2011 RAM CHASSIS CAB Owners Manual

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.
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% ethylene256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
Vacation/Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in
fresh air with the blower setting in high. This will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging and Frosting
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the glass in
mild, rainy and/or humid weather. Windows may frost
on the inside of the glass in very cold weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and increase
the front blower speed. Do not use the Recirculation
mode without A/C for long periods, as fogging may
occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, can cause
odor, and if they enter the plenum they could plug the
water drains. In Winter months make sure the air intake
is clear of ice, slush and snow.
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257

Operating Tips 258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS  Starting Procedures .................... 263
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 263
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 263
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 264
▫ After Starting ....................... 265
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 265
 Automatic Transmission ................. 266
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 267
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 267 ▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 267
▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission
(545RFE) — 5.7L Engine Only ........... 268
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 274
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case –
If Equipped ........................ 274
▫ Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 277
▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light ...... 278
5

▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped ....... 278
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 282
 Limited-Slip Differential ................. 284
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 285
 Driving Through Water ................. 285
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 286
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 286
 Power Steering ....................... 288
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 289
 Parking Brake ........................ 289
 Brake System ........................ 292
▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........... 292 ▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System ....... 292
 Tire Safety Information ................. 294
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 294
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 298
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 299
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 300
 Tires — General Information ............. 304
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 304
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 305
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 309
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 309
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 310
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 310260 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Replacement Tires .................... 311
 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 313
 Tire Chains .......................... 313
 Snow Tires .......................... 315
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 315
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 316
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 317
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 318
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 318
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 319
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 319
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 320 ▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 320
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 321
 Adding Fuel ......................... 322
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 323
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 324
▫ Certification Label ................... 324
 Trailer Towing ........................ 326
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 326
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 329
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 330
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 330
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 331
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 261

▫ Towing Tips ........................ 339
 Snowplow .......................... 340
▫ Before Plowing ...................... 341
▫ Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability ......................... 341
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .......................... 342
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 342
▫ General Maintenance .................. 343  Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 344
▫ Towing This Vehicle
Behind Another Vehicle ................ 344
▫ Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 345
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 345262 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!Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 263