2009 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB engine

engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/
rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
22. SERV 4WD IndicatorThe 4WD indicator will be illuminated when-
ever the 4WD mode is engaged for either the
manual or electric shift 4WD systems. The
SERV 4WD indicator monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on
during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required. 23. Transmission Temperature Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
24. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
25. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
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Air Conditioning and Heating — If Equipped
Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the fan
control at any speed and press the snowflake
button located at the right of the control panel.
Conditioned air will be directed through theoutlets selected by the mode control. A light in the
snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is on.
Press the button a second time to turn the air condition-
ing off.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence, as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
The mode control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:
Air Conditioning And Heating
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
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Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left
position.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use. To
remove frost from the side windows, it is best to use the
full defrost mode.
NOTE: When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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Dual Zone Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air
inside the passenger compartment. This is accomplished
by having separate temperature control slides for both
the driver and front passenger. The blue area of the scale
indicates cooler temperatures, while the red area indi-
cates warmer temperatures.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use.
NOTE:When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
Dual Zone Temperature Control
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
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smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to ”Engine Cool-
ant” under “ Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in
section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 221
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 221
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 221
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 222
▫ After Starting ....................... 223
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 223
 Automatic Transmission ................. 224
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 224
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 230
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ............... 230
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 233
▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light ........... 234
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (5
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 234
▫ Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 239
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Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 276
 Tire Chains .......................... 276
 Snow Tires .......................... 278
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 279
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 280
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 281
▫ 5.7L Gas Engine ..................... 281
 Adding Fuel ......................... 285
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . . 286
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 287
▫ Certification Label ................... 287
 Trailer Towing ........................ 289 ▫
Common Towing Definitions ............ 289
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 292
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 293
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 294
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 295
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 299
 Snowplow .......................... 300
▫ Before Plowing ...................... 301
▫ Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . 302
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .......................... 303
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 303
▫ General Maintenance .................. 303
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your vehicle. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever or by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive
heat in the exhaust system, resulting in overheat-
ing and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait five
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
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