2009 RAM CHASSIS CAB steering wheel

\4Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions (4
Position Switch) — If Equipped .......... 242
\4 Shifting Procedure — Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 246
\2 Limited-Slip Differential – If Equipped ...... 249
\2 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 250
\2 Driving Through Water ................. 250
\4 Flowing/Rising Water ................. 250
\4 Shallow Standing Water ............... 251
\2 Power Steering ....................... 252
\4 Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 253
\2 Parking Brake ........................ 254
\2 Brake System ........................ 255 \4
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 256
\2 Tire Safety Information ................. 258
\4 Tire Markings ....................... 258
\4 Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 261
\4 Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 262
\2 Tires — General Information ............. 266
\4 Tire Pressure ....................... 266
\4 Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 267
\4 Radial Ply Tires ..................... 272
\4 Tire Spinning ....................... 273
\4 Tread Wear Indicators ................. 273
\4 Life Of Tire ........................ 274
\4 Replacement Tires .................... 274
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
WARNING!
•Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) contain sophisti-
cated electronic equipment. It may be susceptible
to interference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment. This
interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified professionals.
•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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
This ABS is designed to aid the driver in maintaining
vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The
system operates with a separate computer to modulate
hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lockup and help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Information placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With 4-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or
\6chock\6the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements — Tires
\25
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
\25Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” in this section.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

CleaningWheels ............................. 361
Climate Control ......................... 204
Clock ........................ 172,175,189,195
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 203
Compass ........................... 140,141
Compass Calibration ..................... 141
Compass Variance ....................... 143
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 136
Contract, Service ........................ 403
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 351
Cooling System ......................... 348
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 350
Coolant Capacity ...................... 377
Coolant Level ...................... 348,352
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 352
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 349
Inspection ........................... 352
Points to Remember .................... 352 Pressure Cap
......................... 351
Radiator Cap ......................... 351
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........349,378
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 133
Cupholders ............................ 146
Customer Assistance ..................... 401
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights ................... 126
Dealer Service .......................... 337
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 153
Defroster, Windshield ................74,205,208
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 129
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 249
Dipsticks .............................. 338
Power Steering ........................ 253
Disposal .............................. 340
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 352
Engine Oil ........................... 340
412 INDEX

Fabric Care............................ 361
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 340
Engine Fuel .......................... 378
Engine Oil ..................... 338,340,378
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... 127
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 326
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 222
Fluid, Brake ........................... 379
Fluid Capacities ......................... 377
Fluid Level Checks Brake .............................. 353
Manual Transmission ................... 356
Power Steering ........................ 253
Transfer Case ......................... 356
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 378
Fog Lights ....................... 126,167,374
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 154 Four Wheel Drive
....................... 230
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 314
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 330
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 355
Fuel ................................. 281
Adding ............................. 285
Diesel .............................. 378
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 286
Filter ............................... 378
Gauge .............................. 171
Light ............................... 172
Octane Rating ........................ 281
Requirements ......................... 281
Tank Capacity ........................ 377
Fuses ................................ 364
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............286,336
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 281
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 281
414 INDEX