🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Year: 2009 Body Style: Full-size Pickup Truck Generation: Fourth Generation (DS/DJ) Vin Code: Varies based on configuration (e.g., 1B7...) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size, light-duty pickup truck Target Audience: Consumers seeking a capable, versatile pickup truck for work and personal use. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra Key Features Strengths: Robust build, available powerful V8 engines, significant towing and hauling capabilities, spacious interior (depending on cab configuration) 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Sections: Features, controls, maintenance schedules, service, do-it-yourself activities, towing, safety Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full-size truck owner's manual) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Electronic (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, transmission, drivetrain operation and basic maintenance Chassis: Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, and tires Electrical: Lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, basic electrical system understanding Comfort And Convenience: HVAC, audio system, interior controls, power seats, mirrors, windows Safety And Security: Airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (if equipped), security system Procedures Included Operation: Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, parking brake usage Maintenance: Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, basic cleaning Do It Yourself: Minor maintenance tasks, such as checking and topping off fluids, changing engine air filter (depending on accessibility) Towing: Towing capacity, trailer brake controller operation (if equipped), trailer wiring information Technical Depth Depth: Consumer-level information for everyday use, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Not a full service or repair manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) - allows for searchability and easy viewing on digital devices Searchability: Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick access to information Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on source scan Binding Type Type: N/A (Electronic Format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Electronic Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Option 1: 4.7L V8 (255 hp @ 5600 rpm, 334 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm) Engine Option 2: 5.7L HEMI V8 (385 hp @ 5600 rpm, 407 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) Engine Option 3: 3.7L V6 (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - less common for 'Gas' designation focus Performance Compression Ratio 4.7L: 9.1:1 Compression Ratio 5.7L: 10.3:1 Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU: Chrysler's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Option 1: 4-speed automatic (42RLE for 4.7L V8, 3.7L V6) Optional Transmission Option 2: 5-speed automatic (545RFE for 5.7L HEMI V8) Features Overdrive: Yes, all automatic transmissions feature overdrive gearing for fuel efficiency. Fluid Type Fluid Specification: Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Various depending on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130.5", 140.5", 160.5") Length Options: Varies (e.g., 220.0" to 247.2") Width Options: Varies (e.g., 79.1") Height Options: Varies (e.g., 73.0" to 77.5") Weights Curb Weight: Varies significantly by configuration, typically 4,700 - 5,500 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 8,500 lbs Max Towing Capacity: Up to approximately 10,000 lbs (properly equipped, depends on configuration) Max Payload Capacity: Up to approximately 1,800 - 2,000 lbs (properly equipped, depends on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating: Generally 4 out of 5 stars (may vary slightly by specific configuration) NHTSA Side Crash Rating: Generally 4 or 5 out of 5 stars (may vary slightly by specific configuration) IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset: Good (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available (Electronic Stability Control - ESC often integrated) Electronic Brakeforce Distribution: Integrated with ABS Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, available side curtain airbags (depending on cab and trim) Seatbelts: Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners Child Seat Anchors: LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Various options including AM/FM, CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Navigation: Available factory-installed navigation system on higher trims. Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Available rear parking sensors. Camera: Available rearview camera on select models. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models. Bluetooth: Available Bluetooth hands-free communication system (Uconnect). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 6,000 miles or 6 months, or based on oil life monitoring system. Tire Rotation Interval: Every 6,000-8,000 miles Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions). Cabin Air Filter: Inspect annually, replace as needed. Spark Plugs: Varies by engine. 5.7L HEMI typically uses longer-life plugs (e.g., 100,000 miles), 4.7L may have shorter intervals. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: 5W-20 (for most gasoline engines, consult manual for specific). Coolant: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze (Chrysler MS-9769 or equivalent)...
3.7L V6 (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - less common for 'Gas' designation focus
Performance
Compression Ratio 4.7L:
9.1:1
Compression Ratio 5.7L:
10.3:1
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU:
Chrysler's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed automatic (42RLE for 4.7L V8, 3.7L V6)
Optional
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed automatic (545RFE for 5.7L HEMI V8)
Features
Overdrive:
Yes, all automatic transmissions feature overdrive gearing for fuel efficiency.
Fluid Type
Fluid Specification:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Various depending on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130.5", 140.5", 160.5")
Length Options:
Varies (e.g., 220.0" to 247.2")
Width Options:
Varies (e.g., 79.1")
Height Options:
Varies (e.g., 73.0" to 77.5")
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically 4,700 - 5,500 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 8,500 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 10,000 lbs (properly equipped, depends on configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 1,800 - 2,000 lbs (properly equipped, depends on configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Generally 4 out of 5 stars (may vary slightly by specific configuration)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating:
Generally 4 or 5 out of 5 stars (may vary slightly by specific configuration)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available (Electronic Stability Control - ESC often integrated)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Integrated with ABS
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side curtain airbags (depending on cab and trim)
Seatbelts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Various options including AM/FM, CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Navigation:
Available factory-installed navigation system on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors.
Camera:
Available rearview camera on select models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free communication system (Uconnect).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 6 months, or based on oil life monitoring system.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect annually, replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine. 5.7L HEMI typically uses longer-life plugs (e.g., 100,000 miles), 4.7L may have shorter intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-20 (for most gasoline engines, consult manual for specific).
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze (Chrysler MS-9769 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Potential for exhaust manifold leaks (especially on 5.7L HEMI), catalytic converter issues, interior trim rattles, occasional transmission shift quality issues, rust on body panels over time.
Preventative Measures
Importance Of Manual:
Adhering to the schedules and recommendations in this manual is crucial for longevity and preventing costly repairs.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
Fourth Generation Introduction:
The fourth generation Ram (DS/DJ) was introduced for the 2009 model year, featuring a complete redesign from the previous generation.
Design Philosophy:
This generation aimed to modernize the Ram's appearance and improve aerodynamics while maintaining its truck credentials.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards can vary by publication and year, the Ram 1500 line has historically received positive reviews and accolades for its design and capability.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era of Ram typically showed average to above-average reliability in powertrain, but varied in other areas. Consult specific reports for detailed analysis.
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