2011 Ram 3500 towing

•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

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
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 75

15,000 Miles (24,000 km) or 12 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and
engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
140 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

30,000 Miles (48,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the wheel bearings.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Check the transfer case fluid (4x4).
❏ Change automatic transmission fluid (Chassis Cab Only).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
142 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

45,000 Miles (72,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
144 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

60,000 Miles (96,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the wheel bearings.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change automatic transmission fluid and sump filter (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing (Ram
Truck Only).
❏ Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add if necessary.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid (4x4).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
146 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

75,000 Miles (120,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if not replaced at 105,000 miles (168 000 km).
❏ Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
148 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

90,000 Miles (144,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect drive belt, replace as required.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the wheel bearings.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Check the transfer case fluid (4x4).
❏ Change automatic transmission fluid (Chassis Cab Only).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
150 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES