steering RAM CHASSIS CAB 2011 Owner's Manual

NOTE: The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass. This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:
• Vehicle Info display
• Vehicle information warning message displays
• Customer-Programmable Features (System Setup)
• Compass display
• Outside temperature display
• Trip computer functions
• Distance To Empty (DTE) display
• Average Fuel Economy
• Audio Modes displayElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193

Steering wheel EVIC control button, as
it appears on the left side of the steer-
ing wheel.
Press and release the UP button to scroll up-
ward through the main menus (DTE, mi/gal,
System Info, Messages, Units, Setup) and sub
menus.
Press and release the DOWN button to scroll
downward through the main menus and sub
menus. Steering wheel EVIC control button as
it appears on the right side of the
steering wheel.
Press and release the SELECT button for access
to main menus, sub menus or to select a
personal setting in the system setup menu.
Press the BACK button to scroll back to a
previous menu or sub menu.194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

make your selection, press and release the SELECT
button until a check-mark appears next to the feature
showing the system has been activated or the check-mark
is removed, showing the system has been deactivated.
Remote Start Comfort Sys.
When this feature is selected and the remote start is
activated, the heated steering wheel and driver heated
seat features will automatically turn on in cold weather.
In warm weather, the driver vented seat feature will
automatically turn on when the remote start is activated.
These features will stay on through the duration of
remote start or until the key is turned to RUN. To make
your selection, press and release the SELECT button until
a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the
system has been activated or the check-mark is removed,
showing the system has been deactivated.
Compass Variance
Refer to “Compass Display” for more information. Calibrate Compass
Refer to “Compass Display” for more information.
MEDIA CENTER 730N/430/430N (RER/RBZ/RHB)
CD/DVD/HDD/NAV — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE: The sales code is located on the lower right side
of the unit’s faceplate.
Refer to your Uconnect™ Multimedia RER, RBZ or RHB
user’s manual for detailed operating instructions.
Operating Instructions (Voice Command System) —
If Equipped
Refer to “Voice Command” in the Uconnect™ User
Manual located on the DVD for further details.
Operating Instructions (Uconnect™ Phone) —
If Equipped
Refer to “Uconnect™ Phone” in the Uconnect™ User
Manual located on the DVD for further details.210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS —
IF EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches. The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. Pressing the top of the switch
will increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.
The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio, CD or other valid audio
source.
The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. The function of the left hand
control is different depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will SEEK up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will SEEK down for the next listenable station.Remote Sound System Controls
(Back View Of Steering Wheel)
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245

▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 278
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 282
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 284
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 285
 Driving Through Water ................. 285
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 286
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 286
 Power Steering ....................... 288
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 289
 Parking Brake ........................ 289
 Brake System ........................ 292
▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........... 292 ▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 292
 Tire Safety Information ................. 294
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 294
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 298
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 299
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 300
 Tires — General Information ............. 304
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 304
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 305
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 309
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 309
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 310
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 310260 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the transmission into PARK, remove
the key fob from the ignition, and apply the
parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from
the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK
position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement. Furthermore, you should never leave
unattended children inside a vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition switch when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position
and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
ignition switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine
running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (i.e., dead battery).
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position
without starting the engine.
2. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 267

3. Firmly set the parking brake.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Using the screwdriver or other suitable tool, press and
hold the override tab through the access port (ringed
circle) on the bottom of the steering column. 6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
Five–Speed Automatic Transmission (545RFE) —
5.7L Engine Only
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift
lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering
column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift
lever left (-) or right (+), or toggle the switch on theInterlock Manual Override268 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system. • Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.288 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied, the engine is off and the key fob is
removed from the ignition switch. Also, be certain to
leave an automatic transmission in PARK, or manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 289

BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the
brakes will still function. However, you will experience a
substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This
will be evident by increased pedal travel during applica-
tion, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
activation of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS
Warning Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions. NOTE: Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
WARNING!The Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System contains
sophisticated electronic equipment. It may be sus-
ceptible to interference caused by improperly in-
stalled or high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified professionals.
The Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is de-
signed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system operates292 STARTING AND OPERATING