steering Ram 1500 2011 User Guide
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NOTE:Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to
entering an automated car wash.
A small blindspot mirror is located next to main mirror
and can be adjusted separately.Uconnect™ Phone — IF EQUIPPED
Uconnect™ Phone is a hands-free system that allows you
to use voice commands to dial a phone number stored in
your mobile phone. Press the Uconnect™ Phone button
on the radio or steering wheel controls (if equipped)
and follow the instructions to pair the mobile phone.
Refer to “Uconnect™ Phone” in the Uconnect™ User
Manual located on the DVD for further details.
VOICE COMMAND — IF EQUIPPED
Voice Commands can be initiated by pressing the VR
button
located on the radio or steering wheel
controls (if equipped).
Refer to “Voice Command” in the Uconnect™ User
Manual located on the DVD for further details.
SEATS
Seats are a part of the Occupant Restraint System of the
vehicle.
Blindspot Mirror
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Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control
This additional feature provides automatic driver’s seat
positioning which will enhance driver mobility into and
out of the vehicle. The seat cushion will move rearward
approximately 2.5 in (60 mm) when the key is removed
from the ignition switch. The seat will move forward
approximately 2.5 in (60 mm) when the key is placed into
the ignition and turned out of the LOCK position. Each
stored memory setting will have an associated Easy Exit
and Easy Entry position. The Easy Exit and Easy Entry
feature may be automatically disabled if the seat is
positioned rearward enough and there is no benefit in
moving the seat any farther rearward.
NOTE:The Easy Entry/Easy Exit feature can be en-
abled or disabled through the programmable features in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Customer-Programmable Features” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.
1. Pull the hood release lever located below the steering
wheel at the base of the instrument panel.
Hood Release
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2. Reach into the opening beneath the center of the hood
and push the safety latch lever from right to left to release
it, before raising the hood.CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center
of the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your
vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open
when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
LIGHTS
The headlight switch is located on the left side of the
instrument panel, next to the steering wheel. The head-
light switch controls the operation of the headlights,Safety Latch (1500 Series Shown)
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Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights are left on
after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime will sound when
the driver’s door is opened.
Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle’s battery, load shedding
is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for
10 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated right for
10 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes. If the headlights are turned on and left on
for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constant Lights ON
condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights
illuminate at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the
parking brake is applied, the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) will turn OFF. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the
DRL lamp on the same side of the vehicle may turn off for
the duration of the turn signal activation. Once the turn
signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate.
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
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High/Low Beam Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument
panel to switch the headlights to high beam. Pulling the
multifunction back toward the steering wheel will turn
the low beams back on, or shut the high beams off.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
Windshield Wipers
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
multifunction lever. Turn the end of the handle to select
the desired wiper speed.
High/Low Beam SwitchWindshield Wiper/Washer Switch
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WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to a collision. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
Mist Feature
Push the washer knob, located on the end of the multi-
function lever, inward to the first detent. The wipers will
cycle one time and automatically shut off to clear road
mist or spray from a passing vehicle.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. The tilt lever is located on the
steering column, below the multifunction lever.Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to unlock the
steering column. With one hand firmly on the steering
wheel, move the steering column up or down, as desired.
Release the lever to lock the steering column firmly in
place.
Tilt Steering Lever
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WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driving.
Adjusting the steering column while driving or driv-
ing with the steering column unlocked, could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Be sure the
steering column is locked before driving your ve-
hicle. Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.
HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED
The steering wheel contains a heating element that helps
warm your hands in cold weather. The heated steering
wheel has only one temperature setting. Once the heated
steering wheel has been turned on it will operate for
approximately 58 to 70 minutes before automatically
shutting off. The heated steering wheel can shut off early
or may not turn on when the steering wheel is already
warm.The heated steering wheel switch is located on the switch
bank below the climate controls.
Press the switch to turn on the heated
steering wheel. The light on the switch
will illuminate to indicate the steering
wheel heater is on. Pressing the switch
a second time will turn off the heated
steering wheel and light indicator.
NOTE: The engine must be running for the heated
steering wheel to operate.
Vehicles Equipped With Remote Start
On models that are equipped with remote start, the
heated steering wheel seat can be programmed to come
on during a remote start. Refer to “Remote Starting
System — If Equipped” in “Things to Know Before
Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
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WARNING!
•Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, ex-
haustion, or other physical conditions must exer-
cise care when using the steering wheel heater. It
may cause burns even at low temperatures, espe-
cially if used for long periods.
•Do not place anything on the steering wheel that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cush-
ion. This may cause the steering wheel heater to
overheat.
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The adjustable pedals system is designed to allow a
greater range of driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and
seat position. This feature allows the brake, accelerator,
and clutch pedals (if equipped) to move toward or awayfrom the driver to provide improved position with the
steering wheel.
The adjustable pedal switch is located to the left side of
the steering column.
•The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
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•The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
REVERSE or when the Electronic Speed Control Sys-
tem is on. The following messages will be displayed
on vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle In-
formation System (EVIC) if the pedals are attempted to
be adjusted when the system is locked out (“Adjust-
able Pedal Disabled — Cruise Control Engaged” or
“Adjustable Pedal Disabled — Vehicle In Reverse”.
CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal’s path.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the pedals while the vehicle is moving.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
adjust the pedals while the vehicle is parked.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, Electronic Speed Control takes over the
accelerator operation at speeds greater than 25 mph
(40 km/h). The Electronic Speed Control lever is located
on the right side of the steering wheel.
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▫Using This Feature ................... 276
▫ Controlling The iPod Using Radio
Buttons ........................... 276
▫ Play Mode ......................... 276
▫ List Or Browse Mode ................. 278
iPod/USB/MP3 Control — If Equipped ..... 280
▫ Connecting The iPod Or External USB
Device ............................ 280
▫ Using This Feature ................... 281
▫ Controlling The iPod Or External USB
Device Using Radio Buttons ............. 282
▫ Play Mode ......................... 282
▫ List Or Browse Mode ................. 283
▫ Bluetooth Streaming Audio (BTSA) ........ 285
Video Entertainment System (VES)™ — If
Equipped ............................ 286
Steering Wheel Audio Controls —
If Equipped .......................... 288
▫ Radio Operation ..................... 289
▫ CD Player ......................... 289
CD/DVD Disc Maintenance .............. 290
Radio Operation And Mobile Phones ....... 290
Climate Controls ...................... 290
▫ Manual Heating And Air Conditioning
System ............................ 291
▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —
If Equipped ........................ 295
▫ Summer Operation ................... 300
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203