2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL Owners Manual

Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) — If EquippedQuad Cabvehicles may be equipped with a rear cup-
holder that consists of two cup wells for rear passenger
convenience.STORAGE
Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) – If
EquippedThe center portion of the seat folds down to provide an
armrest with unique storage compartments under the lid.
Push the button on the front of the armrest to raise the
cover. Inside there is a power outlet (if equipped),
removable coin holder (if equipped), and two dividers to
configure the storage area into compartments. For ex-
ample, compartments can be configured to hold a cellular
telephone, CDs and miscellaneous items.
Center Storage Compartment
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167
3

WARNING!
•
This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the
armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle
operation, or an accident. Only use the center
seating position when the armrest is fully upright.
•
In an accident, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs
(4.5 kg). These items could be thrown about en-
dangering occupants of the vehicle. Items stored
should not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
CAUTION!
•
Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Center Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) – If
EquippedPush the upper button on the front of the armrest to raise
the upper cover. Inside is a power outlet (if equipped), a
cutout for a cellular phone charger cord, removable coin
holder (if equipped), and a divider to configure the
storage area into separate compartments. Lift the lower
handle on the front of the armrest, and raise the armrest
for access to the lower storage bin. On Quad Cab
models the rear of the floor console offers a power outlet.
Center Storage Compartment
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
3

WARNING!
•
This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the
armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle
operation, or an accident. Only use the center
seating position when the armrest is fully upright.
•
In an accident, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs
(4.5 kg). These items could be thrown about en-
dangering occupants of the vehicle. Items stored
should not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
CAUTION!
•
Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Storage and Seats (Quad CabModels)Located in the center of the front 40–20–40 seat cushion
there is a storage compartment.
Regular Cab models also have storage behind the seat.
The Quad Cab models provide additional storage under
the rear seat. Lift the seat to access the storage compart-
ment.
Quad Cab Storage
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 171
3

Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers — If EquippedRetainer hooks which will hold plastic grocery bag
handles are built into the back panel of the cab, behind
the rear seat.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster and Heated Outside
Mirrors — If Equipped
The rear window defroster button is located on the
climate control panel. Press this button to turn on
the rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors
(if equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time.
NOTE: To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
Grocery Bag Hooks
172 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:•
Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•
Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Power Sliding Rear Window — If EquippedThe power sliding rear window switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls. Press the
right side of the switch to open the glass and the left side
of the switch to close the glass.
Power Sliding Rear Window Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 173
3

Sliding Rear Window — If EquippedA locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.FOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR — IF EQUIPPEDQuad Cabmodels with a 60/40 rear seat may be
equipped with a folding load floor.
WARNING!
Do not operate the vehicle with loose items stored on
the load floor. While driving or in an accident you
may experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration,
or sharp turns. Loose objects stored on the load floor
may move around with force and strike occupants,
resulting in serious or fatal injury. Unfolding the Load Floor
1. Lift the 60/40 seat cushion(s) to the upward position.
Unfolding The Load Floor
174 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE