2011 Ram 3500 octane

gasoline is not recommended, as it will not provide any
benefit over regular gasoline in these engines.
5.7L Engine
The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems suchas hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
436 STARTING AND OPERATING

To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT contentof gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more
important to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada,
because MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
438 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers are not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 439

WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that
alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
•When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C),
you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations
are followed.
•Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPARInjector Cleanup or
Techron may be used.
442 STARTING AND OPERATING

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements
of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – For 2500/3500 trucks operat-
ing under a gross combined weight rating
greaterthan 14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.)Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements
of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 3.7L Engine ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Spark Plugs – 4.7L Engine Upper Bank — FR8TE2 (Gap 0.039 in [.99 mm]) Lower Bank —
FR8T1332 (Gap 0.051 in [1.30 mm])
Spark Plugs – 5.7L Engine LZFR5C–11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Fuel Selection – 3.7L and 4.7L Engines 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 571

Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 446
Gauge.............................. 206
Light............................... 214
Methanol............................ 437
Octane Rating......................435,571
Requirements......................435,569
Saver Mode.......................231,233
Tank Capacity........................ 569
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel Optimizer......................... 231
Fuel Saver............................. 231
Fuel System Caution..................... 445
Fuses................................ 552
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 151
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............446,519
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 435
Conserving........................231,233
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 436Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 206
Fuel............................... 206
Oil Pressure.......................... 210
Speedometer......................... 207
Tachometer.......................... 206
Voltmeter............................ 215
Gear Ranges........................ 311,319
General Information..................18,25,435
Glass Cleaning.......................... 550
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 175
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 449
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 449
Guide, Body Builders...................... 6
GVWR............................... 446
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)............. 100
608 INDEX

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 73
Lubrication, Body....................... 529
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 526
Maintenance Procedures................... 522
Maintenance Schedule.................... 574
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 520
Manual, Service......................... 597
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check..................... 543
Lubricant Selection..................... 572
Memory Seat........................... 116
Methanol............................. 437
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 233
Mirrors................................ 93
Automatic Dimming..................... 94
Electric Powered....................... 96
Heated.............................. 97Memory............................. 116
Outside.............................. 94
Rearview............................. 93
Trailer Towing......................... 99
Mode
Fuel Saver........................231,233
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 424
Mopar Parts.........................521,596
MTBE/ETBE........................... 437
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 387
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps).......... 147
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 81
Occupant Restraints...................38,61,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............57,61,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 435
612 INDEX