2009 Ram 1500 instrument cluster

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

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft tissue.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse located in
the Integrated Power Module, located in the engine
compartment. The IOD cavity includes a snap-in re-
tainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected without
removing it from the fuse block.
•The electronic shift transfer case should be placed in
the 4HI mode and kept in this position to minimize the
battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
•Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutesin the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:
•When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until fully
seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do a
full sweep when the ignition key is cycled to RUN.
This is a normal condition.
•When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the IOD
fuse is in the up or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry or other features do not
work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the
instrument cluster in the odometer window will dis-
play NO FUSE.”
480 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

Heated Mirrors....................... 97,199
Heated Seats ........................... 138
Heater ............................... 293
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 311
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 153
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 403
Hoisting .............................. 433
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 174
Hood Release .......................... 145
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................... 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 69
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 377
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 244 Inside Rearview Mirror
.................... 93
Instrument Cluster ................. 223,225,227
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 222
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 474
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 475
Interior Appearance Care .................. 472
Interior Lights .......................... 149
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 154
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 188
Jack Location ........................... 420
Jump Starting .......................... 433
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
10
INDEX 529

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

Oil Pressure.......................... 237
Passing ............................. 153
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 242
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 230
Service ............................. 481
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 230
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 237
Traction Control ....................... 357
Turn Signal ................... 85,152,481,484
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . 223,227
Limited-Slip Differential ................339,465
Loading Vehicle ......................... 396
Tires ............................... 367
Locks ................................. 29
Child Protection ........................ 33
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 72 Lubrication, Body
....................... 453
Lug Nuts ............................. 431
Maintenance ........................... 447
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 451
Maintenance Procedures ................... 447
Maintenance Schedule .................... 492
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 445
Manual, Service ......................... 517
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 466
Lubricant Selection ..................... 490
Memory Seat ........................... 141
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 252
Mirrors ................................ 93
Automatic Dimming ..................... 94
Electric Powered ....................... 96
Heated .............................. 97
Memory ............................ 141
10
INDEX 531

Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description)..........223,227
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 516
Washers, Windshield .................. 155,454
Washing Vehicle ......................... 470
Water Driving Through ...................... 341
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 471
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 471
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... 431
Wind Buffeting ....................... 37,183Window Fogging
........................ 303
Windows .............................. 34
Power ............................... 34
Rear Sliding .......................... 200
Windshield Defroster ...................... 84
Windshield Washers ................ 154,155,454
Fluid ............................ 154,454
Windshield Wiper Blades .................. 454
Windshield Wipers ....................... 154
Wiper Blade Replacement .................. 454
Wipers, Intermittent ...................... 154
10
INDEX 539