2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL tow

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immedi-
ate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageIf the vehicle’s diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should
be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.Engine Coolant ChecksCheck the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’
protective finish.Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
EquippedYou can identify if your vehicle has Stain Repel Seat
Fabric that makes spills easy to clean, reduces odor from
spills and reduces static by the presence of a tag on the
side of the seat.
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:•
Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•
Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•
For tough stains, apply MOPARTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•
For grease stains, apply MOPAR Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•
Do not use any solvents or protectants on Stain Repel
products.
Interior CareUse MOPAR Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
MOPAR Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
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soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.Cleaning HeadlightsYour vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass SurfacesAll glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR
Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
12 30 Amp Pink Electric Brake
13 25 Amp
NaturalPower-Battery
RWAL/ABS Module
Feed
14 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Left
15 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Park Lights
16 15 Amp
BluePark Lights Right
17 — —
18 40 Amp Green ABS Pump
19 30 Amp Pink Trailer Tow Battery
Feed
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
20 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints
Controller (ORC) 2
21 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraints/
Pass Disable Switch
22 2 Amp
GrayIGN Switch Feed
23 10 Amp
RedHVAC
24 20 Amp Blue AISIN Relay Feed
(Diesel Only)
25 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror/T-Case
Brake
26 20 Amp
YellowBrake Switch/Center
High Mount Stop
Light (CHMSL)/
Aftermarket CHMSL
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
36,000 Miles (60,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid. Change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 487
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