engine Ram 1500 2011 Service Manual

Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. TheOil Change Duemessage will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty-cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
RETURN button. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance), perform
the following steps.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. (Do not
start the engine) 2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps.
Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver Mode / Distance To
Empty (DTE) — If Equipped
Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read “0”
or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the history
information will be erased, and the averaging will con-
tinue from the last fuel average reading before the reset.
Fuel Saver Mode
The FUEL SAVER MODE message will display above the
average fuel economy in the EVIC display. This message
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will appear whenever the Multi-Displacement System
(MDS) (if equipped) allows the engine to operate on four
cylinders, or if you are driving in a fuel efficient manner.
This feature allows you to monitor when you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner, and it can be used to modify
driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.Distance To Empty (DTE)
Distance To Empty (DTE) Shows the estimated distance
that can be traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank.
This estimated distance is determined by a weighted
average of the instantaneous and average fuel economy,
according to the current fuel tank level. DTE cannot be
reset through the RETURN button.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 10 miles (16 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of LOW FUEL.This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.
Fuel Saver Mode — On
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display any one of the following choices.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Temperature — If Equipped
Displays the actual oil temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature — If Equipped
Displays the actual transmission temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the number of hours of engine operation.
•Trailer Brake — If Equipped
Displays trailer brake output power and trailer brake
status indicator.
Tire PSI
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Tire
PSI” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
This will display the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(shows the current pressure of all four road tires). For
additional information, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitor
System” in “Starting And Operating”.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Compass / Temperature Display
The compass readings indicate the direction the vehicle is
facing. The EVIC will display one of eight compass
readings and the outside temperature.
NOTE:
•The system will display the last known outside tem-
perature when starting the vehicle and may need to be
driven several minutes before the updated tempera-
ture is displayed. Engine temperature can also affect
the displayed temperature; therefore, temperature
readings are not updated when the vehicle is not
moving.
•During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped with
outside temperature display, the display may show
higher temperatures than the outside ambient tem-
perature. The higher displayed temperature is due to
blocked or reduced airflow to the underhood ambienttemperature sensor caused by the snowplow. In addi-
tion, on vehicles equipped with Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (ATC), it is suggested that the interior
cabin temperature be manually controlled should the
system not perform as desired while in automatic
mode. Both the outside temperature display and ATC
operation will return to normal when the snowplow is
removed.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually reset the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will
display CAL until the compass is calibrated. You may
also calibrate the compass by completing one or more
360–degree turns (in an area free from large metal or
metallic objects) until the CAL indicator displayed in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Operation
1. Position the MODE control knob to the Auto position
on the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Position the BLOWER control knob in the Auto posi-
tion on the ATC Panel.
3. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the driver and front
passenger temperature buttons. Once the desired tem-
perature is displayed, the system will achieve and auto-
matically maintain that comfort level.
4. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is
not necessary to change the settings. You will experience
the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.NOTE:•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — Customer-Programmable Features
(SETUP)” in this section of the manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low and the DELAY symbol will appear in the ATC
display until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode and
DELAY will no longer be illuminated in the display. The
blower will engage immediately if the Defrost mode is
selected, or by adjusting the blower control knob and
setting the fan to any fixed speed.
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Recirculation mode should only be used temporarily. The
recirculation LED will illuminate on the blower control
knob when this button is selected. Push the button a
second time to turn off the Recirculation mode LED and
allow outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Floor/Defrost Mix and
Defrost modes to improve window clearing operation.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected.Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 309
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 309
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 309
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 310
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 310
▫ After Starting ....................... 311
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 311
 Automatic Transmission ................. 312 ▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 313
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 313
▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped .......................... 313
▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped .......................... 318
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 325
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case – If
Equipped .......................... 325
5

Driving Through Water ................. 366
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 367
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 367
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 369
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 369
 Winch Usage (Power Wagon Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 370
▫ Things To Know Before Using Your Winch . . 370
▫ Understanding The Features Of Your
Winch ............................ 372
▫ Winch Accessories .................... 374
▫ Operating Your Winch ................. 375
▫ Rigging Techniques ................... 388
 Power Steering ....................... 390 ▫
Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 391
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 392
 Parking Brake ........................ 392
 Brake System ........................ 394
▫ 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ....... 394
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 395
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 395
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) –
If Equipped ........................ 396
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 396
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped ...... 397
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If
Equipped .......................... 400
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STARTING AND OPERATING 305

▫Directional Tires – If Equipped ........... 429
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 429
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 430
▫ Base System ........................ 433
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 435
▫ Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire
Light Load Inflation Switch Description
(2500 Models) – If Equipped ............ 439
▫ General Information .................. 442
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 443
▫ 3.7L And 4.7L Engine ................. 443
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 443
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 444
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 444▫
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 445
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 445
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 446
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 446
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 447
 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 448
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 448
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 449
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 449
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 450
▫ Starting ........................... 450
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 451
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the acceleratorpedal. Turn the key fob to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key fob to the OFF position, wait five
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting into any
driving range.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
Tip Start Feature
Do not
press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
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