2009 DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB warning

WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your ve-
hicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you
could lose control. An accident could be the result.
Do not use Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic
or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered, or
slippery.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/
TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER — IF
EQUIPPED
This optional overhead console consists of the following:
•Courtesy Lights
•Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)This overhead console allows you to choose between a
compass/temperature display and one of four trip con-
ditions being monitored.
Courtesy Lights
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. This is not resettable.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to an alternating text display of “LO” and “FUEL.” This
display will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will
turn off the “LO FUEL” text and a new DTE value will be
displayed, based on the current values in the DTE
calculation and the current fuel tank level. NOTE:
It is possible for DTE to display “LO FUEL”
before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru-
ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning
is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an
estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy
and remaining fuel tank volume.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
•52 gal (196 L) - Standard rear tank
•22 gal (83 L) - Optional midship tank
Trip Odometer (ODO)
NOTE: The maximum value is approximately
6,000 miles (9,657 km). Then the trip odometer must be
reset in order to update the trip odometer miles/
kilometers.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F (0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly in
woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Global Reset
If the RESET button is pressed twice within two seconds
while in any of the three resettable displays (AVG, ECO,
ODO, ET), the Global Reset will reset all three displays.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new the compass may appear erratic and the CAL
symbol will be displayed.
Reset Button
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
3

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for
in-cab accessories designed for use with the standard
“cigar lighter” plug. The outlet is located in the instru-
ment panel below and to the right of the climate control
panel. A cap is attached to the outlet base indicating
“Power Outlet” 12-Volt/20 A.
There is an additional power outlet inside the center
console of vehicles equipped with 40-20-40, or bucket
front seats. There is also a power outlet located on the
rear of the center console (if equipped with bucket seats).
The outlet(s) has/have a fused direct feed from the
battery so it/they receive power whether the ignition is
ON or OFF.
All accessories connected to this/these outlet(s) should
be removed or turned off when the vehicle is not in use
to protect the battery against discharge.NOTE:
If desired, all of the power outlets can be
converted by your authorized dealer to provide power
with the ignition switch in the ON position only.
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•Do not use a three-prong adapter.
•Do not insert any objects into the receptacles.
•Do not touch with wet hands.
•Close the lid when not in use and while driving
the vehicle.
•If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
144 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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
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.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
3

Power Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
The power sliding rear window switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls. Press the
right side of the switch to open the glass and the left side
of the switch to close the glass.
Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
A locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.
FOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR — IF EQUIPPED
Quad Cabmodels with a 60/40 rear seat may be
equipped with a folding load floor.
WARNING!
Do not operate the vehicle with loose items stored on
the load floor. While driving or in an accident you
may experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration,
or sharp turns. Loose objects stored on the load floor
may move around with force and strike occupants,
resulting in serious or fatal injury.
Power Sliding Rear Window Switch
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Positioning the Load Floor for Storage Access Under
the Seat
1. Lift the 60/40 seat cushion(s) to the upward position.
2. Unsnap the securing snap located at either side of the
load floor.
3. Lift the load floor up to access storage under the load
floor.
WARNING!
Do not drive with the load floor in the up position.
When stopping fast or in an accident, the load floor
could move to the down position causing serious
injury.4. Reverse the procedure to put the load floor back in the
secured down position before you operate the vehicle.Load Floor Securing Straps
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE