2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL Owners Manual

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERThe Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.NOTE:
It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTSA Word About Your Keys ................ 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal ................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With A Key ............. 14
 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ........ 14
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ..... 14
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ....... 14
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 14 
Sentry Key ......................... 15
▫ Replacement Keys ................... 16
▫ Customer Key Programming ............ 17
▫ General Information .................. 18
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ....... 18
▫ Rearming Of The System .............. 18
▫ To Set The Alarm .................... 18
▫ To Disarm The System ................ 19
 Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ..... 20
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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 21
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 22
▫ Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 23
▫ General Information ................... 23
▫ RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 24
 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 25
 Door Locks ........................... 27
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 27
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 28
▫ Child Protection Door Lock .............. 30
Windows ............................ 32
▫ Power Windows—If Equipped ............ 32
▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 33
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 34
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 35
▫
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
... 42
▫ Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 43
▫ Center Lap Belts ...................... 44
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 44
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 45
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 46
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 46
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Right Front Passenger
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Airbags ............................ 47
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) ............. 58
▫ Child Restraints ..................... 60
 Engine Break-In Recommendations ......... 73
Safety Tips .......................... 74
▫ Transporting Passengers ............... 74
▫ Exhaust Gas ........................ 74
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 75
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 76
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYSThe authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic TransmissionPlace the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:•
If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as
described. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap
the key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you
obtain service.
•
The power window switches, radio, power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for
10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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Locking Doors With A KeyYou can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, see “Body Lubri-
cation” in Section 7 of this manual.STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPEDYour vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.To Manually Lock the Steering WheelWith the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel LockInsert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemThis system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON positions, and the
brake pedal is depressed.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE