2009 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL stop start

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling SystemTo reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
NOTE: Engine power may be temporarily reduced in
order to maintain oil and coolant temperatures under
extreme trailer tow operating conditions.
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOWSnowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory-
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE: Before installation of a snowplow, it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Dodge Body Builder’s Guide. See your authorized dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacturer for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety, and to prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual Shift
Transfer Case — If EquippedUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL. 6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in DRIVE.
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
11. Shift the transmission into PARK.
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with the tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.398 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL ensure that the engine is OFF prior
to shifting the transmission into PARK.Returning to Normal Operation — Manual Shift
Transfer CaseUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shut OFF the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Shift the transfer case lever into desired position.
7. Shift the transmission into PARK.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 399
5

CAUTION!
•
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.
Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case — If EquippedUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing, to prevent damage to internal parts.1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.400 STARTING AND OPERATING

Returning to Normal Operation — Electronic Shift
Transfer CaseUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
one second.
7. After the Neutral indicator light turns off, release the
Neutral (N) button.8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift into the position identified by the
selector switch.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
NOTE:
•
The transfer case cannot be shifted into NEUTRAL
from the 4AUTO (if equipped) position.
•
Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the transfer case Neutral (N)
button, and must continue to be met until one second
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements (with the exception of ste
p3-key
ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N)
button, or are no longer met during the one second
time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will
flash continuously until all requirements are met, or
until the Neutral (N) button is released.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System................ 282
Battery ............................... 434
Emergency Starting ..................... 419
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 133
Belts, Seat ............................ 35,75
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 437
B-Pillar Location ........................ 350
Brake Assist System ...................... 335
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 333
Brake Fluid ......................... 447,480
Brake System ........................ 330,447
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 331,333
Fluid Check .......................... 447
Master Cylinder ....................... 447
Parking ............................. 329
Warning Light ........................ 194
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 73
Bulb Replacement ....................... 465 Bulbs, Light
.......................... 76,464
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 473
Calibration, Compass ..................... 151
Camper ............................... 178
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 478
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 432
Power Steering ........................ 328
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 444
Car Washes ............................ 453
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............74,179,379
Cargo Light ............................ 135
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............202,216
Cellular Phone .......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 472
Center Lap Belts ......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment .........167,169
Certification Label ....................... 381
INDEX 511
10

Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 138
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Operation ....................... 407,409
Jacking Instructions ...................... 407
Jump Starting .......................... 419
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Knee Bolster ............................ 47
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 136
Lap Belts .............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren) .............................. 64 Latches
................................ 76
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 76
Life of Tires ............................ 359
Light Bulbs ............................. 76
Lights .............................. 76,132
Airbag .......................... 58,75,189
Alarm .............................. 191
Anti-Lock ........................... 196
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 332
Brake Warning ........................ 194
Bulb Replacement ................... 464,465
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 473
Cargo .............................. 135
Center Mounted Stop ................... 472
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 145
Cruise .............................. 200
Daytime Running ...................... 134
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear ............... 475
INDEX 517
10