2011 Ram 3500 ECO mode

REVERSE
This range should be used only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
This range provides all forward gears, including fourth
gear direct, fifth and sixth. Use this range for most city
and highway driving. Upshifts into both overdrive gears,
fifth and sixth, will be delayed when the transmission
fluid temperature is between -4°F (-20°C) and 41°F (5°C).
During very cold conditions when the transmission fluid
is below -4°F (-20°C), the transmission will be limited to
third gear. Normal operation will return after the trans-
mission fluid warms up.NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in second or first gear selections in high ambients
as torque converter slip can impose significant additional
heat load on the cooling system.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fifth and sixth gear. The transmis-
sion will automatically shift from DRIVE to fifth or sixth
gear 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 38 mph
(61 km/h) for fifth gear and 50 mph (80 km/h) for
sixth gear;
•the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated
(sixth gear is inhibited in “TOW/HAUL” mode);
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STARTING AND OPERATING 71

•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission shift schedule initially re-
stricts transmission operation in forward gear ranges to
third gear until the transmission fluid temperature rises
to a suitable level. During this condition, the ability of the
vehicle to accelerate under heavily loaded conditions
may be reduced. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque
Converter Clutch” in this section.
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. After cool
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 to 40 mph (57 to 65 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 once to select the
“TOW/HAUL” mode. This will improve performance
and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or
failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in
“TOW/HAUL” mode, sixth gear is disabled and 2-3 and
3-4 and 4–5 shift patterns are modified. Shifts into
Overdrive (fifth gear) are allowed during steady cruise
(for improved fuel economy). When “TOW/HAUL”
mode is selected, the transmission may automatically
downshift into a lower gear to improve engine braking
performance when the throttle pedal is not pressed.
72 STARTING AND OPERATING

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is started.
WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine
braking can cause the rear wheels to slide, and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which may cause an accident possi-
bly resulting in personal injury or death.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to first or
second gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 73

Shifting
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully pressed to start the vehicle.Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
This transmission has a “creeper” first gear (L=Low)
which should be used to start from a standing position
when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to
the clutch can result from starting in second or third gear
with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be
launched in second gear. Use each gear in numerical
order – do not skip a gear.
You should use first gear when starting from a standing
position if under heavy load or when pulling a trailer.Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
Shift Pattern
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STARTING AND OPERATING 75

ModeFuel Saver ............................ 30
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................. 6
Noise Control Maintenance ......................... 126
Tampering Prohibited ................... 126
Noise Emission Warranty ...............125,127
Odometer .............................. 13
Trip ................................ 13
Oil Change Indicator ................... 27,137
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 27
Oil, Engine ............................ 131
Capacity ............................ 130
Change Interval ........................ 99
Dipstick ............................. 98
Disposal ............................ 102
Filter .......................... 98,102,131Identification Logo
..................... 100
Materials Added to ..................... 102
Pressure Gauge ........................ 13
Recommendation ...................... 100
Synthetic ............................ 102
Viscosity ............................ 100
Overdrive ............................ 65,71
Overdrive OFF Switch ................... 65,71
Perform Service Indicator, Reset ............. 138
Personal Settings ......................... 34
Power Take-Off Adapter ....................... 78
Take-Off Operation ...................... 78
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 133
Programmable Electronic Features ............. 34
PTO (Power Take-Off) ..................... 78
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ....... 114,116
166 INDEX