2009 Ram 1500 change time

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to Exhaust Gas in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emissions control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
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S492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this
manual. At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493

Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster ............................ 54
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 152
Lap Belts .............................. 49
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 41
LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren) ...................... 72
Latches ................................ 85
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 85
Life of Tires ............................ 376
Light Bulbs ............................. 85
Lights .............................. 85,146
Airbag ...................... 54,61,66,84,240
Alarm .............................. 230
Anti-Lock ........................... 241
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 349
Automatic Headlights ................... 147
Brake Warning ........................ 235 Bulb Replacement
...................... 481
Cargo .............................. 150
Center Mounted Stop ................... 485
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 239
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 172
Daytime Running ...................... 151
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 357
Exterior .............................. 85
Fog .......................... 148,241,483
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 420
Headlights ........................... 147
High Beam ........................ 153,234
High Beam Indicator .................... 234
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 153
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster .................. 223,227
Interior .......................... 149,172
Lights On Reminder .................... 151
Low Fuel ............................ 234
530 INDEX