2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL towing

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. 21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the
shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and
your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If
Equipped If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP),
or Traction Control System (TCS).
27. Transmission Temperature Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
28. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199
4

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

Adding Fuel ........................ 379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . 381
 Vehicle Loading ..................... 381
▫ Certification Label .................. 381
 Trailer Towing ....................... 383
▫ Common Towing Definitions ........... 384
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ............ 388
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 389
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............ 389▫
Towing Requirements ................ 390
▫ Towing Tips ....................... 395
 Snowplow ......................... 396
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 397
▫ Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 397
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 397
 Equipment Identification Plate ........... 403
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

•
transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:
•
If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures,
the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will
automatically select the most desirable gear for opera-
tion at this temperature. Normal operation will re-
sume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
•
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desir-
able gear for operation at this temperature. If the
transmission temperature becomes hot enough the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may illu-
minate and the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cool down, the transmission will resume normal
operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW HAUL” and “O/D OFF”
ModesWhen driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button once to
select TOW HAUL.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-
tures.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
2HRear Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.4HFour-Wheel Drive High Range - This range locks the
front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.NNeutral - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section.4LFour-Wheel Drive Low Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on
dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by depressing the recessed button located on the lower
left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational
towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section for specific procedures on shifting into and out of
NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights —
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case OnlyThe “Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights” are located
on the instrument cluster and indicate the current and
desired transfer case selection. When you select a differ-
ent transfer case position, the “Transfer Case Position
Indicator Lights” will do the following:
If all shift conditions are met:
1. The current “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will turn OFF.
2. The selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light”
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
NEUTRAL Button
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

4WD AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic Range - This range auto-
matically engages when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road conditions.
4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock Range - This range locks the front
and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).N
Neutral - This range disengages the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section.
Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer CaseNOTE:•
If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” for
the previous position will remain ON and the newly
selected “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” will
continue to flash until all the requirements for the
selected position have been met. To retry a shift: return
the control knob back to the original position, make
certain all shift requirements have been met, wait five
seconds and try the shift again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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