🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500

Year:

2009

Body Style:

Regular Cab

Product Code:

Likely Mopar OE part number series for owner's manuals, specific number not provided in product info.

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners and operators of 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty trucks, particularly those with Regular Cab configurations, seeking information on operation, maintenance, and vehicle features.

Competitors:

Ford Super Duty F-350/F-450, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD.

Vehicle Focus:

Heavy-duty capability, towing and payload capacity, robust construction.

Manual Benefit:

Provides essential information for safe and optimal use of the vehicle, helps owners understand maintenance requirements, and empowers them to identify potential issues.

📋 Manual Details

Languages:

English (primary, based on product description)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 400-550 pages (typical for a full-size truck owner's manual of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission controls.

Chassis:

Braking system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system, driveline (4x4 operation if applicable).

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, battery, charging system, power outlets, basic electrical component identification (fuse box locations).

Body And Comfort:

Doors, windows, seats, climate control system (HVAC), mirrors, interior trim, exterior lighting.

Safety And Security:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-theft system, keyless entry.

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, towing, operation of vehicle features (cruise control, trailer brake controller if equipped).

Maintenance:

Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation checks, basic cleaning and care.

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic driver-level troubleshooting for common indicators.

Emergency:

Jumper starting procedures, changing a flat tire, basic roadside emergency assistance information.

Depth:

Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, understanding vehicle features, and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic steps typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text for easy navigation.

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear text and images, allowing for selective printing of pages.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Several engine options were available for the 2009 Ram 3500. The most common heavy-duty engines were: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, 5.7L HEMI V8 (less common for 3500 heavy-duty focus).

Engine Code:

6.7L Cummins: Typically referred to by displacement. Specific engine codes depend on VIN and build date.

6.7L Cummins Horsepower:

Approximately 350 hp @ 3,000 rpm (may vary slightly by model year and configuration).

6.7L Cummins Torque:

Approximately 650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm (may vary slightly by model year and configuration).

Diesel Injection:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) with High-Pressure Fuel Pump.

Diesel Fuel Type:

ASTM D975 Grade No. 1-D or No. 2-D Diesel Fuel.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150, Red. Typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 15W-40 (API CI-4 or CH-4 for diesel applications).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

For the 3500, the 6.7L Cummins was typically paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (G56) or a 6-speed automatic transmission (AS68RC).

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic (AS68RC).

Towing Mode:

Automatic transmission often featured a 'Tow/Haul' mode to optimize shifting for towing.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is a common specification for Chrysler/Dodge automatic transmissions of this era, though specific requirements for the AS68RC might differ slightly. Always consult the manual for exact fluid type.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) viscosity and type. Often a GL-3 or GL-4 specification.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Regular Cab models typically had wheelbases of 140.5 inches (standard bed) and 160.5 inches (long bed).

Overall Length:

Varies by bed length, approximately 229.7 inches (standard bed) to 249.7 inches (long bed).

Overall Width:

Approximately 79.4 inches (excluding mirrors).

Overall Height:

Approximately 77.6 inches (varies with configuration).

Bed Length:

Standard: 6.3 feet (76.3 inches); Long: 8.0 feet (96.3 inches).

Curb Weight:

Approximately 6,000 - 7,000 lbs depending on engine, drivetrain, and options.

Gvwr:

Typically 10,000 lbs to 11,500 lbs for Ram 3500.

Gcwr:

Can exceed 20,000 lbs for diesel models with towing configurations.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

5-star rating for driver and front passenger (typical for this era, but specific rating should be verified).

IIHS Crash Test:

Good ratings in front and side crash tests (typical for this era, but specific rating should be verified).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) were often available or standard on higher trims.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Integrated trailer brake controller was an optional feature, crucial for heavy-duty towing.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger. Side curtain airbags may have been optional on some configurations.

Seatbelts:

Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants if applicable.

Latch System:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for securing child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, and upgraded speaker systems available.

Connectivity:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not common in base models of this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control for highway driving.

Park Assist:

Rear park assist sensors were optional on some trims.

HVAC System:

Manual or optional automatic temperature control (ATC) for the climate control system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Diesel:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 6.7L Cummins, or sooner under severe operating conditions. Refer to manual for exact intervals based on usage.

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Replace fuel filter at recommended intervals, usually every 15,000 miles or annually for the diesel engine, to prevent injector issues.

Air Filter Diesel:

Inspect regularly and replace as needed, typically around 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on operating environment.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles to ensure even tire wear.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual; often ATF+4 or a specific power steering fluid.

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Any standard windshield washer fluid, or a mixture of water and mild detergent for cleaning.

Diesel Particulate Filter:

Early models with DPF regeneration systems could experience DPF clogging if not driven frequently on longer highway trips for proper regeneration cycles.

Egr System:

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system issues, such as clogging or valve failure, can occur on diesel engines if not properly maintained.

Glow Plugs:

Glow plug failure can lead to hard starting in cold weather for the diesel engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, with the Ram line evolving from Dodge Truck division into its own brand in 2009.

Fourth Generation:

The 2009 model year falls within the fourth generation of the Ram pickup truck (2009-2018). This generation introduced significant styling changes, interior updates, and powertrain advancements, notably the Cummins 6.7L diesel.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, and Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The Ram platform received MotorTrend's 'Truck of the Year' award in 2003 and 2010 (for the then-new 2009 model year redesign), highlighting its significant advancements.

Towing Capacity Ratings:

Excellent towing and payload ratings, making it competitive in the heavy-duty segment. Specific ratings vary by configuration and drivetrain.