🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 1500 Mega Cab Year: 2009 Codes Product Code Identifier: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab Owners Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Pickup Truck, Crew Cab configuration with extended rear seating (Mega Cab). Target Audience: Buyers seeking a large, capable pickup truck with substantial passenger and cargo capacity, often for families or work/recreational use. Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: Ford F-150 SuperCrew, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra Double Cab/CrewMax. Key Features Of Vehicle Mega Cab Advantage: The Mega Cab offered class-leading rear-seat legroom and overall interior volume, distinguishing it from standard crew cab configurations. Drivetrain Options: Available in 4x2 (RWD) and 4x4 (4WD) configurations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered Overview: Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems, including operation, features, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab. Page Count Page Count: Approximately 450-550 pages (typical for this model year and trim) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Booklet (original equipment) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Operation: Details on starting, stopping, engine break-in, monitoring gauges, and understanding engine warning lights. Transmission Operation: Explanation of gear selection (P, R, N, D, L), electronic range selection (if applicable), and towing considerations. Brakes And Traction: Information on the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and proper brake usage. Steering And Suspension: Basic overview of steering wheel controls, power steering operation, and suspension components. Electrical And Lighting: Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power outlets, and fuse box locations. HVAC System: Detailed instructions for operating the climate control system, including A/C, heating, defrosting, and recirculation modes. Infotainment And Audio: Operation of the factory audio system, radio functions, CD player, and any available Uconnect features. Safety Restraints: Proper use of seat belts, airbag system explanation, and child seat installation guidelines. Instrument Panel And Gauges: Explanation of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and gauge functions (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature). Towing And Loading: Guidelines for proper trailer towing, payload capacity, tongue weight, and securing loads. Wheels And Tires: Information on tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire rotation, and spare tire usage. Exterior Features: Operation of power windows, power locks, mirrors, and tailgate/door mechanisms. Interior Features: Details on seating adjustments, interior lighting, cup holders, and storage compartments. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation checks, and visual inspections. Troubleshooting Basics: Information on what to do if specific warning lights illuminate, or if minor operational issues arise. Tire And Wheel Care: Instructions on checking tire wear, proper inflation, and emergency spare tire installation. Wiper And Washer Operation: Details on using and maintaining windshield wipers and the washer fluid system. Fueling Procedures: Correct procedures for refueling, including fuel type recommendations and cap operation. Battery Maintenance: Basic guidance on battery care and understanding battery-related warning indicators. Emergency Procedures: Information on what to do in various emergency situations, including jump-starting and basic roadside assistance guidance. Technical Depth Depth Level: Owner-level operational and maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, or complex repair instructions, which are found in service manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: N/A (Physical Product) Print Quality Print Quality: Original OEM quality print Binding Type Binding Type: Staple-bound or perfect-bound paperback Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, coated paper stock suitable for automotive environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: 5.7L HEMI V8 Engine Displacement: 5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches) Engine Configuration: V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Performance Horsepower: 380 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 404 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type Recommendation: Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane minimum Engine Variants Available Engine Option 1: 4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC) - Less common for Mega Cab, but potentially available in some configurations. ~310 hp / 330 lb-ft torque. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-Speed Automatic (545RFE) Optional Transmission Type Optional: N/A for this specific model year/configuration as the 5-speed auto was standard. Features Transmission Features: Electronic Range Select (ERS), Tow/Haul mode. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4) Fluid Capacity Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) for refill 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 140.5 inches (3569 mm) Overall Length: Approximately 243.7 inches (6190 mm) Overall Width: Approximately 79.4 inches (2017 mm) Overall Height: Approximately 77.0 inches (1956 mm) Interior Rear Seat Legroom: Class-leading, exceeding 50 inches (approx. 50.5 inches) Passenger Capacity: 5-6 passengers Cargo Bed Length Standard: Mega Cab typically paired with the shorter bed, often the 5' 7" bed (67.4 inches). Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 5,500 - 6,000 lbs (2495 - 2722 kg), varies by configuration. Max Payload Capacity: Varies by configuration, typically around...
Buyers seeking a large, capable pickup truck with substantial passenger and cargo capacity, often for families or work/recreational use.
Competitive Analysis
Primary Competitors:
Ford F-150 SuperCrew, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra Double Cab/CrewMax.
Key Features Of Vehicle
Mega Cab Advantage:
The Mega Cab offered class-leading rear-seat legroom and overall interior volume, distinguishing it from standard crew cab configurations.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in 4x2 (RWD) and 4x4 (4WD) configurations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Systems Covered Overview:
Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems, including operation, features, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab.
Page Count
Page Count:
Approximately 450-550 pages (typical for this model year and trim)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Printed Booklet (original equipment)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Operation:
Details on starting, stopping, engine break-in, monitoring gauges, and understanding engine warning lights.
Transmission Operation:
Explanation of gear selection (P, R, N, D, L), electronic range selection (if applicable), and towing considerations.
Brakes And Traction:
Information on the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and proper brake usage.
Steering And Suspension:
Basic overview of steering wheel controls, power steering operation, and suspension components.
Electrical And Lighting:
Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power outlets, and fuse box locations.
HVAC System:
Detailed instructions for operating the climate control system, including A/C, heating, defrosting, and recirculation modes.
Infotainment And Audio:
Operation of the factory audio system, radio functions, CD player, and any available Uconnect features.
Safety Restraints:
Proper use of seat belts, airbag system explanation, and child seat installation guidelines.
Instrument Panel And Gauges:
Explanation of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and gauge functions (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature).
Towing And Loading:
Guidelines for proper trailer towing, payload capacity, tongue weight, and securing loads.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire rotation, and spare tire usage.
Exterior Features:
Operation of power windows, power locks, mirrors, and tailgate/door mechanisms.
Interior Features:
Details on seating adjustments, interior lighting, cup holders, and storage compartments.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation checks, and visual inspections.
Troubleshooting Basics:
Information on what to do if specific warning lights illuminate, or if minor operational issues arise.
Tire And Wheel Care:
Instructions on checking tire wear, proper inflation, and emergency spare tire installation.
Wiper And Washer Operation:
Details on using and maintaining windshield wipers and the washer fluid system.
Fueling Procedures:
Correct procedures for refueling, including fuel type recommendations and cap operation.
Battery Maintenance:
Basic guidance on battery care and understanding battery-related warning indicators.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on what to do in various emergency situations, including jump-starting and basic roadside assistance guidance.
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Owner-level operational and maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, or complex repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
N/A (Physical Product)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Original OEM quality print
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Staple-bound or perfect-bound paperback
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper stock suitable for automotive environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Name:
5.7L HEMI V8
Engine Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Performance
Horsepower:
380 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
404 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane minimum
Engine Variants Available
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC) - Less common for Mega Cab, but potentially available in some configurations. ~310 hp / 330 lb-ft torque.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A for this specific model year/configuration as the 5-speed auto was standard.
Features
Transmission Features:
Electronic Range Select (ERS), Tow/Haul mode.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4)
Fluid Capacity
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) for refill
Optional Uconnect system, which may include Bluetooth hands-free calling and voice recognition.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets for charging devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific severe/normal duty). Owners Manual will recommend a specific interval.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 20,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check at regular intervals, service typically recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for severe duty).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Capacity:
7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter for 5.7L HEMI V8.
Approximately 13.4 quarts (12.7 liters) for 4x4 models.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent power steering fluid.
Known Issues
Common Wear Item:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) due to vehicle weight and use.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some HEMI engines can exhibit minor oil consumption, especially at higher mileage. Regular checks are important.
Transfer Case Issues:
In 4x4 models, ensure the transfer case fluid is maintained, as wear can occur if neglected.
Brake Wear:
Due to the truck's weight, brake pads and rotors may wear faster than lighter vehicles.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history in the pickup truck market, known for robust engineering and powerful engines.
Model Evolution
Ram Lineage:
The Ram brand was spun off from Dodge in 2010, but this 2009 model represents the final generation under the Dodge banner.
DTC Generation:
This is part of the 3rd Generation Dodge Ram (2002-2008/2009). The Mega Cab variant was introduced in 2005, primarily based on the Quad Cab platform but with an extended cab structure.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year Contender:
The Dodge Ram lineup frequently contended for and won various 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications during this generation, highlighting its capability and design.