2011 Ram 3500 fuel cap

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

•The engine requires the use of“Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel Fuel”. Use of incorrect fuel could result in
engine and exhaust system damage. Refer to “Fuel
Requirements” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for the correct engine oil viscosity.
Winter Front Usage
If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a
percentage of the total grille opening area must be left
uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air
cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The per-
centage of opening must be increased with the increasing
ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the
cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the
size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your MOPAR dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°C). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized MOPARdealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.
NOTE:High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor engine
performance. No-load engine speeds should be kept
under 1,200 RPM during the warm-up period, especially
in cold ambient temperature conditions.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 51

Engine Speed Control
CAUTION!
Prevent overspeeding the engine going downhill.
When descending steep grades, use a combination of
gears and service brakes to control vehicle/engine
speed. Overspeed can cause severe engine damage.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (antifreeze) (a
mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not
exceed the normal range of the temperature gauge 240°F
(116°C) with a 16 psi (110 kPa) radiator cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze) temperature indi-
cated during operation will be to the left of center in the
normal range of the gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature below the normal range on the gauge 140°F
(60°C) can be harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete combus-
tion which allows carbon and varnish to form on piston
rings and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can
enter the crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil and
causing rapid wear to the engine.
Cooling System Tips – Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
•City Driving —
When stopped, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving —
Reduce your speed.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 55

ADDING FUEL
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
•Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned.
Always place fuel containers on the ground while
filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap. A poorly fitting cap could let impuri-
ties into the fuel system.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 83

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel filler cap is removed or
the tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage – Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” Thesemicrobes form “slime” that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
84 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 119

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 34 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 35 Gallons132 Liters
Standard Rear Tank – Chassis Cab Only 52 Gallons197 Liters
Optional Midship Tank – Chassis Cab Only 22 Gallons83 Liters
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Approximate) – Chassis
Cab Only 8 Gallons
30 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine 12 Quarts11.4 Liters
Cooling System
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/
Antifreeze 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 5.7 Gallons
21.4 Liters
130 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel............................ 83
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter) ............................. 102,126
Air Filter .............................. 102
Airbag Light ............................ 19
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............. 114,115
Capacities ........................... 130
Disposal ............................ 117
Anti-Lock Warning Light ................... 19
Automatic Transmission .................... 68
Adding Fluid ......................... 122
Fluid Level Check ..................... 122
Fluid Type ........................ 122,133
Shifting .............................. 62
Axle Fluid ............................. 133
Battery ............................... 112
Blanket ........................... 51,113
Emergency Starting ..................... 90 Brake Fluid
............................ 133
Brake System ........................... 119
Fluid Check .......................... 119
Master Cylinder ....................... 119
Warning Light ......................... 14
Brake/Transmission Interlock ................ 61
Calibration, Compass ...................... 33
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 130
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 130
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 100
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 116
Charge Air Cooler ....................... 119
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................. 18
Compass .............................. 32
Compass Calibration ...................... 33
Compass Variance ........................ 33
162 INDEX