Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians, fleet owners
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 1500
Licensing:
Officially licensed
Delivery Method:
Instant download
Content Type:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, service procedures
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (42RLE, 45RFE, 68RFE), Manual transmission (NV3500, NV5600 - less common for 2009 1500 but possible), Transfer case
Chassis:
Steering system, Suspension system (front and rear), Brake system (ABS, parking brake), Driveline (CV joints, driveshafts, differentials)
Electrical:
Battery and charging system, Starting system, Lighting system, Instrument cluster, Body control modules (BCM), Powertrain control modules (PCM), HVAC controls, Audio system, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)/Airbags
Body:
Exterior body panels, Interior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Body sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system repairs, adjustments, recalibrations
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Code 3.7L:
3.7L V6 (2008-2009)
Engine Displacement 3.7L:
3.7 liters (226 cubic inches)
Engine Hp 3.7L:
215 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine Torque 3.7L:
235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code 4.7L:
4.7L V8 (2008-2009)
Engine Displacement 4.7L:
4.7 liters (285 cubic inches)
Engine Hp 4.7L:
310 hp @ 5,650 rpm
Engine Torque 4.7L:
330 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm
Engine Code 5.7L:
5.7L HEMI V8 (2008-2009)
Engine Displacement 5.7L:
5.7 liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine Hp 5.7L:
380 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine Torque 5.7L:
404 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Management:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic throttle control (ETC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Flex Fuel Capability:
Available on 5.7L HEMI (E85 capability)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L and 4.7L V8 engines
Optional Transmission V8:
5-speed automatic (45RFE/45RFE II) for 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines
Optional Transmission Hemi:
6-speed automatic (68RFE) for 5.7L HEMI V8 engines (heavy-duty applications)
Drive Type:
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Electronic shift transfer case (NV244 or similar)
Wheelbase Standard:
140.5 inches (3569 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
160.5 inches (4077 mm) - Crew Cab
Overall Length Standard:
227.7 inches (5784 mm)
Overall Length Long:
247.7 inches (6292 mm)
Height:
Approximately 74-76 inches (1880-1930 mm) depending on configuration
Width Excluding Mirrors:
Approximately 79.1 inches (2009 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m)
Bed Length Long:
8 feet 0 inches (2.44 m)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approximately 4,800 - 5,500 lbs (2177 - 2495 kg)
Gvwr Typical:
Approximately 6,950 - 7,300 lbs (3152 - 3311 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Rollover:
4 Stars (for 2009 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - standard on some trims, optional on others
Airbags Front:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front seat-mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional supplemental side-curtain airbags
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 compatibility, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Higher trims offered premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional Uconnect Navigation system available on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional ParkSenseยฎ front and rear park assist system.
Camera:
Optional rearview camera.
Uconnect:
Uconnect system available for hands-free calling and audio control.
Oil Change Interval Standard:
Every 6,000 miles (9,656 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Oil Change Interval Severe:
Every 3,000 miles (4,828 km) or 3 months under severe driving conditions (e.g., frequent towing, stop-and-go traffic, dusty environments).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,656 km)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 12,000 miles (19,312 km), replace as needed.
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN, Chrysler MS-6395 certified (e.g., Mobil 1 5W-20, Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN, Chrysler MS-6395 certified (e.g., Mobil 1 5W-20, Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Extended Life (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe 68Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (with or without limited slip additive depending on differential type)
Hemi Startup Tick:
Some 5.7L HEMI engines experienced a ticking noise at startup, often attributed to lifter or valve train wear. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity are crucial.
Transmission Slipping:
Early models with the 45RFE transmission could sometimes exhibit slipping or harsh shifting. Fluid and filter changes are important, along with potential software updates or internal component checks.
Throttle Body Issues:
Electronic throttle body (ETB) issues, leading to rough idle or stalling, can occur. Cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common wear items in heavy-duty trucks. Regular inspection is recommended.
Radiator Leaks:
Some owners have reported premature radiator leaks, particularly at the plastic end tanks.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long-standing history in the light-duty truck market, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Fourth Generation Debut:
The fourth generation of the Dodge Ram (and later Ram Truck) began with the 2009 model year. This generation introduced a significant redesign.
Design Language:
The 2009 model marked the introduction of the distinctive crosshair grille, larger Ram logos, and a more robust, squared-off design.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants included Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
While not for the 2009 model year specifically, the Ram Truck brand has received MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award multiple times in its history, highlighting the brand's strong performance in the segment.
IIHS Crash Test:
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 generally performed well in IIHS crash tests, earning 'Good' ratings in frontal offset and side impact tests for models equipped with optional side airbags.