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

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DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
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Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
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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.
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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