Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction

The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. Pressing the top of the switch
will increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.

The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio, CD or other valid audio
source.

The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a
pushbutton in the center. The function of the left hand
control is different depending on which mode you are in.

The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.

Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will SEEK up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will SEEK down for the next listenable station.

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.

284

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.

NOTE:

If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-

lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e., scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have protection encoding. Try a known
good disc before considering disc player service.

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the mobile phone antenna. This condition is
not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance does
not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during mobile phone operation.

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control System allows you to regulate the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

285

throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
instrument panel below the radio.

NOTE:

During snowplow usage on vehicles equipped

with outside temperature display, the display may show
higher temperatures than the outside ambient tempera-
ture. The higher displayed temperature is due to blocked
or reduced airflow to the underhood ambient tempera-
ture sensor caused by the snowplow. In addition, on
vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Control
(ATC), it is suggested that the interior cabin temperature
be instructionly controlled should the system not perform as
desired while in automatic mode. Both the outside tem-
perature display and ATC operation will return to nor-
mal when the snowplow is removed.

Instruction Heating and Air Conditioning System
The controls for the instruction heating and air conditioning
system in this vehicle consist of a series of outer rotary

dials and inner push knobs. These comfort controls can
be set to obtain desired interior conditions.

1 – Front Blower

4 – DEFROST Mode

2 – Temperature Control

5 – Air Conditioning (A/C)

3 – MODE Control

6 – RECIRCULATION Control

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Front Blower Control

There are four blower speeds. Use this
control to regulate the amount of air
forced through the system in any
mode you select. The blower speed
increases as you move the control
clockwise from the OFF position.

NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the

climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the OFF position.

Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. Rotating the knob coun-
terclockwise, from top center into the
blue area of the scale, indicates cooler

temperatures. Rotating the knob clockwise, into the red
area, indicates warmer temperatures.

NOTE:

If your air conditioning performance seems

lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser (located in front of the radiator), for an accumu-
lation of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

Mode Control (Air Direction)

Mode control allows you to choose
from several patterns of air distribu-
tion. You can select either a primary
mode, as identified by the symbols, or
a blend of two of these modes. The
closer the control is to a particular
mode, the more air distribution you

receive from that mode.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

287

Panel Mode

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

Bi-Level Mode

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE:

There is a difference in temperature (in any

conditions other than full cold or full hot), between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.

Floor Mode

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount through the defrost and side window

demist outlets.

Mix Mode

Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at

the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort, while reducing moisture on the windshield.

Defrost Mode

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use the DEFROST mode

with maximum blower and warm temperature settings
for best windshield and side window defrosting.

NOTE:

The air conditioning compressor operates in

MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the
A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to
help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use
these modes only when necessary.

288

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Recirculation Control

Press this button to choose between
outside air intake or recirculation of
the air inside the vehicle. A LED will
illuminate when you are in Recircula-
tion mode. Only use the Recirculation
mode to temporarily block out any
outside odors, smoke, or dust, and to

cool the interior rapidly upon initial start-up in very hot
or humid weather.

NOTE:

• If the RECIRCULATION button is pressed when the

system is in Mix or Defrost mode the Recirculation
LED indicator will flash three times and then turn off
to indicate Recirculation mode is not allowed.

• Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make

the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

• In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculation

mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.

• The A/C can be deselected instructionly without disturb-

ing the mode control selection by pressing the A/C
button.

Air Outlets
The airflow from each of the instrument panel outlets can
be adjusted for direction, and turned on or off to control
airflow.

NOTE:

For maximum airflow to the rear, the center

instrument panel outlets can be directed toward the rear
seat passengers.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

289

Economy Mode
If ECONOMY mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the LED indicator and the A/C compressor. Rotate the
temperature control knob to the desired temperature.

Air Conditioning Operation

Push this button to engage the Air
Conditioning (A/C). A LED will illu-
minate when the A/C system is
engaged.

MAX A/C

For maximum cooling, when MAX
A/C is selected the A/C is turned on
automatically and the air is recircu-
lated.

NOTE:

A/C cannot be deselected when in MAX A/C

position. The LED will blink three times if the A/C
button is pushed.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped

• The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows

both driver and front passenger seat occupants to
select individual comfort settings.

• When occupants in the vehicle select an Auto mode

operation, Auto blower operation is set by using rotary
knobs on the control unit and a comfort temperature
setting by using the temperature up and down but-
tons.

• The system provides set-and-forget operation for op-

timum comfort and convenience.

• The system can be controlled instructionly, if desired.

290

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• SYNC feature links the temperature controls, the pas-

senger side temperature becomes the same as the
temperature selected by the driver.

The ATC system automatically maintains the interior
comfort level desired by the driver and all passengers.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel

1 - Blower Control

9 - DEFROST

2 - Left Temperature Up

10 - Right Temperature Down

3 - SYNC Indicator

11 - A/C

4 - Left Temperature Indicator

12 - A/C Indicator

5 - Right Temperature Indicator

13 - SYNC Temperature Button

6 - DELAY Indicator

14 - Left Temperature Down

7 - Right Temperature Up

15 - RECIRCULATE

8 - MODE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

291

Automatic Operation

1. Position the MODE control knob to the Auto position
on the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.

2. Position the BLOWER control knob in the Auto posi-
tion on the ATC Panel.

3. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the driver and front
passenger temperature buttons. Once the desired tem-
perature is displayed, the system will achieve and auto-
matically maintain that comfort level.

4. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is
not necessary to change the settings. You will experience
the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.

NOTE:

• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for

cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.

• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric

units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — Customer-Programmable Features
(SETUP)” in this section of the instruction.

To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low and the DELAY symbol will appear in the ATC
display until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode and
DELAY will no longer be illuminated in the display. The

292

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

blower will engage immediately if the Defrost mode is
selected, or by adjusting the blower control knob and
setting the fan to any fixed speed.

Instruction Operation
This system offers a full complement of instruction override
features.

NOTE:

Each of these features operate independently

from each other. If any one feature is controlled instructionly,
the temperature doors will continue to operate automati-
cally.

There are six fixed blower speeds. Use
this control to regulate the amount of
air forced through the system in any
mode you select. The blower speed
increases as you move the control
clockwise from the OFF position.

The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control knob. The fan will now
operate at a fixed speed until additional speeds are
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.

Blower Control

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

293

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 instructionly
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.

The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to instructionly 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.

294

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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% ethylene
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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

295

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.

296

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 307
䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 309

▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Instruction

Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission

– If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission

– If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

䡵 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 323

▫ Instructionly Shifted Transfer Case

– If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

▫ Shifting Procedure – Instructionly Shifted

Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction - part 18