2009 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL bed

4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.•
The transfer case must be in the neutral position, and
the transmission must be in PARK to tow a 4-Wheel
Drive vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised.
•
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
2–Wheel Drive VehiclesProvided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. Speed must not exceed
30 mph (50 km/h) and distance must not exceed 15 miles
(25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or more than 15 miles (25 km) the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground. It may also be towed on a flatbed or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a dolly.
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 miles (25 km) can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 423
6

NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain And RefillRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.Lubricant SelectionRefer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level CheckThis fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.Automatic Transmission
Selection Of LubricantIt is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant may be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

2. Pull the bulb straight from the connector.
3. Reverse the procedure for installation of the bulbs and
housing.
Tail, Stop, Turn and Backup Lights1. Remove the two screws that pass through the bed
sheetmetal.
Removing The Two Screws
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 34 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 35 Gallons132 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified). For trucks oper-
ating under a gross combined weight rating lessthan
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified). For 2500/3500
trucks operating under a gross combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
5.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEThe oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The “Change Oil” message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:•
The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•
Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this
manual.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483
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