Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 RAM 3500 Pickup 5.9L.
The 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 Pickup stands as a heavy-duty workhorse built on the sturdy D1 platform, pairing its robust frame with the proven 5.9L engine to deliver the muscle expected from a one-ton truck. With a design focused on towing and payload capacity, this model year carries forward the RAM 3500’s reputation for durability while registering 104 owner complaints—most notably centered around steering components—and three recalls that warrant attention. Positioned in the latter years of the 5.9L’s production run, the 2009 iteration reflects a mature but not flawless chapter in the model’s history, offering researchers a snapshot of reliability that balances long-term dependability with the need for vigilance in specific areas.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 04884899AC alt 05083285AA |
| Engine air filter | 68441763AA alt 53034051AB |
| Fuel filter | 68061634AA |
| Spark plug | SPLZFR5C11 |
| Battery | BB65F121AA alt 04608719AE |
| Front wiper blades | 55077100AE |
| Serpentine belt | 04593852AB alt 53041138AE |
| Thermostat | 68067109AB alt 52028898AJ |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 218.9 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in |
| Overall height | 68.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.1 in |
| Curb weight | 4295 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63 / 63 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 58/42 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 7.2 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF+4 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 6.5 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF+4 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 5.5 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 |
| Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts) | 110.0 ft-lbs |
| Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket | 254.5 ft-lbs |
| Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle | 160.0 ft-lbs |
| Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket | 160.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 145 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 135 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 15.0-22.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 15.0-22.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | .53-.64 ohms |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Pressure Test | 15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi. |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 14-18 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 195 °F |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 56.0-60.0 psi |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 12+-0.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 24 ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | Upper: 163; Lower: 190 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in |
| Rotor Max Parallel Variation | 0.0004 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.0009 in / 0.002 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.535 in / 1.338 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.535 in / 1.338 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 1.472 in / 1.275 in |
| 1 | Snug tighten M12 cylinder head bolts, in sequence, to 34 N##m (25 ft. lbs.) and M8 bolts to 20 N##m (15 ft. lbs.) torque. | |
| 2 | Tighten M12 cylinder head bolts, in sequence, to 54 N##m (40 ft. lbs.) and verify M8 bolts to 20 N##m (15 ft. lbs.) torque. | |
| 3 | Turn M12 cylinder head bolts, in sequence, 90 degrees and tighten M8 bolts to 34 N##m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. | |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi.
| Every 6,000 mi | Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
| Every 7,500 mi | Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) |
| Every 15,000 mi | Fuel Filter (replace) |
| Every 22,500 mi | Brake Linings (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect) |
| Every 67,500 mi | EGR Valve Cooler (clean) |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge RAM 3500 Pickup dominate in one area — the steering, 58 of 104 reports (56%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 5 recall campaigns target the steering, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 6 of the reports describe a crash and 2 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the steering pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 104 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the…
Showing 5 of 29 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103774 | 2025-05-01 | Electrical System | LAMP - DOME |
| 101232 | 2024-10-29 | Power Train | Plate - Planetary |
| 23-015-20 | 2020-04-30 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 08-049-20 | 2020-04-22 | Electrical System | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin… |
| 3100419 | 2019-11-20 | Visibility | Authentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Interactive fuse-box and wiring references for this vehicle, searchable by circuit.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.