Dodge 2010 Ram Truck Chassis User manual

Ram Truck
OWNER’S MANUAL
2010
2010 Ram Truck Chassis
Chrysler Group LLC
10DD43-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
CHASSIS
249701 Ram Chassis OM:07 Dodge Caliberƒ.qxd 8/21/09 11:16 AM Page 1

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and
the name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution
therefore.
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 Group 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 © 2009 Chrysler Group 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 ............................. 75
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................161
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................201
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 295
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................315
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................369
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 393
10
INDEX ...................................................................403
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵A Message From Chrysler Group LLC ......... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 5
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 7
䡵Van Conversions/Campers ................. 7
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............. 8
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 8
1

A MESSAGE FROM CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Chrysler Group LLC and Cummins威welcome you as a
Cummins威turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner.
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.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits 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.
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.
NOTE: Some aftermarket products may cause severe
engine/transmission and/or exhaust system damage.
Your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect
and store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as whether
or not performance-enhancing powertrain components,
commonly referred to as “performance chips” have been
used.
4 INTRODUCTION

This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed.
This information can be retrieved by Chrysler Group
LLC, and service and repair facilities, when servicing
your vehicle. This information may be used to determine
if repair will be covered by warranty.
There is a possibility that the use of a “performance chip”
will prohibit the engine from starting. In this instance, the
vehicle will need to be serviced by a authorized dealer in
order to return the vehicle to its factory settings.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment
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:
1
INTRODUCTION 5

6 INTRODUCTION

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.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

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 or alter 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
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Locking Doors With A Key .............. 13
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 14
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 14
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 14
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 14
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 15
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 16
▫General Information ................... 17
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17
▫Rearming Of The System ................ 17
▫To Set The Alarm ..................... 18
▫To Disarm The System ................. 18
䡵Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 19
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 19
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 20
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 20
2

▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 21
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 21
▫General Information ................... 22
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 22
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 23
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 23
䡵Door Locks ........................... 25
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 25
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 26
▫Child Protection Door Lock — Quad Cab
Only .............................. 28
䡵Windows ............................ 30
▫Power Windows – If Equipped ............ 30
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 31
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 32
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 33
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 40
▫Automatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 41
▫Center Lap Belts ...................... 42
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 42
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 43
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 44
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) –
Airbags ............................ 44
▫Advanced Front Airbag Features .......... 45
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 48
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 56
▫Child Restraint ....................... 58
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 70
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 71
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 71
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 72
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 73
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 74
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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 (if equipped), radio (if
equipped), 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.
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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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 key fob. If the steering wheel is moved approxi-
mately a half turn in either direction and the key fob 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 fob. Turn
the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the
lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and start the
engine. If the key fob 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.
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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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 by an authorized dealer.
NOTE: The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not
compatible with some aftermarket remote starting sys-
tems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
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
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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.
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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 repro-
grammed. 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, park lamps and/or
turn signals will flash and Vehicle Security Light will
flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes only, the
headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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
Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. The Vehicle Security
Light in the instrument panel cluster will flash rapidly for
about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being set.
After the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security Light will flash
at a slower rate to indicate that the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed.
NOTE: If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm checked by an authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in your absence,
the horn will sound three times when you unlock the
doors and the Vehicle Security Light will flash for 30 sec-
onds. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Vehicle Security Alarm will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Key威. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key威is used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then the Security
Alarm will be initiated. To exit the alarming mode, press
the RKE transmitter UNLOCK button, or start the vehicle
with a programmed Sentry Key威.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm unexpectedly. If you
remain in the vehicle and lock the doors with the RKE
transmitter, the alarm will sound when you pull the door
handle to exit.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE