2011 Ram 1500 belt

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 309

your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low Range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power
range. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and
down hills, with improved control and less effort. Also,
use 4L (Low Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get
heavy loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4H
(High Range) traction will not do the job.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 349

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.
538 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped
During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On
Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty
hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV
exposure will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss
over time.
562 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s).
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S598 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid and Filter Changes............... 557
Fluid Level Check ..............554,555,556
Fluid Type ...................... 554,583
Gear Ranges ........................ 314
Shifting ........................... 318
Special Additives ..................... 555
Torque Converter .................... 318
Axle Fluid .......................... 553,583
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 553
B-Pillar Location ........................ 411
Back-Up Camera ........................ 147
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ................ 344
Battery ............................... 536
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 127
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,83
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 539Brake Assist System
...................... 396
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 395
Brake Fluid ......................... 551,583
Brake System ........................ 394,550
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 395
Fluid Check ........................ 551
Master Cylinder ..................... 551
Parking ........................... 392
Warning Light ....................... 219
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 313
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ....................... 571
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,570
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 576
Calibration, Compass ..................... 241
Camera, Rear ........................... 147
Camper ............................... 198
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 580
10
INDEX 615

Caps, FillerOil (Engine) ........................ 534
Power Steering ...................... 391
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 547
Car Washes ............................ 558
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,447
Cargo Light ............................ 126
Cellular Phone ....................... 101,290
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 575
Center Lap Belts ......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 174
Certification Label ....................... 453
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 407
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............223,530
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint ........................ 67,68
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,76Child Seat
............................ 68,74
Cigar Lighter ........................... 166
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 560
Climate Control ......................... 290
Clock ............................. 250,260
Cold Weather Operation ................... 310
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 290
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 419
Compass .............................. 240
Compass Calibration ..................... 241
Compass Variance ....................... 241
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 237
Connector UCI ........................... 274,280
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....274,280
Conserving Fuel ...................... 235,237
Console, Overhead ....................... 150
Contract, Service ........................ 607
616 INDEX

Information Center, Vehicle................. 227
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 93
Instrument Cluster ................. 206,208,210
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 205
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 562
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 564
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ............. 466
Interior Appearance Care .................. 560
Interior Lights .......................... 125
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 130
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 167
Jack Location ........................... 491
Jump Starting .......................... 510
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 17 Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)
................... 16
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 128
Lane Change Assist ...................... 128
Lap Belts .............................. 48
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 39
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren) .............................. 72
Latches ................................ 85
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 86
Life of Tires ............................ 422
Light Bulbs ............................. 85
Lights .............................. 85,121
Airbag ...................... 61,65,83,224
Alarm ............................ 214
Anti-Lock .......................... 225
Automatic Headlights ................. 123
622 INDEX