air conditioning Ram 1500 2011 User Guide

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
550 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse located in
the Integrated Power Module, located in the engine
compartment. The IOD cavity includes a snap-in re-
tainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected without
removing it from the fuse block.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
•Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
NOTE:
•When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until fully
seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do a
full sweep when the ignition switch is turned to the
RUN position. This is a normal condition.
•When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the IOD
fuse is in the up or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry or other features do not
work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 546
Adding Fuel ........................... 452
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 133
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 536
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 538
Air Conditioning ........................ 291
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............538,539
Air Conditioning System .............291,295,538
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 302
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 416,424
Airbag .............................. 53,62
Airbag Deployment ....................... 63
Airbag Light ..................... 61,65,83,224
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 64
Airbag, Side .......................... 59,62
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........56,59,62
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm Light ........................... 214 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 271
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 395
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 225
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............545,580
Disposal ........................... 547
Appearance Care ........................ 557
Ashtray ............................... 166
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Headlights .................... 123
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 295
Automatic Transmission ................... 313
Adding Fluid ....................... 556
614 INDEX