Dodge 2009 Ram Diesel Configuration guide

148920 Ram Diesel.indd 1148920 Ram Diesel.indd 1 9/29/08 10:48:44 AM9/29/08 10:48:44 AM

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 ...............................5
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ................................9
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL .................................... 21
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................. 37
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ................................................77
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ................................................ 83
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................121
9
INDEX ....................................................................147

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵A Message From Chrysler LLC ............. 4
1

A MESSAGE FROM CHRYSLER LLC
Chrysler LLC and Cummins威welcome you as a Cum-
mins威turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner.
Almost 100% of all heavy duty trucks are diesel-powered
because of the fuel economy, rugged durability, and high
torque which permits pulling heavy loads. Cummins威,
engines power well over half of these trucks. Now this
same technology and proven performance is yours in
your truck equipped with the Cummins威turbocharged
diesel engine.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual. You may find
that some of the starting, operating, and maintenance
procedures are different. However, they are simple to
follow and careful adherence to them will ensure that
you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
4 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 6
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 6
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 6
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 6
2

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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins威turbocharged diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations are followed:
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
6 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in Section 5 of the Owners Manual.
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
Because of the construction of the Cummins威turbo-
charged diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the engine
parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first
6,000 miles (10 000 km).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 7
2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵Overhead Console With Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)................. 10
▫Dome/Reading Lights ................ 10
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
— If Equipped ....................... 11
▫Compass/Temperature Button ........... 18
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC)
The overhead console contains dome/reading lights, and
an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Dome/Reading Lights
Located in the overhead console are two dome/reading
lights.
The dome/reading lights illuminate when a door is
opened or when the interior lights are turned on by
rotating the dimmer control located on the headlight
switch.
The reading lights are activated by pressing on the
recessed area of the corresponding lens.
NOTE: The dome/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have
been turned off before leaving the vehicle.
Dome/Reading Lights
10 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If
Equipped
Pressing the MENU button will change the
display to one of the following features:
Trip Functions
Pressing the STEP button allows you to scroll through
one of the following Trip Function features:
• TRIP – Shows the total distance traveled since the last
reset. To reset the TRIP function, press and hold the
RESET button.
• ELAPSED TIME – Shows the total elapsed time of
travel since the last reset. Elapsed time will increment
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or START
positions.
• UNIT IN US/METRIC – Press the RESET button to
toggle between US and METRIC.
Overhead Console With EVIC
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 11
3

• AVG. MPG – Shows the average fuel economy since
the last reset. When the fuel economy is reset, the
display will show dashes for two seconds. Then the
history information will be erased, and the averaging
will continue from the last fuel average reading before
the reset. (Example: If your EVIC displays 18 AVG.
MPG and the RESET button is pressed, the previous
averaging history will be erased and the display will
return to the 18 AVG. MPG, not to 0 AVG. MPG.) The
display may take several miles/kilometers for the
value to change, dependent upon driving habits.
• MI TO EMPTY (Distance to Empty) – Shows the
estimated distance that can be traveled with the fuel
remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of fuel economy,
according to the current fuel tank level. MI TO EMPTY
cannot be reset through the RESET button.
NOTE: Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the MI TO EMPTY displayed
value.
When the MI TO EMPTY value is less than 30 miles
(48 km) estimated driving distance, the MI TO EMPTY
display will change to a text display of ⬙LOW FUEL.⬙
This display will continue until the vehicle runs out of
fuel. Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle
will turn off the ⬙LOW FUEL⬙text and a new MI TO
EMPTY value will display.
System Status (EVIC Displays)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
• TURN SIGNALS ON (with a continuous warning
chime)
12 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

• PERSONAL SETTINGS NOT AVAILABLE – Vehicle
not in PARK or Vehicle in Motion (Manual Transmis-
sion Only)
• LEFT/RIGHT FRONT DOOR AJAR (one or more,
with a single chime if speed is above 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• LEFT/RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (one or more, with
a single chime if speed is above 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• DOOR(S) AJAR (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
• LOW WASHER FLUID (with a single chime)
• OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (with a single chime)
• SERVICE AIR FILTER
• PERFORM SERVICE
• EXHAUST FILTER XX% FULL
• EXHAUST FILTER FULL — POWER REDUCED SEE
DEALER
• SERVICE REQUIRED — SEE DEALER NOW
• EXHAUST SYSTEM — REGENERATION REQUIRED
NOW
• EXHAUST SYSTEM — REGENERATION IN PRO-
CESS
• EXHAUST SYSTEM — REGENERATION COM-
PLETED
• TIRE PRESSURE LT LOAD SET
• TIRE PRESSURE MAX LOAD SET
Oil Change Required — If Equipped
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 sec-
onds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 13
3

scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent
upon your personal driving style.
NOTE: When prompted by the Engine Oil Change
Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Change
Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or
six months since the last oil and filter change, change the
engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances
should engine oil intervals exceed 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the MENU button. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
use the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Perform Service
This vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
will display “Perform Service.” When the “Perform Ser-
vice” message is displayed on the EVIC, it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance includes replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element, cleaning of the EGR
14 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cooler, and cleaning of the EGR Valve. The procedure for
clearing and resetting the “Perform Service” indicator
message is located in the appropriate service informa-
tion.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper emission maintenance intervals.
Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features)
Personal settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If the trans-
mission is not in PARK, the EVIC will display NOT
AVAILABLE and VEHICLE NOT IN PARK.
Press and release the MENU button until the
Personal Settings displays on the EVIC.
Use the STEP button to display one of the following:
• “LANGUAGE” – When in this display you may select
one of three languages for all display nomenclature,
including the trip functions. Press the RESET button
while in this display to select English, Espanol, or
Francais. Then, as you continue, the information will
display in the selected language.
• “AUTO DOOR LOCKS > ON” – When ON is selected,
all doors will lock automatically when the vehicle
reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h). To make your
selection, press and release the RESET button until
“ON” or “OFF” appears.
• “AUTO UNLOCK ON EXIT > ON” – When ON is
selected, all doors will unlock when the vehicle is
stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened.
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 15
3

• “RKE UNLOCK DRV DR 1st” – When DRV DR 1st is
selected, only the driver’s door will unlock on the first
press of the remote keyless entry UNLOCK button.
When Driver Door 1st Press is selected, you must
press the remote keyless entry UNLOCK button twice
to unlock the passenger’s doors. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the RESET button until “DRV
DR 1st ” appears.
• “RKE UNLOCK ALL DR 1ST” – When ALL DR 1ST is
selected, all of the doors will unlock on the first press
of the remote keyless entry unlock button. To make
your selection, press and release the RESET button
until “All DR 1st” appears.
• “SOUND HORN W/LOCK > ON” – When ON is
selected, a short horn sound will occur when the
remote keyless entry LOCK button is pressed. This
feature may be selected with or without the flash lights
on lock/unlock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the RESET button until “ON” or “OFF”
appears.
• “FLASH LIGHTS W/LOCK > ON” – When ON is
selected, the front and rear turn signals will flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the remote
keyless entry transmitter. This feature may be selected
with or without the sound horn on lock feature
selected. To make your selection, press and release the
RESET button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
• “HEAD LAMP OFF DELAY > 0 SEC” – When this
feature is selected, the driver can choose to have the
headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds when
exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press and
release the RESET button until “0,” “30,” “60,” or “90”
appears.
16 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

• “KEY OFF POWER DELAY > OFF” – When this
feature is selected, the power window switches, radio,
hands–free system (if equipped), and power outlets
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned OFF. Opening a vehicle door
will cancel this feature. To make your selection, press
and release the RESET button until “Off,” “45 sec.,”
“5 min.,” “10 min.” appears.
• “ILLUMINATED APRCH > OFF” – When this feature
is selected, the headlights will activate and remain on
for up to 90 seconds when the doors are unlocked with
the remote keyless entry transmitter. To make your
selection, press and release the RESET button until
“OFF,” “30 sec.,” “60 sec.,” or “90 sec.” appears.
NOTE: If this feature is enabled, the headlamps will be
on during the engine pre-heat and cold crank; therefore,
it is recommended that the feature be disabled when
overnight ambient temperature is at or below 20°F (-7°C)
to prevent excessive drain on batteries during cold crank-
ing.
• “UNIT IN > US/METRIC” – The EVIC and odometer
display can be changed between English and Metric
units of measure. To make your selection, press and
release the RESET button until “US” or “METRIC”
appears.
• “COMPASS VARIANCE > 8” – Press the RESET
button to change the compass variance setting. For
additional information, refer to “Compass Variance”
in this section.
• “COMPASS CALIBRATE > YES” – Press the RESET
button to calibrate the compass. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Compass Calibrate” in this section.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 17
3

Compass/Temperature Button
Pressing the Compass/Temperature button
will return the display to the normal compass/
temperature display.
NOTE: Temperature accuracy can be affected from heat
soak. For best accuracy, the vehicle should be driven at a
speed greater than 25 mph (40 km/h) for several min-
utes.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to set the compass manually. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will
display “CAL” until the compass is calibrated. You may
also calibrate the compass by completing one or more
360° turns (in an area free from large metal or metallic
objects) until the “CAL” message displayed in the EVIC
turns off. The compass will now function normally.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the “CAL” message
does not appear in the EVIC display, you must put the
compass into the Calibration Mode manually as follows:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Press the MENU button until “Personal Settings” is
displayed.
3. Press the STEP button until “Calibrate Compass YES”
is displayed.
4. Press and release the RESET button to start the cali-
bration. The message “CAL” will display in the EVIC.
5. Slowly drive the vehicle 5 mph (8 km/h) in a complete
360° circle (in an area free from large metal or metallic
objects) until the “CAL” message turns off. The compass
will now function normally.
18 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE