2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL air conditioning

Dual Zone Temperature ControlUse 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 scaleindicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates
warmer temperatures.
CirculationThe 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 airflow 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 243
4

Operating Tips
Fast CooldownFor a fast cooldown, turn the blower fan rotary knob to
the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the
panel fresh position, press the snowflake button to turn
on the air conditioning, and drive with the windows
open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been
expelled, close the windows and press the recirculation
pushbutton, on dual-zone control, or switch the mode
from panel/fresh to panel/recirculate on single-zone
control. When a comfortable condition has been reached,
choose a mode position and adjust the temperature
control slide and blower speed as necessary to maintain
comfort. For high humidity conditions it may be neces-
sary to remain in the Recirculation mode to maintain
comfort.
Window FoggingWindows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Summer OperationAir 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. For proper coolant type,
refer to “Recommended Fluids 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.NOTE:
On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
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 OperationWhen 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 245
4

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

include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
WARNING!
•
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and RecyclingR-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air condi-
tioning service be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500 (4X4)
ModelsLubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8
for the proper maintenance intervals. Use MOPAR Type
MS-6560 (lithium-based grease), or equivalent.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.Points To RememberNOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.•
Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•
If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•
Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGEIf you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:•
Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse located in
the Integrated Power Module, located in the engine
compartment. The IOD cavity includes a snap-in re-
tainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected without
removing it from the fuse block.
•
The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
•
As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
•
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutesin the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:
•
When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until fully
seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do a
full sweep when the ignition key is cycled to RUN.
This is a normal condition.
•
When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the IOD
fuse is in the up or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry or other features do not
work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the
instrument cluster in the odometer window will dis-
play NO FUSE.”
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
7

Adding Fuel........................... 379
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 141
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 434
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 435
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............435,436
Air Conditioning System ................237,435
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 355,360
Airbag ............................ 34,47,54
Airbag Light ....................... 58,75,189
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 191
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........442,443,478
Disposal ............................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 333Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............196,332
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 164
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ....................... 14
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 451
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 452
Fluid Level Check ................... 449,450
Fluid Type ........................ 449,480
Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives ...................... 452
Axle Fluid .......................... 448,480
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 448510 INDEX