2011 RAM CHASSIS CAB light

The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set pushbuttons.
CD Player
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch changes
CDs on the 6–Disc in-dash CD changer radio. This button
does not function for all other radios. CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following
precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or anti-static sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

selected. This allows the front occupants to control the
volume of air circulated in the vehicle and cancel the
Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the following positions.
Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel.
Each of these outlets can be individually adjusted to
direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets
and outboard outlets can be rotated to regulate or shut off
the airflow from these outlets.
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel outlets, floor
outlets and defrost outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the panel
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets. Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of
air is directed through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Air comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demist outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions. It allows you to stay comfortable
while keeping the windshield clear.
Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window
demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with maximum
blower and temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting.
NOTE: While operating in the other modes, the system
will not automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or
ice on the windshield. Defrost mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass. 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255

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

the transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the same as
normal fourth gear). Another tap down (-) will shift the
transmission down to ERS 4 (direct gear).
To exit ERS mode, press and hold the top of the switch/
shift lever in the (+) direction until “D” is once again
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
WARNING!Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display 12345D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-5 NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), press and hold the ERS (-)
button. The transmission will shift to the lowest range
possible without overspeeding the engine.
Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever in the PARK position. On four-wheel drive vehicles,
be sure that the transfer case is in a DRIVE position.270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
• the shift lever is in DRIVE;
• the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal
operating temperature;
• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h);
• the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated;
• transmission has reached normal operating temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” switch. This will improve272 STARTING AND OPERATING

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in the “TOW/HAUL” mode, fifth gear is
disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified. Shifts into Overdrive (normal fourth gear) are allowed
during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and
automatic closed-throttle downshifts to direct gear and a
special underdrive gear (refer to “Electronic Range Se-
lect” in this section) are performed (for improved brak-
ing) when driving conditions warrant.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation inTOW/HAUL Switch
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 273

• Four-wheel drive low range (4L)
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together and force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to the desired positions. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry,
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is
in four-wheel drive and that the front and rear drive-
shafts are locked together. This light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L
position. There is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL
positions.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
can cause damage to the transfer case.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 275

method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
• Do not attempt to shift into or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster is used to alert the driver that the front
axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel. This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW) Transfer Case Switch (Four-Position)278 STARTING AND OPERATING