Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners and operators of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Focus:
Durability, towing capability, cargo hauling, spacious interior (Quad Cab)
Purpose:
To provide owners with essential information on vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, starting system, charging system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument panel and gauges, electrical components, infotainment system, power outlets
Body And Interior:
Seats, seat belts, airbags, climate control, interior features, exterior features, doors, windows, locks, cargo area
Driver Controls:
Ignition, starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake, steering wheel controls
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using infotainment system, towing information
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues
Depth:
Designed for owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) typical of a service manual.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Engine Displacement 3.7L:
3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 3.7L:
215 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine Torque 3.7L:
235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Displacement 4.7L:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 4.7L:
310 hp @ 5,650 rpm
Engine Torque 4.7L:
330 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm
Engine Displacement 5.7L:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 5.7L:
380 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine Torque 5.7L:
404 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm
Cylinder Deactivation:
Standard on 5.7L HEMI (Multi-Displacement System - MDS)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (all engines, higher octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI for optimal performance)
Transmission Type V6:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type V8:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)
4X4 System:
Available on most configurations, includes a 2-speed transfer case with electronic shift-on-the-fly capability
Tow Haul Mode:
Available on 5-speed automatic transmissions
Wheelbase:
140.5 inches (3,569 mm)
Overall Length:
229.1 inches (5,819 mm)
Overall Width:
79.1 inches (2,009 mm)
Overall Height:
74.9 inches (1,902 mm)
Passenger Capacity:
5-6 passengers
Bed Length Standard:
6'4" (76.1 inches)
Curb Weight Approx:
4,800 - 5,500 lbs (10-speed automatic and engine dependent)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
6,800 - 7,200 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,350 lbs (with appropriate configuration and 5.7L HEMI)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,720 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Rollover:
4 out of 5 stars (2WD and 4WD models)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models tested, specific year ratings may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control
Trailer Sway Control:
Available
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Available SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional Uconnect Navigation system
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors
Camera:
Optional rearview camera
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to manual for specifics)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (depending on conditions)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
70,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 (5.7 Quarts Capacity)
Engine Oil 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 (7.0 Quarts Capacity)
Engine Oil 5.7L V8:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 (7.0 Quarts Capacity)
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent) (8.1 Quarts Capacity)
Transmission Fluid 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent) (9.4 Quarts Capacity)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/100 Prediluted (MS-9769) or equivalent (12.3 Quarts Capacity for 5.7L V8)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components (muffler, pipes), brake pads and rotors.
Hemi Tick:
Some 5.7L HEMI engines can develop a 'Hemi Tick' or valvetrain noise, often related to lifter or pushrod issues. This is a known concern that owners should be aware of.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement with the automatic transmissions, particularly the 4-speed unit.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, minor electrical issues (e.g., power window malfunctions, sensor errors) can occur and are detailed in the manual for basic troubleshooting.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving into a distinct brand known for its truck offerings.
Fourth Generation Ram:
The 2009 model year marks the introduction of the fourth generation of the Ram pickup, featuring a significant redesign with a bolder exterior and updated interior.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sales Context:
Launched during a challenging economic period, but positioned as a capable and feature-rich option in the full-size truck market.
Jdp Power Dependability:
While specific year ratings vary, the Ram line has historically performed well in customer satisfaction surveys.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Dodge Ram platform has been recognized as MotorTrend's Truck of the Year in various iterations, highlighting its strong market presence.