2011 Ram 3500 Owner's Manual

Panel Mode
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
Bi-Level Mode
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE:There is a difference in temperature (in any
conditions other than full cold or full hot), between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Floor Mode
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount through the defrost and side window
demist outlets.
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort, while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost Mode
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use the DEFROST mode
with maximum blower and warm temperature settings
for best windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the
A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Recirculation Control
Press this button to choose between
outside air intake or recirculation of
the air inside the vehicle. A LED will
illuminate when you are in Recircula-
tion mode. Only use the Recirculation
mode to temporarily block out any
outside odors, smoke, or dust, and to
cool the interior rapidly upon initial start-up in very hot
or humid weather.
NOTE:
•If the RECIRCULATION button is pressed when the
system is in Mix or Defrost mode the Recirculation
LED indicator will flash three times and then turn off
to indicate Recirculation mode is not allowed.
•Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
•In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculation
mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
•The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection by pressing the A/C
button.
Air Outlets
The airflow from each of the instrument panel outlets can
be adjusted for direction, and turned on or off to control
airflow.
NOTE:For maximum airflow to the rear, the center
instrument panel outlets can be directed toward the rear
seat passengers.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289

Economy Mode
If ECONOMY mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the LED indicator and the A/C compressor. Rotate the
temperature control knob to the desired temperature.
Air Conditioning Operation
Push this button to engage the Air
Conditioning (A/C). A LED will illu-
minate when the A/C system is
engaged.
MAX A/C
For maximum cooling, when MAX
A/C is selected the A/C is turned on
automatically and the air is recircu-
lated.NOTE:A/C cannot be deselected when in MAX A/C
position. The LED will blink three times if the A/C
button is pushed.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
•
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows
both driver and front passenger seat occupants to
select individual comfort settings.
•When occupants in the vehicle select an Auto mode
operation, Auto blower operation is set by using rotary
knobs on the control unit and a comfort temperature
setting by using the temperature up and down but-
tons.
•The system provides set-and-forget operation for op-
timum comfort and convenience.
•The system can be controlled manually, if desired.
290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•SYNC feature links the temperature controls, the pas-
senger side temperature becomes the same as the
temperature selected by the driver.
The ATC system automatically maintains the interior
comfort level desired by the driver and all passengers.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel
1 - Blower Control 9 - DEFROST
2 - Left Temperature Up 10 - Right Temperature Down
3 - SYNC Indicator 11 - A/C
4 - Left Temperature Indicator 12 - A/C Indicator
5 - Right Temperature Indicator 13 - SYNC Temperature Button
6 - DELAY Indicator 14 - Left Temperature Down
7 - Right Temperature Up 15 - RECIRCULATE
8 - MODE
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291

Automatic Operation
1. Position the MODE control knob to the Auto position
on the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Position the BLOWER control knob in the Auto posi-
tion on the ATC Panel.
3. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the driver and front
passenger temperature buttons. Once the desired tem-
perature is displayed, the system will achieve and auto-
matically maintain that comfort level.
4. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is
not necessary to change the settings. You will experience
the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.NOTE:•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — Customer-Programmable Features
(SETUP)” in this section of the manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low and the DELAY symbol will appear in the ATC
display until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode and
DELAY will no longer be illuminated in the display. The
292 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

blower will engage immediately if the Defrost mode is
selected, or by adjusting the blower control knob and
setting the fan to any fixed speed.
Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features.
NOTE:Each of these features operate independently
from each other. If any one feature is controlled manually,
the temperature doors will continue to operate automati-
cally.
There are six fixed blower speeds. Use
this control to regulate the amount of
air forced through the system in any
mode you select. The blower speed
increases as you move the control
clockwise from the OFF position.The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control knob. The fan will now
operate at a fixed speed until additional speeds are
selected. This allows the front occupants to control the
volume of air circulated in the vehicle and cancel the
Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the following positions.
Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel.
Each of these outlets can be individually adjusted to
direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets
and outboard outlets can be rotated to regulate or shut off
the airflow from these outlets.
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel outlets, floor
outlets and defrost outlets.
Blower Control
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 293

NOTE:In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the panel
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of
air is directed through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Air comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demist outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions. It allows you to stay comfortable
while keeping the windshield clear.
Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window
demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with maximum
blower and temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting.NOTE:While operating in the other modes, the system
will not automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or
ice on the windshield. Defrost mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to manually activate or deactivate the air
conditioning system. When in A/C mode and the
ATC is set to a cool temperature, dehumidified air flows
through the air outlets. If Economy mode is desired, press
the A/C button to turn off the A/C mode in the ATC
display and deactivate the A/C system.
NOTE:
•If the system is in Mix, Bi-Level or Defrost Mode, the
A/C can be turned off, but the A/C system shall
remain active to prevent fogging of the windows.
•If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
294 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired,
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the RECIRCULATION control button.
Recirculation mode should only be used temporarily. The
recirculation LED will illuminate on the blower control
knob when this button is selected. Push the button a
second time to turn off the Recirculation mode LED and
allow outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Floor/Defrost Mix and
Defrost modes to improve window clearing operation.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295