2011 Ram 1500 heater

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

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key
fob is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.1500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
2500/3500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille
by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on
the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 311

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is
beneficial for E-85 startability when the ambient tempera-
ture is less than 32°F (0°C).
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 451

NOTE:The positive battery post is covered with a
protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post.WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.
Positive Battery Post
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 511

Dual Rear Wheels..................... 429,507
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 286
E-85 Fuel ............................. 448
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 180
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 162
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 395
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 395
Brake Assist System ................... 396
Electronic Stability Program ............. 400
Traction Control System ................ 396
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 318
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 134
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 400
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 147,227
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........329,336
Emergency Brake ........................ 392 Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 514
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 491
Jump Starting ....................... 510
Tow Hooks ......................... 515
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 530
Engine .......................... 526,527,528
Air Cleaner ......................... 536
Block Heater ........................ 311
Break-In Recommendations .............. 81
Compartment Identification ........526,527,528
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 582
Exhaust Gas Caution ................82,447
Flooded, Starting ..................... 310
Fuel Requirements .................... 580
Jump Starting ....................... 510
Multi-Displacement ................... 392
Oil ......................... 533,580,582
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 534
618 INDEX

Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 457
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 456
Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 454
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) ............. 101
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 366
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 491
Head Restraints ......................... 114
Headlights ............................ 571
Automatic ......................... 123
Cleaning ........................... 561
High Beam ......................... 129
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 129
Lights On Reminder .................. 127
Passing ............................ 128
Switch ............................ 123 Heated Mirrors
....................... 99,180
Heated Seats ........................... 104
Heater ............................... 291
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 311
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 129
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 460
Hoisting .............................. 510
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 152
Hood Release .......................... 120
Hub Caps ............................. 505
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................. 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 16
Infant Restraint ........................ 67,68
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 424
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INDEX 621