2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL Owners Manual

▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button —
If Equipped ........................ 229
▫ PTY Button Scan ................... 230
▫ PTY Button Seek ................... 230
▫ Satellite Antenna ................... 230
▫ Reception Quality ................... 230
 Video Entertainment System (VES)™ —
If Equipped .......................... 231
 Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped .......................... 231
▫ Radio Operation .................... 232
▫ CD Player ........................ 232 
CD/DVD Maintenance ................ 232
 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ...... 233
 Climate Controls ..................... 234
▫ Heater Only — If Equipped ............ 234
▫ Air Conditioning And Heating —
If Equipped ........................ 237
▫ Air Conditioning With Dual Zone
Temperature Control — If Equipped ....... 240
▫ Operating Tips ..................... 244
▫ Operating Tips Chart ................ 246
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
RAM TRUCK1 — Headlight Switch 6 — Passenger Airbag11 — TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch* 16 — Transfer Case Control Switch*
2 — Air Outlets 7 — Glove Compartment 12 — Power Sliding Back Glass Switch* 17 — Parking Brake Release Lever
3 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch* 13 — Cupholders 18 — Adjustable Pedal Control Switch*
4 — Climate Controls 9 — Power Outlet 14 — ESP Off Switch** If Equipped
5 — Radio 10 — Heated Seat Switch 15 — Cigar Lighter184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

POWER WAGON1 — Headlight Switch6 — Passenger Airbag* 11 — Cup Holders
2 — Air Outlets 7 — Glove Compartment 12 — Cigar Lighter
3 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Power Outlet 13 — Electronic Axle Locker and Disconnecting
Sway Bar Switch
4 — Climate Controls 9 — Heated Seat Switch 14 — Parking Brake Release Lever
5 — Radio 10 — TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch* 15 — Adjustable Pedal Control Switch*
* If Equipped UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER – BASE186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER – PREMIUM
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION1. Check Gauges – Premium Cluster OnlyThis light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE: When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltmeter When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced. NOTE:
•
If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of the
gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
•
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-
ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.
3. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about 1 mile (1.6 km) with the turn signals on, a
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
4. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
5. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.
8. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/kph).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

9. Oil Pressure Gauge — Premium Cluster OnlyThe pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE: If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.
For additional information refer to “4-Wheel Drive Op-
eration” in section 5 of this manual. 11. TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of
the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate
when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is
pushed once.
12. OD/OFF
The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.
13. Temperature Gauge The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL