2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL service indicator

2. The selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is completed, the “Transfer Case Posi-
tion Indicator Light” for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain ON.
If one or more shift conditions are not met:
1. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for the
current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator
Light” will continue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the transfer case switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the
Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the Owner’s Manual.
The “Service 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the \bService 4WD Warning Light”
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Life of TireThe service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:•
Driving style
•
Tire pressure
•
Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 359
5

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

appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL light off.EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMSIn some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEThe oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The “Change Oil” message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:•
The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•
Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this
manual.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 483
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Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............194,429
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 74
Checks, Safety ........................... 74
Child Restraint ........................ 60,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,68
Child Seat ............................ 61,67
Cigar Lighter ........................... 164
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 454
Climate Control ......................... 234
Clock ........................ 201,204,218,224
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 232
Compass ........................... 150,151
Compass Calibration ..................... 151
Compass Variance ....................... 152
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 146
Console, Overhead ....................... 145 Contract, Service
........................ 503
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 444
Cooling System ......................... 441
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 443
Coolant Capacity ...................... 478
Coolant Level ...................... 441,445
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 445
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 442
Inspection ........................... 445
Points to Remember .................... 446
Pressure Cap ......................... 444
Radiator Cap ......................... 444
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......442,478,479
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 142
Cupholders ............................ 165
Customer Assistance ..................... 501
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 58
Daytime Running Lights ................... 134512 INDEX

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator......................... 197,340
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 200
Exterior .............................. 76
Fog .......................... 135,193,468
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 264
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Headlights ........................... 134
High Beam ........................ 137,189
High Beam Indicator .................... 189
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 137
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Instrument Cluster ..................... 188
Interior .......................... 132,145
Lights On Reminder .................... 135
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 194
Oil Pressure .......................... 201
Passing ............................. 137
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 189 Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)
.............. 191
Service ........................... 464,465
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 194
Side Marker .......................... 477
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 191
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 197
Traction Control ....................... 340
Transfer Case ......................... 264
Transmission Warning ................... 199
Turn Signal ................... 76,136,465,469
Voltage ............................. 201
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 188
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 304
Loading Vehicle ......................... 381
Tires ............................... 350
Locks ................................. 27
Child Protection ........................ 30
Door ................................ 27
Keys ................................ 12518 INDEX

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 437
Lug Nuts ............................. 414
Lumbar Support ........................ 123
Maintenance ........................... 431
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 434
Maintenance Procedures ................... 431
Maintenance Schedule .................... 483
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 194,429
Manual, Service ......................... 505
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 449
Lubricant Selection ..................... 480
Mirrors ................................ 82
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 84
Outside .............................. 83
Rearview ............................. 82
Trailer Towing ......................... 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 366
Mopar Parts ......................... 430,504
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136
Navigation Radio (uconnect gps)............ 224
Navigation System (uconnect gps)........... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 73
Occupant Restraints ....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 375
Odometer .......................... 192,199
Trip ............................. 192,199
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..........284,307
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..........284,307
INDEX 519
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