2009 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL four wheel drive

WARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h), you may lose control of the vehicle, which
could result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar
enhances vehicle stability and is necessary for main-
taining control of the vehicle. The system monitors
vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the
stabilizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is
indicated by a flashing off road light and solid on
road light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below
14 mph (22 km/h), the system will attempt to return to
the Off-Road mode.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI
or 4LO as shown in “Four Wheel Drive Operation” and
press the top of the stabilizer/sway bar button to obtain the Off-Road position. The amber indicator light will
flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully discon-
nected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; press the bottom of the
stabilizer/sway bar button.
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If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This
will be evident by increased pedal travel during applica-
tion, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
activation of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS
Warning Light” (If Equipped) during brake use.3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models OnlyThe brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
WARNING!
The Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System contains
sophisticated electronic equipment. It may be sus-
ceptible to interference caused by improperly in-
stalled or high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified professionals.
The Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is de-
signed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system operates
with a separate computer to modulate hydraulic pressure
to prevent wheel lockup and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
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4. Press ESP button four times within twenty seconds.
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” should appear and dis-
appear four times.
5. Rotate the steering wheel 360° clockwise (180° clock-
wise from center).
6. Cycle ignition switch OFF then ON.
7. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm
HSA is off.
Steps 1-7 must be completed within 90 seconds to turn off
HSA. Repeat steps 1-7 to re-enable HSA functionality.Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)The ERM system anticipates the potential for wheel lift
by monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies theappropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur.
(Continued)
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accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
WARNING!
•
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
•
ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
•
The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.The ESP system has multiple operating modes depend-
ing on vehicle type: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) or Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD). Four-wheel drive vehicles may be
equipped with either a four-mode position (2WD/4WD
LOCK/4WD LOW/Neutral) transfer case or a five-mode
position (2WD/4WD AUTO/4WD LOCK/4WD LOW/
Neutral) transfer case. If you have a four-wheel drive
vehicle, and want to determine which transfer case is on
your vehicle and how to operate it, refer to the “Four
Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
All 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD,
AUTO or 4HI Modes can choose the following ESP
operating modes:ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD/
AUTO/4HI Modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the
vehicle is started, or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4WD LO or Neutral, back to 4WD LOCK or
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loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or six, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.Tire SpinningWhen stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, DO
NOT spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping when you are stuck.
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the max load inflation pressure (cold) values to switch
the TPMS system to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning threshold. If after pressing
the tire light load inflation switch, and tire pressures are
below the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure
warning thresholds, the TPMS low pressure warning
telltale light (located in the instrument cluster) will turn
ON and a chime will sound. The tire pressures are now
required to be inflated to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) values described on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. The Tire and Loading Information label is
located on the drivers side B-pillar. If the tire light load
inflation switch LED turns OFF, the TPMS has been reset
and the TPMS is using the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning thresholds.Tire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors tomonitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) consists of
the following components:
•
Receiver Module
•
Four Wheel Sensors
•
Two Trigger Modules (mounted in the front wheel-
wells)
•
Tire Light Load Inflation Switch (located in the instru-
ment panel)
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
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Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this
occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle and inflate
each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure value. The system will automatically update
and the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been
received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this
information.
Check TPMS WarningsThe “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” (located in
the instrument cluster) will flash on and off for 75 sec-
onds and will remain on solid when a system fault is
detected. The system fault will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat, provid-
ing the system fault still exists. A system fault can occur
by any of the following scenarios:
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as
the TPM sensors.
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that affects ra-
dio wave signals.
3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
6. Loss of communication with the trigger modules or
tire pressure monitoring sensors.
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a non-matching
full size spare wheel and tire assembly.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.•
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•
Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to theframe or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in neutral. Always, block or
chock
the trailer wheels.
•
GCWR must not be exceeded.
•
Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
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