snow chains Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 372
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 374
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 374
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 374
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 375
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 376
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 376
 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 377
 Tire Chains .......................... 378
 Snow Tires .......................... 379
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 379
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 381
▫ Tire Pressure Monitor System Components . . 383 ▫
General Information .................. 385
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 386
▫ 3.7L And 4.7L Engine ................. 386
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 386
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 387
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 387
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 388
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 388
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 389
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 389
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 390
 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 390
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 390
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 392
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 307

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily pressing the
ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING!
In the “Partial Off” mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are desensitized. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
All Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in 4WD AUTO and
4WD LOCK Modes Can Also Choose the
Following ESP Operating Mode. This is the Only
ESP Operating Mode in 4WD LOW:
Full Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESP stability
features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. This mode is entered by pressing and holding
the ESP OFF switch for five seconds when the vehicle is
stopped and the engine is running. After five seconds, the
“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will illuminate and the “ESP
Off” message will appear in the odometer. Press and
release the trip odometer button located on the instru-
ment cluster to clear this message.
NOTE: The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 359

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of 4X2
model trucks.
NOTE:The use of class “S” chains is permitted with
P245/70R17 tires only.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 379

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this
occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle and inflate
each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure value. The system will automatically update
and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Lamp will extinguish
once the updated tire pressures have been received. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” located in
the instrument cluster will flash on and off for 75 seconds
and will remain on solid when a system fault is detected.
The system fault will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the
system fault still exists. A system fault can occur by any
of the following scenarios:
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as
the TPMS sensors.
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that affects ra-
dio wave signals.
3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
6. Loss of communication with the tire pressure moni-
toring sensors.
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a non-matching
full size spare wheel and tire assembly.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

Sliding Rear WindowPower .............................. 200
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 378
Snow Plow ............................ 411
Snow Tires ............................ 379
Spark Plugs ............................ 489
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 160
Speedometer ........................... 228
Starting ............................. 25,309
Automatic Transmission ................. 309
Engine Fails to Start .................... 310
Remote .............................. 25
Starting Procedures (Gas Engines) ............ 309
Steering Power ........................... 343,345
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 156
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 291
Storage Compartment, Center Seat ........... 194Storage, Vehicle
...................... 303,480
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 480
Sun Roof .............................. 180
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 377
Sway Control, Trailer ..................... 361
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 450
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 227
Tailgate ............................... 216
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 297
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 227
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint .............72,76
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 156
Tip Start .............................. 310
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......367,377
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 366
Tire Markings .......................... 362
Tire Safety Information .................... 362
536 INDEX

Tires ............................84,371,519
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 376
Air Pressure .......................... 371
Chains .............................. 378
General Information .................... 371
High Speed .......................... 374
Inflation Pressures ..................... 372
Life of Tires .......................... 376
Load Capacity ........................ 367
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 381
Pressure Warning Light .................. 237
Quality Grading ....................... 519
Radial .............................. 374
Replacement ......................... 376
Rotation ............................ 379
Safety ........................... 362,371
Sizes ............................... 364
Snow Tires ........................... 379
Spinning ............................ 374 Tread Wear Indicators
................... 375
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 431
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 404
Torque Converter Clutch ................319,325
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 437
Towing ............................... 399
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 114
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 437
Guide .............................. 404
Recreational .......................... 412
Weight .............................. 404
Towing Assistance ....................... 114
Traction .............................. 340
Traction Control ...................... 230,351
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 361
Trailer Towing .......................... 399
Cooling System Tips .................... 411
Hitches ............................. 403
Minimum Requirements ................. 405
10
INDEX 537