air conditioning Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 User Guide

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
Section 3 of the Warranty Information Book, lo-
cated on the DVD, for further warranty informa-
tion.
•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.
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 Prop Shaft Lubrication – Four-Wheel Drive
Models
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. Use MOPAR Type MS-6560
(lithium-based grease), or equivalent.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•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 “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401

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
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the
instrument cluster in the odometer window will dis-
play
NO FUSE.”
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

Adding Fuel........................... 326
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 148
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 388
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 390
Air Conditioning ........................ 249
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 249
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 260
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............390,391
Air Conditioning System .............249,253,390
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 308,317
Airbag ................................ 50
Airbag Deployment ....................... 56
Airbag Light ................... 51,55,59,75,191
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 58
Airbag, Side ............................ 54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 183
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 243
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............397,398
Capacities ........................... 426
Disposal ............................ 400
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............191,296
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 409
Ashtray ............................... 159
Assistance Towing ....................... 102
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Headlights .................... 139
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 253
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 407
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 408
458 INDEX