2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab brake

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Headlight Switch7 — 115v Power Inverter Outlet13 — Transfer Case Position Switch
2 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Power Outlet14 — Ignition Switch
3 — Radio 9 — Lower Switch Bank15 — Hood Release
4 — Upper Switch Bank 10 — Cup Holders16 — Parking Brake Release
5 — Upper Glove Compartment 11 — Climate Controls
6 — Lower Glove Compartment 12 — Power Outlet/Cigar Lighter
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177

20. Cargo LightThe cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
21. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-lock Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS). In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the ABS, are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on
along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer. The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
22. Oil Pressure Warning Light This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
24. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information. 25. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is
not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in
motion)
•Hood Ajar (if equipped with hood switch)
•Key In Ignition
•Wrong Key
•Damaged Key
•Key Not Programmed
•Turn Signal On
•RKE Battery Low
•LOW WASHER FLUID
•Oil Change Required
•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out
•Right Front Turn Signal Light Out
•Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out
•Service Park Assist System
•Personal Settings Not Available — Vehicle Not in Park
•Check Trailer Brake Wiring
•Service Trailer Brake System
•Trailer Brake Connected
•Trailer Brake Disconnected
•Trailer Brake (with icon and voltage readout)
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 265
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 265
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 265
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 266
▫ After Starting ....................... 267
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 267
 Automatic Transmission ................. 268
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 269
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 269 ▫
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 269
▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission (545RFE)
— 5.7L Engine Only .................. 270
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 277
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case – If
Equipped .......................... 277
▫ Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 279
▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light ...... 280
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▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 280
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 285
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 287
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 288
 Driving Through Water ................. 288
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 289
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 289
 Power Steering ....................... 291
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 292
 Parking Brake ........................ 292
 Brake System ........................ 295
▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........... 295▫
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 295
 Tire Safety Information ................. 297
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 297
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 301
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 302
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 303
 Tires — General Information ............. 307
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 307
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 308
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 313
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 313
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 314
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 314
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Accidents can be caused by inadvertently moving
the shift lever or by pressing the accelerator pedal.
This may cause excessive heat in the exhaust
system, resulting in overheating and vehicle fire
which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key fob to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key fob to the OFF position, wait five
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting into any
driving range.
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 265