2011 Ram 3500 heater

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 305
▫Normal Starting..................... 305
▫Automatic Transmission............... 305
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 306
▫After Starting....................... 307
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 307
Automatic Transmission................. 308
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock............. 309
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 309▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 309
▫Four–Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped....................... 311
▫Five–Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped....................... 316
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 323
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case
– If Equipped....................... 323
▫Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted
Transfer Case....................... 326
5

accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.1500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
2500/3500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille
by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on
the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPARengine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer re-
quires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
Chrysler Group LLC engines. Use MOPARor an
equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
Starting
The characteristics of E85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.NOTE:Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is
beneficial for E85 startability when the ambient tempera-
ture is less than 32°F (0°C).
Cruising Range
Because E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 443

WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park
the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage due to battery ex-
plosion.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 503

Electrical Power Outlets................... 160
Electronic Brake Control System............. 390
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 390
Brake Assist System.................... 392
Electronic Stability Program............... 396
Traction Control System................. 391
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 316
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 135
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 396
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................147,223
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........327,334
Emergency Brake........................ 387
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 505
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 482
Jump Starting......................... 501
Tow Hooks.......................... 507
Emission Control System Maintenance......520,574Engine..........................516,517,518
Air Cleaner.......................... 526
Block Heater......................... 307
Break-In Recommendations................ 81
Compartment Identification.........516,517,518
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 571
Exhaust Gas Caution..................83,440
Flooded, Starting...................... 306
Fuel Requirements..................... 569
Jump Starting......................... 501
Multi-Displacement.................... 387
Oil ...........................523,569,571
Oil Filler Cap......................... 524
Oil Selection.......................524,569
Oil Synthetic......................... 525
Temperature Gauge.................... 206
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 64
Ethanol............................... 437
Event Data Recorder...................... 67
606 INDEX

Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water................. 362
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 482
Head Restraints......................... 113
Headlights............................ 559
Automatic........................... 123
Cleaning............................ 550
High Beam.......................... 129
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 129
Lights On Reminder.................... 127
Passing............................. 128
Switch.............................. 123
Heated Mirrors.......................97,176
Heated Seats........................... 103
Heater............................... 286
Heater, Engine Block..................... 307
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 129Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 453
Hoisting.............................. 501
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 151
Hood Release.......................... 120
Hub Caps............................. 497
Ignition............................... 14
Key ...............................12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 16
Infant Restraint........................68,69
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 418
Information Center, Vehicle................. 223
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 93
Instrument Cluster.................202,204,206
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 201
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 550
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INDEX 609