2009 Ram 1500 ABS

NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). All of the
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions, and are commonly
referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
For more information about ABS, refer to “Brake System”
in this section. NOTE:
ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
WARNING!
•ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s), and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS functions similarly to a
limited-slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)” in this section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward
traction.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
BAS detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. The system
applies optimum pressure to the brakes in emergency
braking conditions. This can help reduce braking dis-
tances. The BAS complements the ABS. Applying the
brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of BAS, you must apply continuous
braking pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

NOTE:
•P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.
•European-Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letterPis absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
•LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
•Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
•High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 363

EXAMPLE:
Service Description: 95= Load Index
— A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
— A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding
to its load index under certain operating conditions
— The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and
posted speed limits)
Load Identification: \b....blank....\b = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire
Extra Load (XL) = Extra load (or reinforced) tire
Light Load = Light load tire
C, D, E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load — Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure — Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for
this tire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

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

We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased the vehicle. An authorized dealer
has also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
the ownership experience. You’ll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects, or other reproductive harm. In addi-
tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain, or emit, chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet for the terms and
provisions of Chrysler Motors LLC warranties applicable
to this vehicle.
MOPARPARTS
Moparfluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from an authorized dealer. They are recom-
mended for your vehicle in order to help keep the vehicle
operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In the 50 United States and Washington, D.C.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could
cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the
manufacturer.
516 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Adding Fuel........................... 394
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 158
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 450
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 452
Air Conditioning ........................ 293
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 293
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 304
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............452,453
Air Conditioning System .............293,297,452
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 372,377
Airbag .............................. 53,63
Airbag Deployment ....................... 64
Airbag Light ................... 54,61,66,84,240
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 65
Airbag, Side ...................... 56,60,62,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........56,60,63
Alarm Light ........................... 230
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 286
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........459,460,488
Disposal ............................ 462
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 350
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............241,349
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 469
Ashtray ............................... 187
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Headlights .................... 147
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 297
Automatic Transmission ................... 315
Adding Fluid ......................... 468
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 469
522 INDEX

Fluid Level Check................... 466,467
Fluid Type ........................ 466,490
Gear Ranges ......................... 315
Shifting ............................. 320
Special Additives ...................... 469
Torque Converter ...................... 319
Axle Fluid .......................... 465,490
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 465
Back-Up Camera ........................ 168
Battery ............................... 451
Emergency Starting ..................... 433
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 151
Belts, Seat ............................ 41,84
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 453
B-Pillar Location ........................ 367
Brake Assist System ...................... 351 Brake Control System, Electronic
............. 350
Brake Fluid ......................... 464,490
Brake System ........................ 347,463
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 348,350
Fluid Check .......................... 464
Master Cylinder ....................... 464
Parking ............................. 346
Warning Light ........................ 235
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 313
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ....................... 481
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,481
Calibration, Compass ..................... 254
Camera, Rear ........................... 168
Camper ............................... 216
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 488
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 449
10
INDEX 523