2009 DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB set

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse located in
the Integrated Power Module, located in the engine
compartment. The IOD cavity includes a snap-in re-
tainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected without
removing it from the fuse block.
•The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
•Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutesin the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:
•When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until fully
seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do a
full sweep when the ignition key is cycled to RUN.
This is a normal condition.
•When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the IOD
fuse is in the up or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry or other features do not
work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the
instrument cluster in the odometer window will dis-
play NO FUSE.”
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
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•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 383
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M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Power Steering Fluid..................... 379
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 47
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 272
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......348,351
Radio, Navigation ....................... 194
Radio Operation ...................... 173,187
Radio Remote Controls .................... 201
Radio, Satellite ....................... 195,197
Radio (Sound Systems) .................173,187
Rear Axle (Differential) .................355,356
Rear Window Features .................... 153
Rear Window, Sliding ................... 34,154
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 116
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 57
Recreational Towing ...................... 304
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ....305,307 Shifting out of Transfer Case
Neutral (N)
....................... 306,309
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 281
Refrigerant ............................ 343
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 201
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 16
Replacement Parts ....................... 337
Replacement Tires ....................... 274
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 404
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 167
Restraint, Head ......................... 117
Restraints, Child ....................... 60,66
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 35
Rotation, Tires .......................... 279
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 74
420 INDEX

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 75
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 404
Safety Information, Tire ................... 258
Safety Tips ............................. 73
Satellite Radio ....................... 195,197
Satellite Radio Antenna ................... 200
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 382
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 364
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 46
Seat Belts .......................... 35,36,74
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ........ 44
And Pregnant Women ................... 47
Child Restraint ....................... 60,72
Extender ............................. 47
Front Seat ............................ 36
Reminder ............................ 163
Seats .............................. 1 14,115
Adjustment .......................... 114
Child ............................... 72 Cleaning
............................ 361
Folding Floor ......................... 154
Heated ............................. 120
Lumbar Support ....................... 118
Power .............................. 118
Reclining ............................ 116
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 19
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........349,378
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 401
Service Contract ......................... 403
Service Manuals ........................ 405
Setting the Clock ................ 172,175,189,195
Shifting ............................... 224
Automatic Transmission ................. 224
Transfer Case ......................... 233
INDEX 421
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