Ram 2500 2011 Owner's Manual

Climate Controls...................... 285
▫Manual Heating And Air Conditioning
System............................ 286
▫Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
— If Equipped...................... 290
▫Summer Operation................... 295▫Winter Operation.................... 295
▫Vacation/Storage.................... 296
▫Window Fogging And Frosting.......... 296
▫Outside Air Intake................... 296
▫Operating Tips...................... 297
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Headlight Switch 7 — 115v Power Inverter Outlet 13 — Transfer Case Position Switch
2 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Power Outlet 14 — Ignition Switch
3 — Radio 9 — Lower Switch Bank 15 — Hood Release
4 — Upper Switch Bank 10 — Cup Holders 16 — Parking Brake Release
5 — Upper Glove Compartment 11 — Climate Controls
6 — Lower Glove Compartment 12 — Power Outlet/Cigar Lighter
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

SWITCH BANK BUTTON DESCRIPTION
Upper Switch Bank
The upper switch bank is located on the center of the
instrument panel.1. TOW/HAUL
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for more information.
2. ESC OFF
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for more information.
3. HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
Refer to “What To Do In Emergencies” for more infor-
mation.
4. 115V POWER INVERTER
Refer to “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for more information.
5. REAR PARK ASSIST
Refer to “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for more information.
6. TPMS LIGHT LOAD — IF EQUIPPED
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for more information.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Lower Switch Bank
The lower switch bank is located on the center of the
instrument panel.1. HEATED SEATS
Refer to “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for more information.
2. VENTILATED SEATS
Refer to “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for more information.
3. HEATED STEERING WHEEL
Refer to “Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle”
for more information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — BASE
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — PREMIUM
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in Revolutions
Per Minute (RPM).
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
2. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at a
rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating 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.
206 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 “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
5. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/km/h).
6. 4 LOW
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels.
For further information on four-wheel drive operation
and proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation —
If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating”.
7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
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 autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required and you may experience reduced performance,
an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle
may require towing.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information.
8. 4WD Indicator
This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels
to receive torque from the engine simulta-
neously.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

9. 4WD Auto Indicator
The 4WD auto indicator will be illuminated
whenever the four-wheel drive mode is auto-
matically engaged.
10. SERV (Service) 4WD
The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift
four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD
light stays on or comes on during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not
functioning properly and that service is required.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information.11. TOW/HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located on the
center stack upper switch bank. This light will
illuminate when TOW HAUL mode is selected.
12. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209