2011 Ram 3500 change time

•Water In Fuel Indicator LightThe “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filter. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the
vehicle before you drain the water from the
fuel filter to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
•Wait To Start Light The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
NOTE: The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Due” message will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty-cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
RETURN button. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform
the following steps.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. (Do not
start the engine)
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 27

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages –
Chassis Cab Only
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning messages
when the DEF level reaches a driving range of approxi-
mately 1,000 miles (1 609 km). If the following warning
message sequence is ignored, your vehicle will not start
unless DEF is added.
•Low DEF Refill Soon – This message will display
when the low level is reached, during vehicle start up,
and with increased frequency during vehicle opera-
tion. It will be accompanied by a single chime. Ap-
proximately 6 gallons (23 Liters) of DEF is required to
refill the tank when this message is initially displayed.
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Restart In XXX Miles –
This message will continuously display if the “Low
DEF Refill Soon” message is ignored, and the fre-
quency of occurance of the chime will increase unless
up to 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
The engine will not restart if the mileage counter
reaches zero.
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start – This message will
continuously display when the counter reaches zero,
and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. The
engine will not start after it has been turned off unless
up to 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
NOTE: A minimum of up to 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) may
be required to restart the vehicle. Although the vehicle
will continue to operate while this warning message is
initially displayed, the engine will not restart the next
time the vehicle is shut off.
28 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

message will display in the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) when service is required. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to
inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under
normal operating conditions.
The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message could be displayed
periodically. This is because engine air flow requirements
change based on driving conditions. As the filter becomes
more restrictive and air flow requirements increase the
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will be displayed. The
message may not be displayed in subsequent drive cycles
if the same conditions are not met. The air filter element
should be replaced within 250 miles (402 km) from the
first time this message is displayed to ensure proper
engine operation during all driving conditions.CAUTION!
Driving with a restricted air filter can cause engine
damage. Driving in dusty environments for extended
periods will lead to rapid air filter plugging. Action
should be taken as soon as the “SERVICE AIR
FILTER” message is displayed.
If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
while being driven in heavy snow or rain, or when
plowing snow, and/or the “SERVICE AIR FILTER” mes-
sage is displayed on the EVIC along with a chime that
repeats every 60 seconds, visually inspect the air filter for
snow/ice build up or extreme water saturation. If the air
filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice and reinstall
air filter. If the air filter is damaged, replace filter element.
NOTE: The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 103

to this sensor could result in major engine and/or
exhaust aftertreatment damage. This includes the use of
non-approved air filters. Use only MOPARapproved air
filters or equivalent.
A visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is
never recommended under normal circumstances. A
badly restricted element may appear clean while a soiled
element may be quite effective in filtering particles
without restricting air flow. Rely on the Engine Control
Module to determine when a filter change is necessary.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use
of such filters can severely damage your engine.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
The fuel filter and water separator assembly is located on
the driver’s side of the engine. The best access to the
water drain valve is from under the hood.
CAUTION!
•Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when
the engine is running.
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the
engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate and an audible chime will be heard five times.
At this point you should stop the engine and drain the
water from the separator.
104 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once a Month
•Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
136 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Oil Change Indicator System
Ram Truck Pick-Up (2500 and 3500 Models)
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it is
time to change your engine oil by displaying the words
“Oil Change Due” on your Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). The engine oil change indicator
system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your per-
sonal driving style. Driving styles such as frequent stop
and go type driving or extended idle time can increase
the frequency of the engine oil change. This is the result
of more frequent regeneration of the exhaust after treat-
ment system, which can decrease the life of the engine oil.
Failure to change the engine oil per the maintenance
schedule can result in internal engine damage.For information on resetting the Oil Change Indicator
message, refer to “Oil Change Due” under “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/EVIC Warning
Lights” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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, replace the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under
no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months, whichever comes
first.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 137