🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500

Year:

2009

Body Style:

Quad Cab

Platform:

DS/DJ (Third Generation Ram Truck)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck segment.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Focus:

Designed for heavy-duty work, towing, and hauling, with a focus on robust construction and powerful engine options.

Quad Cab Benefit:

Offers four full-sized doors for easier access to the rear seats and increased passenger comfort compared to regular or extended cabs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner information

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 400-500 pages (typical for a heavy-duty truck owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, driveline components.

Chassis And Suspension:

Braking system (ABS, parking brake), steering system, suspension components (front and rear), wheels and tires.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, fuses and relays, power outlets, basic wiring principles.

Body And Interior:

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

Driver Information And Controls:

Dashboard layout, instrument cluster, warning lights, vehicle controls (wipers, mirrors, HVAC), cruise control, information center functions.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), child safety locks, vehicle stability control (if equipped).

Normal Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, operating vehicle features, trailer towing guidelines.

Vehicle Care And Maintenance:

Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, cleaning procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues (e.g., starting problems, overheating).

Emergency Procedures:

Jumper starting procedures, changing a flat tire, procedures for vehicle breakdown.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

Information on when to perform routine maintenance, recommendations for specific service intervals.

Depth Level:

Owner-level, focusing on safe operation, basic checks, and understanding vehicle functions. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document 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)

Searchable Text:

Typically, PDF owner's manuals are text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline), 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (Diesel).

5.7L Hemi V8:

Approx. 383 horsepower @ 5600 rpm, 400 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel:

Approx. 350 horsepower @ 3000 rpm, 650 lb-ft of torque @ 1500 rpm (may vary slightly by configuration).

Fuel Delivery Hemi:

Multi-point fuel injection.

Fuel Delivery Cummins:

Common rail direct injection with turbocharging.

Emission Systems:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for diesel.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 68RFE for diesel, 545RFE for gasoline) and possibly a 6-speed manual transmission for specific configurations.

Optional Transmission:

Availability of manual transmission for certain trims/engine combinations.

Transmission Features:

Tow/Haul mode, electronically controlled shifting, potential for manual gear selection (autostick).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Typically available in 140.5-inch, 160.5-inch, and 171.4-inch wheelbases depending on bed length.

Bed Length Options:

Often available in 6'4" (short bed) and 8' (long bed) configurations.

Gvwr:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating typically ranges from 10,000 to 11,500 lbs, depending on configuration.

Gcwr:

Gross Combined Weight Rating can exceed 20,000 lbs when equipped with the Cummins diesel.

Payload Capacity:

Variable, but designed for substantial payload, often exceeding 3,000-5,000 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Significantly high, with conventional towing exceeding 10,000 lbs and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing potentially over 15,000-18,000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA ratings for 2009 heavy-duty trucks vary by configuration. Generally good for frontal impact, but side impact and rollover ratings may be less standardized for HD trucks. Consult specific NHTSA data for precise ratings.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC - often called Electronic Roll Mitigation/Protection in trucks), Trailer Brake Controller (optional).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), advanced multi-stage airbag deployment, seat belt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.

Security Features:

Keyless entry, engine immobilizer, security alarm (optional).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system, available upgraded audio systems (e.g., Alpine).

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack, optional Uconnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth.

Driver Assistance Features:

ParkSense Rear Park Assist System (optional), rearview camera (optional on some trims).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil, or 5,000-7,500 miles for synthetic oil, or based on oil life monitoring system. Diesel engines may have longer intervals.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to manual, often around 30,000-60,000 miles or under severe usage conditions. Diesel transmissions may have specific intervals.

Coolant Flush:

Typically around 50,000-100,000 miles or every 3-5 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Consult manual for exact viscosity and capacity.

Engine Oil Diesel:

CJ-4 rated synthetic diesel engine oil, typically SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40, meeting Cummins CES 20081 specification. Consult manual for exact viscosity and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for gasoline engines. For diesel, likely a specific heavy-duty automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent). Consult manual for exact fluid type and capacity.

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or HOAT. Consult manual for specific Mopar part numbers (e.g., P/N 05162469AA) and capacity.

Common Problems Gasoline:

Hemi tick (lifter noise), occasional transmission hard shifting, fuel pump issues in earlier models.

Common Problems Diesel:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues if not driven properly, potential for injector issues, EGR cooler issues, turbocharger problems in high-mileage examples.

Common Problems General:

Sway bar links, ball joint wear, rust on body panels (especially in areas with road salt), HVAC blend door actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Ram nameplate evolving from a Dodge product to a standalone brand in 2009.

Third Gen Ram Introduction:

The third generation (2002-2008) saw a significant redesign. The 2009 model year represents a facelift and continuation of this generation, with the introduction of the standalone Ram Trucks brand.

Manufacturing Locations:

Assembly plants in the United States (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Heavy Duty Truck Awards:

The Dodge/Ram trucks of this era often received positive reviews from automotive publications for their towing and hauling capabilities, durability, and powerful engine options. Specific awards may vary by model year and publication.