service indicator Ram 3500 2011 User Guide
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3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If One Or More Shift Conditions Are Not Met:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to theShifting Procedurefor your transfer
case, located in this section.The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause
damage to driveline components.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 329
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If One Or More Shift Conditions Are Not Met:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con-
tinue to flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to theShifting Procedurefor your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains onafter engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
336 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 417 of 622
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depthbecomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire 416 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 418 of 622
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 417
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 519
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the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
520 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
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S574 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Power Steering........................ 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 536
Car Washes............................ 547
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,440
Cargo Light............................ 126
Cellular Phone.......................100,285
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 564
Center Lap Belts......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 171
Certification Label....................... 446
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 403
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............219,520
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint........................68,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............73,76
Child Seat............................69,75
Cigar Lighter........................... 163Cleaning
Wheels............................. 548
Climate Control......................... 285
Clock.............................246,256
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 285
Compass.............................. 236
Compass Calibration..................... 237
Compass Variance....................... 237
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 233
Connector
UCI .............................270,276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......270,276
Conserving Fuel......................231,233
Console, Overhead....................... 149
Contract, Service........................ 595
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 536
Cooling System......................... 534
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 535
Coolant Capacity...................... 569
604 INDEX
Page 612 of 622
Center Mounted Stop................... 564
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 219
Courtesy/Reading..................... 149
Daytime Running...................... 127
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 399
Exterior.............................. 86
Fog ..........................124,221,562
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 327
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 482
Headlights........................... 123
High Beam........................129,215
High Beam Indicator.................... 215
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 129
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................202,206
Interior..........................125,149
Lights On Reminder.................... 127
Low Fuel............................ 214
Oil Pressure.......................... 217Passing............................. 128
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 222
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 210
Service............................. 559
Side Marker.......................... 568
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 210
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........217,424
Traction Control....................... 399
Transfer Case......................... 327
Turn Signal...................86,128,559,562
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . 202,206
Limited-Slip Differential................360,542
Loading Vehicle......................... 446
Tires ............................... 407
Locks................................. 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 29
Power Door........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 424
10
INDEX 611
Page 613 of 622
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 73
Lubrication, Body....................... 529
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 526
Maintenance Procedures................... 522
Maintenance Schedule.................... 574
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 520
Manual, Service......................... 597
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check..................... 543
Lubricant Selection..................... 572
Memory Seat........................... 116
Methanol............................. 437
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 233
Mirrors................................ 93
Automatic Dimming..................... 94
Electric Powered....................... 96
Heated.............................. 97Memory............................. 116
Outside.............................. 94
Rearview............................. 93
Trailer Towing......................... 99
Mode
Fuel Saver........................231,233
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 424
Mopar Parts.........................521,596
MTBE/ETBE........................... 437
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 387
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps).......... 147
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 81
Occupant Restraints...................38,61,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............57,61,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 435
612 INDEX