2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab Owner's Manual

Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
•Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the recommended viscosity and quality grades refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
•Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Mirrors .............................. 81
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror ................ 81
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 82
▫ Outside Mirrors ...................... 82
▫ Outside Mirrors Folding Feature .......... 83
▫ Power Mirrors — If Equipped ............ 84
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ............ 85
▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped .... 85▫
“Slide-On-Rod” Features Of Sun Visor — If
Equipped ........................... 86
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ...... 86
 Uconnect™ Phone — If Equipped ........... 87
▫ Operation .......................... 90
▫ Phone Call Features ................... 98
▫ Uconnect™ Phone Features ............. 101
▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity ........... 105
▫ Things You Should Know About Your
Uconnect™ Phone .................... 107
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▫General Information .................. 116
 Voice Command — If Equipped ........... 116
▫ Voice Command System Operation ........ 116
▫ Commands ........................ 118
▫ Voice Training ...................... 121
 Seats .............................. 121
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ...... 122
▫ Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped ..... 123
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ............. 124
▫ Eight-Way Power Seats — If Equipped ..... 127
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped ........... 128
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 129
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .......... 131▫
40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped . . . 131
 Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ........ 132
▫ Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory ................ 133
▫ Memory Position Recall ................ 134
▫ To Disable a RKE Transmitter Linked To
Memory ........................... 134
▫ Self-Limiting Control .................. 135
▫ Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control . . . 135
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 136
 Lights ............................. 138
▫ Headlights ......................... 139
▫ Automatic Headlights ................. 139
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 140
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Parking Lights And Panel Lights ......... 140
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 140
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 141
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 142
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 143
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 143
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 143
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 143
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 145
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 145
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 146
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 147
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 147 
Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ..... 148
▫ Adjustment ........................ 148
 Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 149
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 150
▫ To Activate ......................... 151
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 152
▫ Deactivating Electronic Speed Control ...... 152
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 152
▫ Varying The Speed Setting .............. 152
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 153
 Overhead Console — If Equipped .......... 154
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 154
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 156
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79