2009 Ram 1500 tow

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBDII. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immedi-
ate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle’s diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
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Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPARTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any solvents or protectants on Stain Repel
products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
MOPAR Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights (if equipped) that are lighter and less susceptible to
stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR
Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module
The totally integrated power module (TIPM) is located in
the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of
each fuse and component may be stamped on the inside
cover, otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is
stamped on the inside cover that corresponds to the
following chart.
Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
J01 30 Amp Pink Bat — Presafe #1
J02 30 Amp Pink Bat — Trailer Tow
Main
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M19 5 Amp
Ta nIgn R/ACC —
Sunroof/Window
Sw Illum
M20 25 Amp
NaturalFrt Wiper
M21 25 Amp
NaturalDoor Locks
M22 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump
M23 20 Amp
YellowBat — Trlr Light/
Pre-Safe #2
M24 20 Amp
YellowBat — Trlr Tow
BUX/HGM
M25 10 Amp
RedBat — J1962 Diag/
Mirrors
M26 10 Amp
RedBat — Ign Sw,
WIN, PASSCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M27 15 Amp
BlueBat — CHMSL/
Brake Sw
M28 10 Amp
RedBat — Corax TPM/
PEM/HVAC Htr
Pump
M29 15 Amp
BlueBat — Folding Mir-
ror
M30 25 Amp
NaturalBat — Inverter
M31 20 Amp
YellowBat — Pwr Out #1
M32 20 Amp
YellowFr/Rr Washer
M33 15 Amp
BlueBat — NGC/
EATX/PCM
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M34 15 Amp
BlueBat — CCN/
Interior Light/
SCM/Sw Bank
M35 20 Amp
YellowIgn R-Frt Seat/Vent
M36 20 Amp
YellowIgn R-Rear Seat/
Steer Wheel
M37 10 Amp
RedHorn #1
M38 20 Amp
YellowIOD-CCN/Interior
Mods
M39 30 Amp
GreenIOD-Amp/Radio
M40 25 Amp
NaturalRear WiperCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M41 15 Amp
BlueIOD-SDARS/VES
2–3/DVD/HFM/
UGDO/Vanity
Lamp
M42 10 Amp
RedIOD-HVAC,
U/Hood Lamp
M43 10 Amp
RedHorn #2
M44 10 Amp
RedIGN R/S-ORC/
OCM
M45 10 Amp
RedIGN R-ORC/Trail
Tow (BUX) Sense
M46 20 Amp
YellowIGN R-Trail Tow
(BUX)
M47 10 Amp
RedIGN R-H/Lamp
Wash/HVAC/Park
Assist/Ir Sns
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