2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL service

INTRODUCTIONThis Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUALConsult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONSThis Owner’s Manual containsWARNINGSagainst op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONSagainst proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERSThe Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. Refer
to the Warranty information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac-
turer. Operating instructions for the special equipment in-
stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builders Guide refer to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-
mensional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It
is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical
support. For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.6 INTRODUCTION

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 21
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 22
▫ Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 23
▫ General Information ................... 23
▫ RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 24
 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 25
 Door Locks ........................... 27
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 27
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 28
▫ Child Protection Door Lock .............. 30
Windows ............................ 32
▫ Power Windows—If Equipped ............ 32
▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 33
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 34
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 35
▫
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
... 42
▫ Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 43
▫ Center Lap Belts ...................... 44
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 44
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 45
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 46
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 46
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:•
If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as
described. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap
the key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you
obtain service.
•
The power window switches, radio, power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for
10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

SENTRY KEYThe Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key
Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

•
Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will notcause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other
Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause inter-
ference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement KeysNOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keys from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.General InformationThe Sentry Keysystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:•
This device may not cause harmful interference.
•
This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPEDThis Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm
is activated, the Vehicle Security Alarm provides both
audible and visible signals. For the first three minutes the
horn will sound and the headlights and Vehicle Security Light will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes
only, the headlights and Vehicle Security Light will flash.
The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Key
is used to
start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key will disable the
alarm.
Rearming of the SystemThe Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the Vehicle Security Alarm has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the Vehicle Security Alarm will ignore that
condition and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.To Set the AlarmThe Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

RKE Transmitter Battery Service1. With RKE transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat
blade or dime to pry the two halves of the RKE transmit-
ter apart. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket
during removal.2. Remove and replace the battery. When replacing the
battery, match the + sign on battery to the + sign on the
inside of the battery clip, located on back cover. Avoid
touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may
cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the RKE transmitter case, snap the two
halves of the case together. Make sure there is an even
“gap” between the two halves. If equipped, install and
tighten the screw until snug. Test the RKE transmitter
operation.
NOTE:
•
Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
•
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
•
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back
housing or the printed circuit board.
RKE Transmitter Battery Replacement
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE