2011 Ram 3500 engine coolant

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the key fob. If the steering wheel is moved approxi-
mately a half turn in either direction and the key fob is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key fob. Turn
the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the
lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and start the
engine. If the key fob is difficult to turn, move the wheel
slightly to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations are followed:
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
•Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
•Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
6 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
2. Turn Signal Indicator Light The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 11

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats.
5. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (MPH/km/h).
6. 4LOW Indicator Light – If Equipped This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
7. 4WD Indicator Light – If Equipped
This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels
to receive torque from the engine simulta-
neously.
8. 4WD Auto Indicator Light – If Equipped The 4WD AUTO indicator light will be illumi-
nated whenever the four-wheel drive mode is
automatically engaged.
12 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

EVIC Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•Door(s) Ajar (icon only)
•Key In Ignition
•Turn Signal On
•Key Battery Low
•Coolant Low
•Oil Change Due
•Oil Temp High Speed May be Limited
•Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Out
•Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out
•Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Out
•Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle Not in Park
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle in Motion
•Service Air Filter
•Perform Service
•Exhaust Filter XX% Full
•Exhaust Filter Full – Power Reduced See Dealer
•Service Required – See Dealer Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Required Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration In Process
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
•Low DEF Refill Soon
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start In XXX Miles
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 23

•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.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 31

2. After the “Wait To Start Light” goes off, turn the
ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
3. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
4. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
5. Release the parking brake and drive. NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
•If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start
Light” goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of
“Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Tempera-
ture Below 66°F (19°C).”
Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it may be
beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before
attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished
by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and
then back ON after the “Wait To Start Light” has turned
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 47

off, but before the engine is started. However, excessive
cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to
the heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
NOTE: If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory level.
1. If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition
must be turned to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then to the ON position to recycle the
manifold heaters.
NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
2. Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates
rapidly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes pass
between the time the “Wait To Start Light” turns off and the engine is started, recycle the manifold heaters by
turning the ignition switch to the OFF position for at least
five seconds and then back ON.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds
19 mph (31 km/h) before the manifold heater post-heat
(after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heaters will
shut off.
4. If the engine is started before the “Wait To Start Light”
turns off, the preheat cycle will turn off.
5. If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the
post-heat cycle will turn off.
NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1, 000
RPM at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
48 STARTING AND OPERATING

Your vehicle is equipped with a turbo speed limiter, this
feature limits the engine speed to 1,200 RPM when
engine coolant temperatures are below 70°F (21°C). This
feature is designed to protect the turbocharger from
damage and will only operate in PARK or NEUTRAL.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine
at moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
NOTE:
•If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine idle
speed will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after two
minutes of idle, if the following conditions are met:
•foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal
•automatic transmission is in PARK
•vehicle speed is zero
•Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle
•If the engine is equipped with an exhaust brake,
operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly im-
prove warm up rate and will help keep the engine
close to operating temperature during extended idle.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber
temperatures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and
injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the
crankcase, diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle, under some conditions
the idle speed may increase to 900 RPM then return to
normal idle speed. This is normal operation.
52 STARTING AND OPERATING