Dodge Ram Truck 2008 User manual

2009 ram truck
RAM TRUCK
Chrysler LLC
81-326-0931 Second Edition Printed in U.S.A.
OWNER’S MANUAL
2009
148922_09 Dodge Ram Gas.indd 1 9/8/08 3:45:49 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 ...............................79
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 209
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................293
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................405
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................425
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................477
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................493
10
INDEX ....................................................................503
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
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) —
If Equipped ......................... 12
▫Integrated Ignition Key ................. 13
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫General Information ................... 19
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 19
▫Rearming Of The System ................ 19
▫To Set The Alarm ..................... 19
▫To Disarm The System ................. 20
䡵Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ...... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 21
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 22
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 23
2

▫Express Down Window Feature —
If Equipped ......................... 24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 25
▫Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 25
▫RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 26
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 29
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 29
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 30
▫Child Protection Door Lock .............. 33
䡵Windows ............................ 34
▫Power Windows – If Equipped ............ 34
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 37
䡵Rambox Safety Warning .................. 37
▫Safety Warning ....................... 37
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 39
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 40
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 47
▫Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 48
▫Center Lap Belts ...................... 48
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 49
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 49
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 51
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 51
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) –
Airbag ............................. 51
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 60
▫Child Restraint ....................... 62
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 74
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 74
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 74
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 75
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 76
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) with Integrated Ignition
Key — If Equipped
Your vehicle may use a keyless ignition system. This
system consists of a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter with integrated ignition key and a Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You can
insert the double-sided integrated key into the ignition
switch with either side up.
Standard Blade Ignition Key — If Equipped
Your vehicle may use a standard blade key ignition
system. 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. You can insert the
double-sided standard blade key into the ignition switch
with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) — If Equipped
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi-
tions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position is a
spring-loaded momentary contact position. When re-
leased from the START position, the switch automatically
returns to the ON position.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Integrated Ignition Key
The Integrated Key operates the ignition switch. It also
contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and
a Valet Key, which stores in the rear of the RKE transmit-
ter.
The Valet Key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter go dead. You
can keep the Valet Key with you when valet parking.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
1 — LOCK
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3—ON
4 — START
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

To remove the Valet Key from the RKE transmitter, slide
the mechanical latch at the top of the RKE transmitter
sideways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinder with either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK
position and then remove the key.
NOTE:
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power WINDOW
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power
WINDOW switches, radio, power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for up
to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position. Opening either front door will cancel
this feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Key Off Power Delay,” under “Customer-
Programmable Features (SETUP)” in the “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),” in Section 4.
Valet Key Removal
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

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 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.
• 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 RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 can be performed at an authorized
dealer. 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 autho-
rized dealer.
• If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the
system’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then
be reprogrammed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new RKE transmitters to the
system by performing the following steps:
1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.
After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound
and the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing, turn the
ignition switch ON again for three seconds, and then turn
it OFF.
The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat the above steps to program up to eight keys. If
you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter with
integrated key, contact your authorized 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
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE