2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL tow bar

Tongue Weight (TW)The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less
than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.Frontal AreaThe frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer.Trailer Sway ControlThe trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.Weight-Carrying HitchA weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind ofhitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing HitchA weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle
and Trailer configuration / loading to comply with gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
5

Recreational Towing Procedure — Manual Shift
Transfer Case — If EquippedUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL. 6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the transmission in DRIVE.
10. Shut OFF the engine and place the ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
11. Shift the transmission into PARK.
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with the tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.398 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.
Recreational Towing Procedure — Electronic Shift
Transfer Case — If EquippedUse the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing, to prevent damage to internal parts.1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.400 STARTING AND OPERATING

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.
12. Shut the engine OFF and place ignition key in the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK.
14. Apply the parking brake.
15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with the tow bar.
16. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:•
Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON)
are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button
or are no longer met during the four second timer, thenthe NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL
button is released.
•
The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
•
Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF
prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 401
5

•
The ignition key must be ON for a transfer case shift to
take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take
place and no position indicator lights will be on or
flashing.
•
Flashing Neutral position indicator light indicates that
shift requirements have not been met.
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
despite the transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
•
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and fluid loss
will damage internal parts.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATEThe equipment Identification Plate is located on the hood
inner surface.
The following information about your vehicle is dis-
played on this plate: Model, Wheelbase, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number, Truck Order Number, and code numbers
with descriptions of all production and special equip-
ment on the truck as shipped from the factory.
NOTE:Always refer to the Equipment Identification
Plate When Ordering Parts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPEDYour vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
•
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only to rescue a
vehicle stranded off-road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEProper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.
422 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 437
Lug Nuts ............................. 414
Lumbar Support ........................ 123
Maintenance ........................... 431
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 434
Maintenance Procedures ................... 431
Maintenance Schedule .................... 483
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 194,429
Manual, Service ......................... 505
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 449
Lubricant Selection ..................... 480
Mirrors ................................ 82
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 84
Outside .............................. 83
Rearview ............................. 82
Trailer Towing ......................... 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 366
Mopar Parts ......................... 430,504
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136
Navigation Radio (uconnect gps)............ 224
Navigation System (uconnect gps)........... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 73
Occupant Restraints ....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 375
Odometer .......................... 192,199
Trip ............................. 192,199
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..........284,307
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..........284,307
INDEX 519
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With A KeySTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSENTRY KEY Replacement
KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - IF EQUIPPED To
Unlock the DoorsTo Lock the DoorsUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional RKE TransmittersGeneral InformationRKE Transmitter Battery ServiceREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How to Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower
Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows-If Equipped Wind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap Belts
Seat Belt Pretensioners - If EquippedEnhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child Restraints
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside the VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsOutside Mirrors Folding FeaturePower Mirrors - If EquippedHeated Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If Equippeduconnect phone - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call
Featuresuconnect phone FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your uconnect phoneGeneral InformationVOICE RECOGNITION (VR) SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Voice Recognition (VR) System OperationCommandsVoice TrainingSEATS
Manual Seat Adjuster - If EquippedReclining Seats (Quad Cab Models)Reclining Seats (2500/3500 Models)Adjustable Head RestraintsManual Lumbar Support - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedRear Seat FeaturesHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsBattery SaverHeadlight DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights and Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only and Fleet Vehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCargo Light - If EquippedMultifunction LeverWINDSHIELD
WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemWindshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED AdjustmentELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set a Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume
SpeedTo Vary the Speed SettingTo Accelerate for PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Courtesy/Reading LightsOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED US/M ButtonReset ButtonGlobal ResetStep
ButtonAverage Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T ButtonAutomatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationRecalibrating The CompassOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming A Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Open Sunroof - Express ModeClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch
Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceSunroof Fully ClosedELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40-20-40 Seats) - Automatic TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats)Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40-20-40 Seat) - If EquippedCenter Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) - If EquippedStorage
and Seats (Quad Cab Models)Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster and Heated Outside Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR
- IF EQUIPPED PICKUP BOX SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsEASY-OFF TAILGATE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES RAM TRUCK POWER WAGON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - BASE INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL uconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO), uconnect phone, AND VIDEO
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio
Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL uconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO) AND uconnect phone CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - CD Mode
Operating Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - uconnect phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - uconnect studios (Satellite Radio) - If EquippedSALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH uconnect gps (NAVIGATION) Operating Instructions
- uconnect studios (Satellite Radio) - If EquippedREC Setting the Clockuconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO) - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting uconnect studios (Satellite) Mode in REF, RAQ, And
RAK RadiosSelecting A ChannelStoring And Selecting Preset ChannelsUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityVIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND
SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - If Equipped Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone
Temperature Control - If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Normal StartingAutomatic TransmissionIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with OverdriveFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (Five Position Switch) - If EquippedShifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (Four Position Switch) - If Equipped
Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseAXLE LOCKER SYSTEM - POWER WAGON ONLY STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM - POWER WAGON ONLY SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING - POWER WAGON ONLY Off-Road Driving Tips and Vehicle
CharacteristicsDriving In Snow, Mud And SandCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)Hill ClimbingDriving Through WaterAiring Down For Off-Road DrivingVehicle RecoveryAfter Driving Off-RoadLIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON
SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterDRIVING OFF-ROAD - RAM TRUCK ONLY WINCH USAGE - IF EQUIPPED (POWER WAGON ONLY) Things To Know Before Using Your WinchUnderstanding The Features
Of Your Winch Winch AccessoriesOperating Your WinchRigging TechniquesPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid CheckPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models OnlyFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Hill Start Assist (HSA)Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)TSC (Trailer Sway Control)TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings
Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresTire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresSUPPLEMENTAL
TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Dual Rear Wheels TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire Light Load Inflation Switch Description
- If EquippedTire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide
WarningsADDING FUEL Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) MessageVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing
RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing - Two-Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational Towing - Four-Wheel Drive ModelsEQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER JACKING INSTRUCTIONS Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedurePreparationsInstructionsHub Caps/Wheel CoversHOISTING JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW
HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles2-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceFront Prop Shaft Lubrication -
2500/3500 (4X4) ModelsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesAdding Washer FluidExhaust SystemCooling SystemBrake SystemRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer CaseAutomatic TransmissionAppearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
FUSES Integrated Power ModuleVEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsFog LightsTail, Stop, Turn and Backup LightsCenter High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL) With Cargo LightCab Top
Clearance Lights - If EquippedTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) - If EquippedRear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) - If EquippedSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassis
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For
The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service Contract
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX