🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500

Model Variant:

Mega Cab

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

DR (Fourth Generation Ram Pickup)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for towing, hauling, and commercial use.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD, 3500HD), GMC Sierra HD (2500HD, 3500HD).

Mega Cab Advantage:

Offers the largest interior volume in its class, particularly rear-seat legroom, rivaling some SUVs. Enhanced comfort for passengers on long hauls or for families.

Heavy Duty Capability:

Designed for significant towing and payload capacities, making it ideal for contractors, RV owners, and those with demanding work or recreational needs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner and user information for the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab.

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 pages (typical for this class of vehicle and era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Operation, break-in procedures, fluid checks, basic maintenance for gasoline and diesel engines.

Transmission Systems:

Operation of automatic transmissions, gear selection, fluid level checks.

Braking Systems:

Operation of ABS, brake fluid checks, parking brake usage.

Electrical Systems:

Fuse box locations, indicator lights, warning chimes, basic electrical features.

HVAC Systems:

Operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls.

Suspension Steering:

Basic operation and care of suspension and steering systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel cap operation, fuel type recommendations, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) information (if applicable).

Tire Wheel Systems:

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) operation, recommended tire sizes, wheel torque specifications.

Exterior Features:

Operation of doors, windows, mirrors, lights, tailgate, and towing features.

Interior Features:

Seating adjustments, dashboard controls, interior lighting, audio system, power outlets.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), ABS, traction control.

Daily Checks:

Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid.

Tire Maintenance:

Checking tire pressure, rotating tires (basic recommendations).

Fluid Replacement:

Recommendations for windshield washer fluid, coolant (types and capacities).

Fuse Replacement:

Locating and replacing blown fuses.

Jumper Starting:

Procedures for jump-starting a dead battery.

Wiper Blade Replacement:

Basic instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.

Driving Techniques:

Tips for towing, driving in various conditions (snow, rain).

Troubleshooting Warnings:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators.

Depth Level:

Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2009 Ram 3500:

5.7L HEMI V8 gasoline, 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6.

5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:

Approximately 357 hp @ 5600 rpm (may vary slightly by configuration)

5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:

Approximately 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (may vary slightly by configuration)

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approximately 350 hp @ 3000 rpm (may vary slightly by configuration)

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approximately 610 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (may vary slightly by configuration)

5.7L Hemi Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

6.7L Cummins Fuel System:

High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Direct Injection

Diesel Exhaust Fluid System:

Manual may contain information on DEF requirements for certain diesel configurations and emissions systems.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Std Gas V8:

6-speed manual transmission (NV5600, phased out or less common in 2009 models, check specific VIN)

Transmission Std Diesel:

6-speed manual transmission (G56)

Transmission Opt Gas V8:

5-speed automatic transmission (545RFE)

Transmission Opt Diesel:

6-speed automatic transmission (68RFE)

Tow Haul Mode:

Feature typically included on automatic transmissions for improved towing performance.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mega Cab:

Approximately 160.5 inches (4077 mm)

Overall Length Mega Cab:

Approximately 259.4 inches (6589 mm)

Rear Seat Legroom Mega Cab:

Approximately 50.4 inches (1280 mm), class-leading for its time.

Bed Length Mega Cab:

Short bed (6'4" / 76 inches) is standard on Mega Cab configurations.

Curb Weight Approx:

7,000 - 8,000 lbs (1500 Series gasoline to 3500 Series diesel, depends heavily on configuration)

Gvwr Approx:

10,000 - 11,500 lbs (GBWR varies by specific model and axle configuration)

Max Towing Capacity Approx:

Up to 16,000 lbs (conventional towing, depends on configuration and axle ratio)

Max Payload Capacity Approx:

Up to 5,000 lbs (depends on configuration and axle ratio)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2009:

3-star (typical for trucks of this era, requires specific VIN check for exact rating)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - may be optional or standard on certain trims).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags (likely optional or standard on higher trims), occupant restraint systems, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Various audio system options, including AM/FM radio, CD player, satellite radio (SiriusXM), and auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature upgraded speaker systems and navigation (optional).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality.

Towing Tech:

Trailer Tow Mirrors, trailer brake controller provision (may be factory option).

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets for charging devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas V8:

Approximately every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Change Interval Diesel Cummins:

Approximately every 7,500 miles or 6 months (often longer intervals for diesel, consult manual).

Air Filter Replacement:

Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, or as needed based on driving environment.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific fluids and intervals).

Engine Oil Gas V8:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated 15W-40 synthetic diesel engine oil (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 antifreeze/coolant or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-12106 specifications.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type).

Common Issues 2009 Ram Hd:

Potential for ball joint wear, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on early 5.7L HEMI), power steering pump noise, and potential EGR valve issues on diesel models. Check specific recall information for your VIN.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the pickup truck market, known for ruggedness and towing capabilities.

Ram Fourth Generation Launch:

The fourth generation Ram pickup was introduced for the 2009 model year, marking a significant redesign from the previous generation.

Mega Cab Introduction:

The Mega Cab body style, known for its expansive interior, was introduced in the previous generation (2006) and carried over into the fourth generation, offering unparalleled rear passenger space.

Production Location:

Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA (manufacturing locations for Dodge/Ram trucks during this period).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2009 model year need verification, the Ram line has historically received various 'Truck of the Year' accolades from automotive publications. It's important to note that this manual covers a specific model year and its included features and market reception at that time.