2011 Ram 3500 warning light

•Electronic Speed Control Indicator LightThis light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning LightThis light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle, will usually be drivable, however, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required and you may experience reduced performance,
an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle
may require towing.
•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. This indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the indicator to continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 25

normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “What To Do In Emergencies/If Your
Engine Overheats” in the Owner’s Manual for more
information.
•SERV 4WD Warning LightThis light monitors the electric shift 4WD sys-
tem. If the SERV 4WD warning light stays on or
comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and
that service is required.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as four-wheel drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the “Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light” illuminated will eventually
cause severe transmission damage or transmission
failure.
WARNING!
In some circumstances, the “Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light” under continued operation,
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
26 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel or
the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into the
fuel system. If your engine has run out of fuel, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has
Run Out Of Fuel” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
Starting Fluids
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids are never to be
used in the Cumminsdiesel engine (see Warning
label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid,
starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air
intake piping, or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and
explosion causing serious personal injury and engine
damage. The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
NORMAL OPERATION – DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
•All message center lights are off.
•Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
•Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
•Voltmeter operation:
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STARTING AND OPERATING 49

•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” later 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 and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion 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
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
“TOW/HAUL.” In “TOW/HAUL” mode, fourth to fifth
gear upshifts are delayed. Shifts into fifth and sixth gear
are still allowed under steady cruise conditions. Closed
throttle downshifts (for improved engine braking) may
occur during steady braking maneuvers. Pressing the
switch a second time restores normal operation. Normal
operation is always the default at engine start-up.
66 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connect-
ing jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch
each other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24 Volt power source.NOTE:
Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper
cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
90 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Charge Air Cooler – Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables more efficient
burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and an “MIN” mark. The fluid level must
be kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above
the full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 119