instrument panel Ram 3500 2011 Owner's Guide

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,
parking lights, instrument panel lights, cargo lights and
fog lights (if equipped).Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight and fog
light (if equipped) lenses that are lighter and less suscep-
tible to stone breakage than glass lights. Plastic is not as
scratch resistant as glass and therefore different lens
cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents,
steel wool or other abrasive materials to clean the
lenses.
Headlight Switch Location
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlights
To turn on the headlights, rotate the headlight
switch clockwise. When the headlight switch is
on the parking lights, taillights, license plate
light and instrument panel lights are also
turned on. To turn off the headlights, rotate the headlight
switch back to the O (Off) position.
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system on,
rotate the headlight switch to the A (AUTO) position.
When the system is on, the Headlight Delay feature is
also on. This means the headlights will stay on for up to
90 seconds after you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position. To turn the automatic headlights off, turn the
headlight switch out of the AUTO position.
Automatic Headlight Position
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123

NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will turn on in the Automatic Mode.
Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
approximately 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when
the ignition is turned OFF while the headlight switch is
on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight
delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlight
switch on then off, or by turning the ignition ON.
The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Customer-Programmable Features (SETUP)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Parking Lights and Panel Lights
To turn on the parking lights and instrument panel
lights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the
parking light symbol. To turn off the parking lights,
rotate the headlight switch back to the O (Off) position.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The fog lights are turned on by rotating the headlight
switch to the parking light or headlight position and
pushing in the headlight rotary control.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control right (brighter)
or left (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
to the right until you hear a click. This feature is termed
the “Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are
required during the day.Cargo Light
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the cargo
button.
The cargo lights will also turn on for approximately
30 seconds when a RKE transmitter UNLOCK button is
pressed, as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.
Dimmer Control
Cargo Light Switch
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129

Enabling and Disabling Park Sense
ParkSensecan be enabled and disabled with a switch
located in the switch bank of the instrument panel or
through the Customer-Programmable Features section of
the EVIC. The available choices are: OFF, Sound Only, or
Sound and Display. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
When the ParkSenseswitch is pressed to
disable the system, the instrument cluster will
display the “PARK ASSIST OFF” message for
approximately five seconds. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
When the shift lever is moved to REVERSE and the
system is disabled, the EVIC will display the “PARK
ASSIST OFF” message for as long as the vehicle is in
REVERSE.The ParkSenseswitch LED will be ON when Park-
Senseis disabled or defective. The ParkSenseswitch
LED will be OFF when the system is enabled.
The ParkSensesystem uses four sensors located in the
rear bumper fascia to scan for obstacles up to 79 in
(200 cm) away from the rear bumper fascia. The warning
display located above in the Instrument Cluster ’s EVIC
provides both visual and audible warnings to indicate
the range of the object.
Service the ParkSenseRear Park Assist System
When the ParkSenseRear Park Assist System is mal-
functioning, the instrument cluster will actuate a single
chime, once per ignition cycle, and it will display the
“CLEAN PARK ASSIST SENSORS” or the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information. When
the shift lever is moved to REVERSE and the system has
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143

For vehicles equipped with an optional floor shifter.
POWER INVERTER — IF EQUIPPED
A 115 Volt (150 Watts Maximum) outlet is located on the
center stack of the instrument panel, to the right of theradio. This outlet can power cellular phones, electronics
and other low power devices requiring power up to 150
Watts. Certain high-end video games, such as Playsta-
tion3 and XBox360 will exceed this power limit, as will
most power tools.
The power inverter is designed with built-in overload
protection. If the power rating of 150 Watts is exceeded,
the power inverter will automatically shut down. Once
the electrical device has been removed from the outlet the
inverter should automatically reset. If the power rating
exceeds approximately 170 Watts, the power inverter
may have to be reset manually. To reset the inverter
manually press the power inverter button OFF and ON.
To avoid overloading the circuit, check the power ratings
on electrical devices prior to using the inverter.
Optional Floor Shifter
1 — Cigar Lighter
2 — Ash Receiver 164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — (40–20–40
Seats)
The cupholders are located in the pull-out tray at the bottom
of the center stack. The pull-out tray must be secured when
opened. To secure the tray push down until it “clicks”.
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Mounted Shifter
For vehicles equipped with bucket seats and a floor
mounted shifter there are two cupholders located in the
floor console.
Front Cupholders
Cupholders (Floor Mounted Shifter)
166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STORAGE
Glove Box Storage
The glove box is located on the passenger side of the
instrument panel and features both an upper and lower
storage area.
Glove Box
1 — Upper Glove Box
2 — Lower Glove Box 168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is located on the
climate control panel. Press this button to turn on
the rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors
(if equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time.
NOTE:To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
176 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE