Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 seeking comprehensive information on vehicle operation, maintenance, and features.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Highlights:
Known for its bold styling, comfortable ride (especially with the coil spring rear suspension introduced in this generation), and robust Hemi V8 option. This manual would guide owners through these specific attributes.
Covered Systems:
Vehicle operation, safety features, maintenance, basic troubleshooting, controls, instrumentation, comfort and convenience features, towing, tire information, emergency procedures, audio systems, climate control, powertrain operation, chassis systems, electrical systems.
Pages:
Approximately 400-450 pages (typical for this model year and segment).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission operation, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, basic electrical component identification.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, interior controls, dashboard layout, cargo area, exterior features.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade inspection/replacement, light bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic information for common issues, emergency procedures (flat tire, jump starting).
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, operating climate control, using audio system, proper towing procedures.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include in-depth repair procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with detailed explanations, or component-level troubleshooting typically found in a service manual.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8. 6-speed manual transmission available on some base models with the 3.7L V6.
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE) for 4.7L V8 and 5.7L V8 HEMI.
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled overdrive, Tow/Haul mode (on automatic transmissions), Lock-up torque converter.
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab configuration (e.g., 120.5" for Regular Cab SWB, 140.5" for Quad Cab/Crew Cab SWB, 160.5" for LWB models).
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (approx. 219.1" to 259.4").
Bed Length:
Varies by configuration (approx. 66.7" short bed, 76.5" standard bed, 96.4" long bed).
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration and drivetrain (approx. 4,600 lbs to 5,500 lbs).
Max Payload:
Varies by configuration and engine (up to approx. 3,100 lbs).
Max Towing Capacity:
Varies by configuration and engine (up to approx. 9,000-10,000 lbs).
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific NHTSA data for 2009 Ram 1500 for precise figures).
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific NHTSA data for 2009 Ram 1500 for precise figures).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TCS).
Airbags:
Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system, Uconnect hands-free communication system (may be optional or part of packages).
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system may have been available on higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Optional ParkSense rear parking assist system.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Available integrated trailer brake controller (factory-installed option).
Uconnect Features:
Voice command functionality, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (if equipped).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal) and oil type. Refer to manual for specific recommendations based on engine and oil used.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or as recommended in the manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; typically 30,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on engine and temperature). Consult manual for specific viscosity grade and API service classification (e.g., API SN).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-Year/100,000-Mile Formula, or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Type:
For 45RFE/545RFE: ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602). For 42RLE: ATF+4.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4.
Common Complaints:
Some reported issues may include occasional lifter noise in HEMI engines, minor electrical gremlins, and water pump leaks. The 5.7L HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can sometimes lead to oil consumption if not properly maintained. Owners should consult the manual for proper care to mitigate these possibilities.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Fourth Generation Ram:
The 2009 model is part of the fourth generation of the Ram pickup (DS platform), introduced for the 2009 model year. Key features of this generation included the coil-spring rear suspension for improved ride quality, updated interior and exterior styling, and the introduction of the HEMI 5.7L V8 with Multi-Displacement System (MDS).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Truck Of The Year:
The Ram 1500 has historically received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from different automotive publications, reflecting its strong market presence. Specific awards for the 2009 model year would need to be cross-referenced with automotive media archives.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for the 2009 Ram 1500 would have varied based on specific configurations and over time, but the coil-spring rear suspension was generally praised for ride quality.
