Oil Selection ....................... 449,488
Oil Synthetic ......................... 450
Temperature Gauge .................... 227
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 64
Event Data Recorder ...................... 67
Exhaust Gas Caution ................83,390,456
Exhaust System ....................... 83,455
Exterior Lighting ........................ 147
Exterior Lights .......................... 85
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 450
Engine Oil ........................ 450,489
526 INDEX

Heated Mirrors....................... 97,199
Heated Seats ........................... 138
Heater ............................... 293
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 311
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 153
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 403
Hoisting .............................. 433
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 174
Hood Release .......................... 145
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................... 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 69
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 377
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 244 Inside Rearview Mirror
.................... 93
Instrument Cluster ................. 223,225,227
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 222
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 474
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 475
Interior Appearance Care .................. 472
Interior Lights .......................... 149
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 154
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 188
Jack Location ........................... 420
Jump Starting .......................... 433
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
10
INDEX 529