2009 Ram 1500 instrument panel

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.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents,
steel wool or other abrasive materials to clean the
lenses.
Headlights
To turn on the headlights, rotate the headlight
switch clockwise. When the headlight switch is
on the parking lights, taillights, license plate
light and instrument panel lights are also
turned on. To turn off the headlights, rotate the headlight
switch back to the O (Off) position.
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system on,
rotate the headlight switch to the A (AUTO) position.
Automatic Headlight Position
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147

When the system is on, the Headlight Delay feature is
also on. This means the headlights will stay on for up to
90 seconds after you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position. To turn the automatic headlights off, turn the
headlight switch out of the AUTO position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will turn on in the Automatic Mode.
Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
approximately 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when
the ignition is turned OFF while the headlight switch is
on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight
delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlight
switch on then off, or by turning the ignition ON. The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Customer-Programmable Features
(SETUP)” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 for further information.
Parking Lights and Panel Lights
To turn on the parking lights and instrument panel
lights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise. To
turn off the parking lights, rotate the headlight switch
back to the O (Off) position.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The fog lights are turned on by placing the headlight
rotary control in the parking light or headlight position
and pushing in the headlight rotary control.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control right (brighter)
or left (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
to the right until you hear a click. This feature is termed
the “Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are
required during the day.Cargo Light
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the cargo
button.
The cargo lights will also turn on for approximately
30 seconds when a RKE transmitter UNLOCK button is
pressed, as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.
Dimmer Control
Cargo Light Switch
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument
panel to switch the headlights to high beam. Pulling the
multifunction back toward the steering wheel will turn
the low beams back on, or shut the high beams off.
High Beam/Low Beam
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153

CAUTION!
•The Rear Park Assist is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be tempo-
rarily detected or not detected at all. Obstacles
located above or below the sensors will not be
detected when they are in close proximity.
•The vehicle must be driven slowly when using the
Rear Park Assist to be able to stop in time when
the obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the
driver look over his/her shoulder when using the
Rear Park Assist.
NOTE:
•Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
•Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
Enable/Disable The Rear Park Assist
There are times when you may want to disable the Rear
Park Assist, such as when towing a trailer.
The system can be turned on or off by the Park Assist
switch, located in the switch bank on the center of the
instrument panel.
Park Assist Switch
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167

POWER INVERTER — IF EQUIPPED
A 115-Volt (150 Watts Maximum) outlet is located on the
center stack of the instrument panel, to the right of the
radio. This outlet can power cellular phones, electronics
and other low power devices requiring power up to 150
Watts. Certain high-end video games, such as Playsta-
tion3 and XBox360 will exceed this power limit, as will
most power tools. Due to built-in overload protection, the
power outlet will shut down if the power rating is
exceeded. Each device to be powered should be checked
first to make sure it does not exceed the outlet’s 150 Watts
maximum rating.To turn on the power outlet, press the
switch once. Press the switch a second
time to turn the power outlet off.
Power Inverter Outlet
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•When the power inverter switch is pressed, there will
be a delay of approximately one second before the
power inverter status indicator turns on. The status
indicator of the AC power inverter indicates whether
the inverter is producing AC power.
•Due to built-in overload protection, the power inverter
will shut down if the power rating is exceeded.
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.
•If this outlet is mishandled it may cause an electric
shock and failure.
CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — (40–20–40
Seats)
The cupholders are located in the pull-out tray at the
bottom of the center stack.
Front Cupholders
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 189

Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Mounted Shifter
For vehicles equipped with bucket seats and a floor
mounted shifter there are two cupholders located in the
floor console.
Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab
Quad Cabvehicles may be equipped with a rear cup-
holder that consists of two cup wells for rear passenger
convenience.
Cupholders (Floor Mounted Shifter)
Rear Cup Wells
190 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE