2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL warning lights

NOTE:
Perchlorate Material – special handling may
apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Enhanced Accident Response SystemIf the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately five seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•
The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•
The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight-
second interval.
•
The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine-
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of
the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your
authorized dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deploy-
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked into
position the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.Heated Seats — If EquippedThis feature heats the front driver and passenger seats.
The controls for front heated seats are located in the
instrument panel under the climate controls.After turning the ignition ON, you can choose from High,
Low, or Off heat settings. Amber indicator lights in each
switch indicate the level of heat in use. Two indicator
lights will illuminate for High, one for Low, and none for
Off.
Heated Seat Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
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

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

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

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

29. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
30. Low Fuel LightWhen the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead
console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
“LO FUEL” before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and
DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle
fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume.
Vehicle fuel tank volumes are as follows:•
26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models
•
34 gal (128 L) - 1500/2500/3500 short box models
•
35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500 long box models 31. CRUISE Indicator
This indicator lights when the electronic speed
control system is turned on.
32. Engine Temperature Warning Light This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H, the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.The Basics Of Off-Road DrivingYou will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes interrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.When To Use Low RangeWhen driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low Range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power
288 STARTING AND OPERATING