Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual

▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light . . . . . . 327
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case

(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped . . . . . . . 327

▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case

(Five-Position Switch) – If Equipped . . . . . . . 334

▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338

䡵 Axle Locker System (2500 Models Only)

— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

䡵 Safe Off-Road Driving —

Power Wagon Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

▫ Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle

Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand . . . . . . . . . 345

▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High

Points) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

▫ Hill Climbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
▫ Airing Down For Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . 354
▫ Vehicle Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

䡵 Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362

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STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

䡵 Winch Usage (Power Wagon Only)

— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

▫ Things To Know Before Using Your Winch . . 366
▫ Understanding The Features Of

Your Winch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

▫ Winch Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Operating Your Winch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
▫ Rigging Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

䡵 Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If

Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

▫ 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only . . . . . . . 390

䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 390

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 390
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 392
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped . . . . . . 393
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

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▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC Off Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) – If Equipped . . . 400

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 405
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 406
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 407

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 413
▫ Radial Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414

▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 414
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417

䡵 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information

— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 421

▫ Directional Tires – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 422
▫ Dual Rear Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 424

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▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
▫ Premium System – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 428
▫ Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire

Light Load Inflation Switch Description
(2500 Models) – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

▫ 3.7L And 4.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
▫ 5.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 437
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

䡵 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

▫ E85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel

Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . 443

▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444

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䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 446

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455

▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464

䡵 Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466

▫ 1500 Models Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466
▫ 2500/3500 Models Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471

▫ Towing This Vehicle

Behind Another Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471

▫ Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472

▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472

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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.

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305

If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into

the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster

cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.

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

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

1500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.

2500/3500 Models
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.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

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307

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL

into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.

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Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to turning the key fob to the LOCK position. The
key fob can only be removed from the ignition switch
when the ignition is in the LOCK position and once
removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override

Column Shifter – If Equipped
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (e.g., dead battery).

1. Turn the key fob to the ACC or ON position without
starting the engine.

2. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position

3. Firmly set the parking brake.

4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

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309

5. Using a screwdriver or other suitable tool, press and
hold the override tab through the access port (ringed
circle) on the bottom of the steering column.

6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

Center Console Shifter – If Equipped
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (e.g., dead battery). To access
the override, use a flat-bladed screwdriver to carefully
remove the override cover which is located on the right
of the shift lever gate.

1. Turn the key fob to the ACC or ON position without
starting the engine.

2. Firmly set the parking brake.

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

Interlock Manual Override

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STARTING AND OPERATING

4. Using the screwdriver, press and hold the override tab
through the access port on the center console.

5. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.

6. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

7. Reinstall the override cover.

Four–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped

NOTE:

Under extremely cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)

and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
when moving the shift lever between these gears.

Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.

Interlock Manual Override

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311

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.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the transmission into PARK, remove
the key fob from the ignition, and apply the
parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from
the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK
position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement. Furthermore, you should never leave
unattended children inside a vehicle.

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.

NOTE:

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any

other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a Disabled
Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.

DRIVE
This range is for most city and highway driving.

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313

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth gear (OVERDRIVE). The
transmission will automatically shift from third gear to
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:

• the shift lever is in DRIVE
• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-

perature

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph

(48 km/h)

• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated
• the transmission has reached normal operating

temperature

NOTE:

If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-

peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE 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 the transmission cools
down, the transmission 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 improve

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STARTING AND OPERATING

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift to third gear and fourth gear will be enabled under
steady cruise conditions.

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 switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will operate (when in DRIVE) in second gear only.

To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.

TOW/HAUL Switch

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Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual - part 19