2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL tailgate

▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40–20–40 Seats) — Automatic
Transmission ....................... 165
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(Bucket Seats) ....................... 166
▫ Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab)—
If Equipped ........................ 167
 Storage ............................. 167
▫Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) –
If Equipped
........................ 167
▫ Center Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) –
If Equipped ........................ 169
▫ Storage And Seats (Quad Cab Models).... 171
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers —
If Equipped ........................ 172 
Rear Window Features .................. 172
▫ Rear Window Defroster And Heated Outside
Mirrors — If Equipped ................ 172
▫ Power Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 173
▫ Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped ...... 174
 Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped ........ 174
 Pickup Box .......................... 176
 Slide-In Campers ...................... 178
▫ Camper Applications .................. 178
 Easy-Off Tailgate ...................... 178
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
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There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs
(450 kg) total.SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper ApplicationsCertain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing” document available from your authorized dealer.
For safety reasons, follow all instructions in this impor-
tant document.NOTE:
When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate Center High-Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATETailgate removal is sometimes necessary for loading and
can be easily removed by following these steps:
1. Unlatch the tailgate and open it enough so that there is
some slack in the support cables.
2. Remove the support cables by releasing the locking
tang and rotating them away from the box. Once the
cables are free, move to the right side of the tailgate.
178 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket.
4. Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side
pivot.
5. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.NOTE:
•
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck pickup box.
•
Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is oper-
ated without a tailgate, suitable lights must be
installed.
WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly,
the exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap
or Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the
overhanging camper compartment and be free of
leaks.
Tailgate Support Strap Attachment
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179
3

Removing The Spare TireRemove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
NOTE:Always stow the spare tire with the valve stem
facing the ground.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
Removing the Spare Tire
1 — Lower
2 — Raise
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Cooling System .................... 441
▫ Brake System ...................... 447
▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ............................. 448
▫ Transfer Case ...................... 449
▫ Automatic Transmission .............. 449
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 452
 Fuses ............................. 458
▫ Integrated Power Module ............. 458
 Vehicle Storage ...................... 463
 Replacement Light Bulbs ............... 464
 Bulb Replacement .................... 465
▫ Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights ............................ 465 ▫
Fog Lights ........................ 468
▫ Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights ...... 469
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL)
With Cargo Light .................... 472
▫ Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped . . 473
▫ Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) —
If Equipped ........................ 475
▫ Rear Light Bar ID Marker
(Dual Rear Wheel) — If Equipped ........ 476
▫ Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) . . . 477
 Fluids And Capacities ................. 478
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...... 479
▫ Engine ........................... 479
▫ Chassis .......................... 480
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease such as
MOPARSpray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-
tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper BladesClean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBSLIGHT BULBS — InteriorBulb No.
Overhead Console Lights ............... TS212-2
Dome Light ............................ 7679
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved. LIGHT BULBS — Exterior
Bulb No.
Backup ............................... 3057
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............. 912
Fog Light ........................... 9006LL
Headlight (Halogen) ...................... H13
Side Marker, Park & Turn Signal .........3157NAK
Rear License Plate Light .................... 168
Rear Cargo Light ......................... 912
Tail & Stop ............................ 3057
Cab Clearance Lights ...................... 168
Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light ............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3) ......... 168464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) — If
Equipped1. Remove the two screws and housing and access the
bulb sockets from the rear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
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