Dodge 2500 (2009 year). Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION

1. Check Gauges – Premium Cluster Only

This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature

gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE:

When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the

Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.

2. Voltmeter

When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should

stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced.

NOTE:

• If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of the

gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.

• The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-

ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.

3. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.

If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about 1 mile (1.6 km) with the turn signals on, a

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

continuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.

4. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.

CAUTION!

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.

5. Airbag Warning Light

This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on

during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

6. High Beam Indicator

This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.

7. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat

belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information.

8. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/kph).

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189

9. Oil Pressure Gauge — Premium Cluster Only

The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous

high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer.

NOTE:

If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of

the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.

10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.

For additional information refer to “4-Wheel Drive Op-
eration” in section 5 of this manual.

11. TOW HAUL

The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of
the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate
when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is
pushed once.

12. OD/OFF
The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.

13. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-

ing satisfactorily.

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see Section 7
of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cool-
ing System Pressure Cap paragraph.

14. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped

This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.

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191

15. Shift Lever Indicator (Automatic Transmission
Only)
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
shift lever selection.

NOTE:

You must apply the brakes before shifting from

PARK.

16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button.

To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button until the
display resets (approximately two seconds).

Vehicle Warning Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, messages such as
“door” (indicates that a door(s) may be ajar), “hood” (if
the hood is open or ajar, on vehicles with remote start),
“gASCAP” (indicates that your gas cap is possibly loose
or damaged), “LoW tirE” (indicates low tire pressure),
CHANgE OIL” (indicates that the engine oil should be
change), “LoWASH” (low washer fluid), “ESPOFF” (in-
dicates that ESP is turned off), and “noFUSE” (indicates
that the IOD fuse is removed from the Integrated Power
Module), will display in the odometer.

NOTE:

There is also an engine hour function. This

indicates the total number of hours the engine has been
running. To display the engine hours perform the follow-
ing: Place the ignition in RUN, but do not start the

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the trip
button down for a period of six seconds. The odometer
will change to trip value first, then it will display the
engine hour value. The engine hours will be displayed
for a period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned OFF
or the engine is started.

CHANgE OIL Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHANgE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate
the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and

release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.

17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.

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193

18. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD II, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-

trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position, before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.

If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious
conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

19. Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE:

The light may flash momentarily during sharp

cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.

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195

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:

This light shows only that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.

21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light

This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition

key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the
shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and
your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

22. Cargo Light

The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the
Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo
Light Button on the headlight switch.

23. SERV 4WD Indicator

The 4WD indicator will be illuminated when-
ever the 4WD mode is engaged for either the
manual or electric shift 4WD systems. The
SERV 4WD indicator monitors the electric shift

4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on
during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required.

24. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Lamp – If Equipped

The malfunction light for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow ESP/BAS
warning lamp is in the instrument cluster it

comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, it should go out with the engine running. If the
ESP/BAS warning lamp comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

NOTE:

The ESP control system will make buzzing or

clicking sounds when it is actively operating.

25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light — If
Equipped

Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle

placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the

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197

vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If
Equipped

If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your

speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP),
or Traction Control System (TCS).

27. Transmission Temperature Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)

This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high

torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.

28. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.

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199

29. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.

30. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead

console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
“LO FUEL” before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and
DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle
fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume.

Vehicle fuel tank volumes are as follows:

• 26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models
• 34 gal (128 L) - 1500/2500/3500 short box models
• 35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500 long box models

31. CRUISE Indicator

This indicator lights when the electronic speed
control system is turned on.

32. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H , this indicator will illuminate and a

single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H , the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

33. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the

ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.

34. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine

is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC
position.

When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.

On the RAQ radio the time button alternates the location
of the time and frequency on the display. On the REF only
one of the two, time or frequency, is displayed at a time.

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201

Clock Setting Procedure

1. Press and hold the time button until the hours blink.

2. Adjust the hours by turning the right side Tune/
Audio control.

3. After the hours are adjusted, press the right side
Tune/Audio control to set the minutes.

4. Adjust the minutes using the right side Tune/Audio
control.

5. To exit, press any button/knob or wait approximately
five seconds.

SALES CODE RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO
WITH OPTIONAL uconnect

姞 studios (SATELLITE

RADIO), uconnect

姞 phone, AND VIDEO

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES)™
CAPABILITIES

NOTE:

The radio sales code is located on the lower right

side of your radio faceplate.

RAQ Radio

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Instructions - Radio Mode

NOTE:

The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC

position to operate the radio.

Power Switch/Volume Control (Rotary)
Push the ON/VOL control to turn the radio ON. Push the
ON/VOL a second time to turn OFF the radio.

Electronic Volume Control
The electronic volume control turns continuously (360
degrees) in either direction without stopping. Turning the
volume control to the right increases the volume and to
the left decreases it.

When the audio system is turned on, the sound will be
set at the same volume level as last played.

For your convenience, the volume can be turned down,
but not up, when the audio system is off and the ignition
is ON.

MODE Button (Radio Mode)
Press the MODE button repeatedly to select between the
CD player, Satellite Radio, or Video Entertainment Sys-
tem (VES)™ (if equipped).

SEEK Button (Radio Mode)
Press and release the SEEK button to search for the next
listenable station in either AM/FM or Satellite (if
equipped) mode. Press the right side of the button to seek
up and the left side to seek down. The radio will remain
tuned to the new station until you make another selec-
tion. Holding the button will bypass stations without
stopping until you release it.

MUTE Button (Radio Mode)
Press the MUTE button to cancel the sound from the
speakers.

⬙MUTE⬙ will be displayed. Press the MUTE

button a second time and the sound from the speakers

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Dodge 2500 (2009 year). Manual - part 12