2009 Ram 1500 light

CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12-Volts DC or damage to the
battery, starter motor, alternator or electrical system
may occur.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE while ap-
plying slight pressure to the accelerator.
CAUTION!
Revving the engine and shifting aggressively be-
tween forward and reverse may damage the vehicle
and lead to extensive repair.In general, the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels due to the
frustration of not freeing the vehicle may lead to
transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission shift lever
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating
and reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
436 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Exhaust System ..................... 455
▫ Cooling System ..................... 458
▫ Brake System ....................... 463
▫ Rear Axle And Four-Wheel Drive Front
Driving Axle Fluid Level ............... 465
▫ Transfer Case ....................... 466
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 466
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 469
 Fuses .............................. 475
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module ......... 475
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 480
 Replacement Light Bulbs ................ 481 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 481
▫ Dual Or Quad Headlamp/Front Park And
Turn Signal — If Equipped ............. 481
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 483
▫ Rear Tail/Stop, Turn Signal And Backup
Lamps ............................ 484
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
With Cargo Lamp .................... 485
 Fluids And Capacities .................. 488
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 489
▫ Engine ............................ 489
▫ Chassis ........................... 490
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
468 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
J03 25 Amp Natural Bat — Passenger
Door Node
J04 40 Amp Green Bat — ABS Pump
J05 30 Amp Pink Bat — ABS Valve
J06 30 Amp Pink Bat — H/Lamp
Wash/MTV/
CM2200/Elec Vac
Pump
J07 25 Amp Natural Bat — Driver Door
Node
J08 30 Amp Pink Bat — DTCM/Axle
Locks
J09 30 Amp Pink Bat — Plg/Electric
Brake
J10 40 Amp Green Bat — L/Bar/Off-
RoadCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
J11 30 Amp Pink Bat — Sway/
Thatchum/Rear
Doors
J12 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
J13 60 Amp Yel- low Bat — Rad Fan #1/
#2/SSR
J14 40 Amp Green Bat — Folding
Seat/PZEV
J15 60 Amp Yel- low Bat — IOD Main
J16 40 Amp Green Frt HVAC Motor
M17 25 Amp
NaturalBat — Sunroof/
Skylight
M18 25 Amp
NaturalTCM/Trans Range
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE