Dodge 2009 Ram 1500 User manual

2009 RAM TRUCK
RAM TRUCK
Chrysler LLC
81-326-0927 Third Edition Printed in U.S.A.
OWNER’S MANUAL
2009
150890 09 Ram Truck OM.indd 1150890 09 Ram Truck OM.indd 1 9/29/08 7:39:05 PM9/29/08 7:39:05 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................77
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 181
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................. 247
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................405
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ............................................... 425
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................481
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................499
10
INDEX ....................................................................509
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction .......................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual ................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions .................. 6
䡵Van Conversions/Campers ................ 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ............. 7
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ........... 7
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. Refer
to the Warranty information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac-
turer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment in-
stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builders Guide refer to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-
mensional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It
is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical
support. For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................ 12
▫Ignition Key Removal ................. 12
▫Locking Doors With A Key ............. 14
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ........ 14
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ..... 14
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ....... 14
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 14
䡵Sentry Key威......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............ 17
▫General Information .................. 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ....... 18
▫Rearming Of The System .............. 18
▫To Set The Alarm .................... 18
▫To Disarm The System ................ 19
䡵Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ..... 20
2

䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 21
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 22
▫Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 23
▫General Information ................... 23
▫RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 24
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 25
䡵Door Locks ........................... 27
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 27
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 28
▫Child Protection Door Lock .............. 30
䡵Windows ............................ 32
▫Power Windows—If Equipped ............ 32
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 33
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 34
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 35
▫
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ... 42
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 43
▫Center Lap Belts ...................... 44
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 44
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 45
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 46
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 46
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Right Front Passenger
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Airbags ............................ 47
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) ............. 58
▫Child Restraints ..................... 60
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations ......... 73
䡵Safety Tips .......................... 74
▫Transporting Passengers ............... 74
▫Exhaust Gas ........................ 74
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 75
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 76
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as
described. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap
the key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you
obtain service.
• The power window switches, radio, power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for
10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Locking Doors With A Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, see “Body Lubri-
cation” in Section 7 of this manual.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON positions, and the
brake pedal is depressed.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other
Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause inter-
ference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key威is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keys威from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program
new Sentry Keys威to the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm
is activated, the Vehicle Security Alarm provides both
audible and visible signals. For the first three minutes the
horn will sound and the headlights and Vehicle Security
Light will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes
only, the headlights and Vehicle Security Light will flash.
The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Key威is used to
start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key威will disable the
alarm.
Rearming of the System
The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the Vehicle Security Alarm has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the Vehicle Security Alarm will ignore that
condition and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE