air conditioning Ram 3500 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

throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
instrument panel below the radio.
NOTE:During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped
with outside temperature display, the display may show
higher temperatures than the outside ambient tempera-
ture. The higher displayed temperature is due to blocked
or reduced airflow to the underhood ambient tempera-
ture sensor caused by the snowplow. In addition, on
vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature 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 tem-
perature display and ATC operation will return to nor-
mal when the snowplow is removed.
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System
The controls for the manual heating and air conditioning
system in this vehicle consist of a series of outer rotarydials and inner push knobs. These comfort controls can
be set to obtain desired interior conditions.
1 – Front Blower 4 – DEFROST Mode
2 – Temperature Control 5 – Air Conditioning (A/C)
3 – MODE Control 6 – RECIRCULATION Control 286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Front Blower Control
There are four blower speeds. Use this
control to regulate the amount of air
forced through the system in any
mode you select. The blower speed
increases as you move the control
clockwise from the OFF position.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the OFF position.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. Rotating the knob coun-
terclockwise, from top center into the
blue area of the scale, indicates coolertemperatures. Rotating the knob clockwise, into the red
area, indicates warmer temperatures.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser (located in front of the radiator), for an accumu-
lation of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
Mode Control (Air Direction)
Mode control allows you to choose
from several patterns of air distribu-
tion. You can select either a primary
mode, as identified by the symbols, or
a blend of two of these modes. The
closer the control is to a particular
mode, the more air distribution you
receive from that mode.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

Panel Mode
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
Bi-Level Mode
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE:There is a difference in temperature (in any
conditions other than full cold or full hot), between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Floor Mode
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount through the defrost and side window
demist outlets.
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort, while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost Mode
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use the DEFROST mode
with maximum blower and warm temperature settings
for best windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the
A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Economy Mode
If ECONOMY mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the LED indicator and the A/C compressor. Rotate the
temperature control knob to the desired temperature.
Air Conditioning Operation
Push this button to engage the Air
Conditioning (A/C). A LED will illu-
minate when the A/C system is
engaged.
MAX A/C
For maximum cooling, when MAX
A/C is selected the A/C is turned on
automatically and the air is recircu-
lated.NOTE:A/C cannot be deselected when in MAX A/C
position. The LED will blink three times if the A/C
button is pushed.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
•
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows
both driver and front passenger seat occupants to
select individual comfort settings.
•When occupants in the vehicle select an Auto mode
operation, Auto blower operation is set by using rotary
knobs on the control unit and a comfort temperature
setting by using the temperature up and down but-
tons.
•The system provides set-and-forget operation for op-
timum comfort and convenience.
•The system can be controlled manually, if desired.
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the panel
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of
air is directed through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Air comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demist outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions. It allows you to stay comfortable
while keeping the windshield clear.
Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window
demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with maximum
blower and temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting.NOTE:While operating in the other modes, the system
will not automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or
ice on the windshield. Defrost mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to manually activate or deactivate the air
conditioning system. When in A/C mode and the
ATC is set to a cool temperature, dehumidified air flows
through the air outlets. If Economy mode is desired, press
the A/C button to turn off the A/C mode in the ATC
display and deactivate the A/C system.
NOTE:
•If the system is in Mix, Bi-Level or Defrost Mode, the
A/C can be turned off, but the A/C system shall
remain active to prevent fogging of the windows.
•If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vacation/Storage
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
fresh air with the blower setting in high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging and Frosting
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the glass in
mild, rainy and/or humid weather. Windows may frost
on the inside of the glass in very cold weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and increase
the front blower speed. Do not use the Recirculation
mode without A/C for long periods, as fogging may
occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, can cause
odor, and if they enter the plenum they could plug the
water drains. In Winter months make sure the air intake
is clear of ice, slush and snow.
296 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
1500 Models Only
NOTE:Do not use this model vehicle for snowplow
applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows and other aftermarket equipment should
not be added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in
the front end structure. The airbags could deploy
unexpectedly or could fail to deploy during a colli-
sion resulting in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as de-
scribed earlier in this manual
2500/3500 Models Only
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
466 STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air condi-
tioning service be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks Only)
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information. Use MOPARType MS-6560 (lithium-based
grease), or equivalent.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPARSpray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. After lubricating, excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 529