2011 Ram 2500 lock

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 305
▫Normal Starting..................... 305
▫Automatic Transmission............... 305
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 306
▫After Starting....................... 307
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 307
Automatic Transmission................. 308
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock............. 309
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 309▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 309
▫Four–Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped....................... 311
▫Five–Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped....................... 316
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 323
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case
– If Equipped....................... 323
▫Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted
Transfer Case....................... 326
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▫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

▫Shallow Standing Water............... 363
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 364
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 364
Winch Usage (Power Wagon Only)
— If Equipped........................ 366
▫Things To Know Before Using Your Winch . . 366
▫Understanding The Features Of
Your Winch........................ 368
▫Winch Accessories.................... 370
▫Operating Your Winch................. 371
▫Rigging Techniques................... 383
Power Steering....................... 385
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 386Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only............ 387
Parking Brake........................ 387
Brake System........................ 390
▫3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only....... 390
Electronic Brake Control System........... 390
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 390
▫Traction Control System (TCS) –
If Equipped........................ 391
▫Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 392
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped...... 393
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC) –
If Equipped........................ 396
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STARTING AND OPERATING 301

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 notpress 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 305

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

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.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 turning the key fob to the LOCK position. The
key fob can only be removed from the ignition switch
when the ignition 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
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
Column Shifter – If Equipped
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 (e.g., dead battery).
1. Turn the key fob to the ACC or ON position without
starting the engine.
2. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position
3. Firmly set the parking brake.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309

5. Using a 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.
Center Console Shifter – If Equipped
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 (e.g., dead battery). To access
the override, use a flat-bladed screwdriver to carefully
remove the override cover which is located on the right
of the shift lever gate.
1. Turn the key fob to the ACC or ON position without
starting the engine.
2. Firmly set the parking brake.
3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
Interlock Manual Override
310 STARTING AND OPERATING