2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL Owners Manual

Tether Anchorage Points at All Three Seating
Positions (Mega Cab)1. Place the child restraint on the seat and adjust the
tether strap so that it will reach over the seatback under
the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the
seat.
2. Lift the cover, and attach the hook to the square
opening in the sheet metal.
Multiple Child Restraints
1 — Inner Anchor Strap Ring(s)
2 — Snap Hook
3 — Tether Strap
4 — Passenger’s Side Rear Child Seat
5 — Rear Center Child Seat
6 — Driver’s Side Rear Child SeatTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
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3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the
tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Children Too Large for Booster SeatsChildren who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.•
Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
•
The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•
Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Mega Cab Tether Anchor
1 — Tether Strap Hook
2 — Tether Strap to Child Restraint
3 — Tether Anchor
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transporting PetsAirbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONSA long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Procedures”
in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
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SAFETY TIPS
Transporting PassengersNEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
•
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat BeltsInspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.Airbag Warning LightThe light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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DefrosterCheck operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
TiresExamine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
LightsHave someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.Door LatchesCheck for positive closing, latching, and locking.Fluid LeaksCheck area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTSMirrors ............................. 82
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror .............. 82
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . 82
▫ Outside Mirrors ..................... 83
▫ Outside Mirrors Folding Feature ......... 84
▫ Power Mirrors — If Equipped ........... 84
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped .......... 85
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ..... 85
uconnect phone — If Equipped ........... 86
▫ Operation ......................... 88
▫ Phone Call Features .................. 96
▫ uconnect phone Features .............. 99
▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity .......... 104
▫ Things You Should Know About Your
uconnect phone..................... 106
▫ General Information ................. 114
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Voice Recognition (VR) System —
If Equipped .......................... 114
▫ Voice Recognition (VR) System Operation . . 114
▫ Commands ....................... 116
▫ Voice Training ..................... 119
 Seats ............................. 119
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ..... 120
▫ Reclining Seats (Quad Cab Models)..... 121
▫ Reclining Seats (2500/3500 Models) ...... 122
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ............ 123
▫ Manual Lumbar Support — If Equipped . . . 123
▫ Power Seats — If Equipped ............ 124
▫ Rear Seat Features .................. 125
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ........... 129
To Open And Close The Hood ........... 130
 Lights ............................ 132
▫ Interior Lights ..................... 132
▫ Battery Saver ...................... 133
▫ Headlight Delay .................... 133
▫ Headlights, Parking Lights And Panel
Lights ............................ 134
▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only And
Fleet Vehicles) ....................... 134
▫ Lights-On Reminder ................. 135
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ............. 135
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped ............ 135
▫ Multifunction Lever ................. 13678 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE