light RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 Owners Manual

Dodge Body Builders Guide. See your authorized dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacturer for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in an acci-
dent. Do not expect that the airbag will perform as
described earlier in this manual
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Before Plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
•Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
•Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 cm to
1.2 cm) above ground in snow plowing position.
•Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
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3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift transmission into PARK.
14. Apply parking brake.
15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
16. Release parking brake.
NOTE:
•Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON)
are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button
or are no longer met during the four second timer, then
the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL
button is released.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
•Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL ensure, that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Returning to Normal Operation — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
one second.
7. After the Neutral indicator light turns off, release the
Neutral (N) button.
8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.
9. Shift transmission into PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
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NOTE:
•The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEUTRAL
from the 4AUTO (if equipped) position.
•Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the transfer case Neutral (N)
button, and must continue to be met until one second
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements (with the exception of step3-key
ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N)
button, or are no longer met during the one second
time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will
flash continuously until all requirements are met, or
until the Neutral (N) button is released.
•The ignition key must be ON for a transfer case 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.
•Flashing Neutral position indicator light indicates that
shift requirements have not been met.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in
the vehicle.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel (SRW)
models. On dual rear wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts
are a two-piece assembly with a flat face. Lightly tighten
the nuts. To avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been
lowered. 6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts
using a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ft
lbs (183 N·m) torque for single rear wheel (SRW) models
and 145 ft lbs (197 N·m) for dual rear wheel models. If in
doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a
service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.
320 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Your vehicle is equipped with two 12-Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper
cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place the transmission in
PARK. Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads.
Observe charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries.
If the indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either
battery, replace that battery.CAUTION!
Use the Jump-Start Procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump-starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of
booster battery and the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the discharged battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 327
6

With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12-Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE while ap-
plying slight pressure to the accelerator.In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the
engine or spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of
not freeing the vehicle, may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after
every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:
For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
330 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

\4Transfer Case — If Equipped ............ 356
\4 Automatic Transmission ............... 356
\4 Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 359
\2 Fuses .............................. 364
\4 Integrated Power Module .............. 364
\2 Vehicle Storage ....................... 369
\2 Replacement Light Bulbs ................ 370 \2
Bulb Replacement ..................... 370
\4 Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights ............................ 370
\4 Fog Lights ......................... 374
\4 Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped . . . 375
\2 Fluid And Capacities ................... 377
\2 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 378
\4 Engine ............................ 378
\4 Chassis ........................... 379
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Vehicles with 5.7L engines are equipped with a sophisti-
cated onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the emissions, en-
gine, and automatic transmission control systems. When
these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will
provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well
as engine emissions 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 driveable 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 driveability. 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. Immediate
service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle’s diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is 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
336 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 Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR\3parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR\3 parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
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