2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab heater

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
5

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key
fob is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
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.3500 Models — 5.7L Engine Only
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.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 267

Preparations for Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE:The positive battery post is covered with a
protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post.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.
Positive Battery Post
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 371

Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 150
Cupholders ............................ 161
Customer Assistance ..................... 449
Daytime Running Lights ................... 143
Dealer Service .......................... 385
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 170
Defroster, Windshield ................75,251,257
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 146
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 287
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 407
Power Steering ........................ 292
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 400
Door Locks ............................. 28
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 288 Dual Rear Wheels
..................... 320,366
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 170
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 156
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 270
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 150
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 194
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 280
Emergency Brake ........................ 292
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 374
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 358
Jump Starting ......................... 370
Tow Hooks .......................... 375
Towing ............................. 376
Emission Control System Maintenance ......383,430
Engine ............................... 381
Air Cleaner .......................... 388
Block Heater ......................... 267
10
INDEX 461

Headlights............................ 420
Automatic ........................... 139
Cleaning ............................ 412
High Beam .......................... 145
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 145
Lights On Reminder .................... 143
Passing ............................. 144
Switch .............................. 139
Heated Mirrors ....................... 85,170
Heated Seats ........................... 129
Heater ............................... 249
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 267
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 145
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 333
Hoisting .............................. 370
Hood Release .......................... 136
Hub Caps ............................. 365 Ignition
............................... 14
Key ............................... 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint ........................ 61,62
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 317
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 194
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 81
Instrument Cluster .................... 178,180
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 177
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 413
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 414
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ............. 338
Interior Appearance Care .................. 412
Interior Lights .......................... 141
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 146
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 160
464 INDEX