steering wheel RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 User Guide

Flash-to-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the High beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from High or Low beam.
High Beam/Low Beam
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end
of the multifunction lever and hold while spray is
desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds
after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer
knob is pushed for a period greater than one second
while in the off position, the wiper will cycle approxi-
mately three times after the wash knob is released.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, pull rearward on the lever below the
turn signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Push the lever forward to lock the column firmly
in place.
Tilt Steering Control Lever
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
3

Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10 in
(254 mm) away from the airbag located in the center of
the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, in the
direction you desire to move the pedals.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
REVERSE or when the Electronic Speed Control is set.
CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal’s path.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, Electronic Speed Control takes over
accelerator operation at speeds greater than 25 mph
(40 km/h). The controls are mounted on the steering
wheel.
Electronic Speed Control Buttons
1 — Resume4 — Set
2 — Cancel 5 — Cruise
3 — Decel 6 — On/Off
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons:
•The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
•Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception.
•Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
•Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM™ (SALES
CODE XRV) — IF EQUIPPED
The optional Video Entertainment System (VES)™ con-
sists of a DVD player and LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen, a battery-powered remote control, and two head-
sets. The system is located in the headliner behind thefront row seat. Refer to your VES™ User’s Manual for
detailed operating instructions.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
Remote Sound System Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

\4Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (4
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 242
\4 Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 246
\2 Limited-Slip Differential – If Equipped ...... 249
\2 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 250
\2 Driving Through Water ................. 250
\4 Flowing/Rising Water ................. 250
\4 Shallow Standing Water ............... 251
\2 Power Steering ....................... 252
\4 Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 253
\2 Parking Brake ........................ 254
\2 Brake System ........................ 255 \4
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 256
\2 Tire Safety Information ................. 258
\4 Tire Markings ....................... 258
\4 Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 261
\4 Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 262
\2 Tires — General Information ............. 266
\4 Tire Pressure ....................... 266
\4 Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 267
\4 Radial Ply Tires ..................... 272
\4 Tire Spinning ....................... 273
\4 Tread Wear Indicators ................. 273
\4 Life Of Tire ........................ 274
\4 Replacement Tires .................... 274
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
WARNING!
•Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) contain sophisti-
cated electronic equipment. It may be susceptible
to interference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment. This
interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified professionals.
•ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
This ABS is designed to aid the driver in maintaining
vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The
system operates with a separate computer to modulate
hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lockup and help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING