2011 Ram 2500 light

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

▫Transfer Case Position Indicator Light...... 327
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped....... 327
▫Shifting Procedure................... 331
▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) – If Equipped....... 334
▫Shifting Procedure................... 338
Axle Locker System (2500 Models Only)
— If Equipped........................ 340
Safe Off-Road Driving —
Power Wagon Only..................... 343
▫Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics...................... 343
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 345▫Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)............................ 347
▫Hill Climbing....................... 349
▫Driving Through Water................ 352
▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving....... 354
▫Vehicle Recovery..................... 355
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 359
Limited-Slip Differential................. 360
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 361
▫Acceleration........................ 361
▫Traction........................... 362
Driving Through Water................. 362
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 362
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light............ 399
▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC) – If Equipped . . . 400
Tire Safety Information................. 401
▫Tire Markings....................... 401
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 405
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions......... 406
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 407
Tires — General Information............. 411
▫Tire Pressure....................... 411
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 412
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 413
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 414▫Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped......... 414
▫Tire Spinning....................... 415
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 416
▫Life Of Tire........................ 416
▫Replacement Tires.................... 417
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information
— If Equipped........................ 418
Tire Chains.......................... 418
Snow Tires.......................... 420
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 421
▫Directional Tires – If Equipped........... 422
▫Dual Rear Wheels.................... 423
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 424
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Base System........................ 426
▫Premium System – If Equipped.......... 428
▫Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire
Light Load Inflation Switch Description
(2500 Models) – If Equipped............ 431
▫General Information.................. 435
Fuel Requirements..................... 435
▫3.7L And 4.7L Engine................. 435
▫5.7L Engine........................ 436
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 436
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 437
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 437
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 438
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 438▫Fuel System Cautions................. 439
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 440
Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped.......................... 440
▫E85 General Information............... 440
▫Ethanol Fuel (E85)................... 441
▫Fuel Requirements................... 442
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 443
▫Starting........................... 443
▫Cruising Range...................... 443
▫Replacement Parts................... 443
▫Maintenance........................ 444
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth gear (OVERDRIVE). The
transmission will automatically shift from third gear to
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirablegear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift to third gear and fourth gear will be enabled under
steady cruise conditions.The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will operate (when in DRIVE) in second gear only.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 315

3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key fob to
the LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in highgear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped
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
(Column Shift Only).
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
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

through third gear are underdrive gears, and fourth gear
is direct drive. ERS fifth gear (Overdrive) is the same as
the normal fourth gear.
When in the DRIVE position in first through fourth gear,
the first tap down (-), will display the ERS designation for
the current gear (the transmission will not downshift).
For example, if you are in DRIVE and are in third (direct)
gear, when you tap the shift lever/switch one time in the
(-) direction, the display will show 4 (ERS 4 is direct gear).
Another tap down (-) will shift the transmission down to
ERS 3 (the added underdrive gear). When in the DRIVE
position in fifth gear, the first tap down (-) will downshift
the transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the same as
normal fourth gear). Another tap down (-) will shift the
transmission down to ERS 4 (direct gear).
To exit ERS mode, press and hold the shift lever/switch
in the (+) position until “D” is once again highlighted in
the instrument cluster display.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12345*D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-5
* Applies to vehicles equipped with 4.7L and 5.7L
engines only.
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), hold the shift lever/switch
in the (-) position continuously while braking. The trans-
mission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can
best be slowed down.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING