2011 Ram 3500 engine

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages – Chassis Cab Only
There are three different messages if the vehicle detects
that the DEF system has been filled with a fluid other
than DEF, component failures, or tampering has been
detected. The vehicle will not start if the DEF system is
not serviced within 750 miles (1 207 km) of the fault being
detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following
warnings will display:
•Service DEF System – See Dealer— This message
will display when the fault is initially detected, each
time the vehicle is started, and periodically during
driving. The message will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible.
•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start In
500 Miles – See Dealer — This message will display if
the DEF system has not been serviced within 250 miles
after the “Service DEF System – See Dealer” message is
displayed. This message will continuously display
until the mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The message will
continue to countdown until it reaches zero unless the
vehicle is serviced. We recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle ser-
viced immediately.
•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start – See
Dealer — This message will continuously display
when the mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The engine will not
restart after it has been turned off, your vehicle will
require towing, see your authorized dealer for service.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 29

NOTE:When this message is displayed, the engine will
no longer start after it has been turned off.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the RETURN
button.
NOTE: Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of LOW FUEL.This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.
Trip Functions
Press and release the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER
button until one of the following Trip Functions displays
in the EVIC:
•Trip A
•Trip B
•Elapsed Time
Press the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button to
cycle through all the Trip Computer functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion.
•Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip A since the last
reset.
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip B since the last
reset.
•Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press and release the ODOMETER/TRIP
ODOMETER button once to clear the resettable function
being displayed. To reset all resettable functions, press
and release the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button a
second time within three seconds of resetting the
currently-displayed function. (Reset ALL will display
during this three-second window).
Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.
•DEF Fluid Level – Chassis Cab Only
Displays the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fluid level.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 31

Compass / Temperature Display
The compass readings indicate the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight com-
pass readings and the outside temperature.
NOTE:
•The system will display the last known outside tem-
perature when starting the vehicle and may need to be
driven several minutes before the updated tempera-
ture is displayed. Engine temperature can also affect
the displayed temperature, therefore temperature
readings are not updated when the vehicle is not
moving.
•During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped with
outside temperature display, the display may show
higher temperatures than the outside ambient tem-
perature. The higher displayed temperature is due to blocked or reduced airflow to the underhood ambient
temperature sensor caused by the snowplow. In addi-
tion, on vehicles equipped with Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (ATC), it is suggested that the interior
cabin temperature be manually controlled should the
system not perform as desired while in automatic
mode. Both the outside temperature display and ATC
operation will return to normal when the snowplow is
removed.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually reset the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will
display CAL until the compass is calibrated. You may
also calibrate the compass by completing one or more
360–degree turns (in an area free from large metal or
metallic objects) until the CAL indicator displayed in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
COMPASS
Button
32 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures ..................... 44
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ........ 44
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ...... 44
▫ Extreme Cold Weather .................. 44
▫ Normal Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) . 45
▫ Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C To 19°C) .... 46
▫ Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............ 47▫
Starting Fluids ....................... 49
 Normal Operation – Diesel Engine .......... 49
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ............... 50
▫ Engine Idling ........................ 52
▫ Stopping The Engine ................... 53
▫ Engine Speed Control .................. 55
▫ Operating Precautions .................. 55
▫ Cooling System Tips – Automatic
Transmission ........................ 55
4

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ......... 57
▫ Block Heater Usage .................... 57
 Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking)
— If Equipped ......................... 58
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ....... 60
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 61
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override ........................... 61
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission With
Overdrive (68RFE) – If Equipped (Ram Truck
Only) .............................. 62
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive
(AS68RC) – If Equipped (Chassis Cab Only) . . 68
 Manual Transmission — If Equipped ......... 74
▫ Shifting ............................ 75 ▫
Downshifting ........................ 76
▫ Reverse Shifting ...................... 77
 Power Take Off Operation — If Equipped
(Chassis Cab Only) ...................... 78
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... 78
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ 79
▫ Power Take Off – Aftermarket Installation .... 80
 Engine Runaway ....................... 81
 Fuel Requirements ...................... 81
▫ Fuel Specifications .................... 82
 Adding Fuel .......................... 83
▫ Fuel Filler Cap ....................... 83
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ........... 84
42 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
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.
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
•The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
44 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized MOPAR
dealer.
•A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
•A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
Normal Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66°F (19°C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake. 2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. For
vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEUTRAL.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and watch
the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 45