2009 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB Owners Manual

smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to ”Engine Cool-
ant” under “ Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in
section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
4

Operating Tips Chart
216 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 221
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 221
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 221
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 222
▫ After Starting ....................... 223
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 223
 Automatic Transmission ................. 224
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 224
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 230
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ............... 230
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 233
▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light ........... 234
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (5
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 234
▫ Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 239
5

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (4
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 242
▫ Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 246
 Limited-Slip Differential – If Equipped ...... 249
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 250
 Driving Through Water ................. 250
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 250
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 251
 Power Steering ....................... 252
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 253
 Parking Brake ........................ 254
 Brake System ........................ 255 ▫
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 256
 Tire Safety Information ................. 258
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 258
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 261
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 262
 Tires — General Information ............. 266
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 266
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 267
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 272
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 273
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 273
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 274
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 274
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 276
 Tire Chains .......................... 276
 Snow Tires .......................... 278
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 279
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 280
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 281
▫ 5.7L Gas Engine ..................... 281
 Adding Fuel ......................... 285
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . . 286
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 287
▫ Certification Label ................... 287
 Trailer Towing ........................ 289 ▫
Common Towing Definitions ............ 289
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 292
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 293
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 294
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 295
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 299
 Snowplow .......................... 300
▫ Before Plowing ...................... 301
▫ Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability . 302
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .......................... 303
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 303
▫ General Maintenance .................. 303
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
5

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 304
▫ Recreational Towing –
2-Wheel Drive Models ................. 304 ▫
Recreational Towing –
4-Wheel Drive Models ................. 305
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your vehicle. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever or by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive
heat in the exhaust system, resulting in overheat-
ing and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait five
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of PARK.
Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage when
the engine is running.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
(Continued)
222 STARTING AND OPERATING