Chrysler RAM 1500 User manual

Ram TRuck Gas 1500/2500/3500
Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’s maNuaL
2 0 1 2
2012 Ram TRuck Gas 1500/2500/3500
12D241-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
875256 Ram Truck Gas OM cover.indd 1 3/16/11 4:33 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of acci-
dents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol
levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t
drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a
friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your per-
ceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower, and your
judgment is impaired when you have been drinking.
Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of features
and equipment that are either standard or optional on this
vehicle. This manual may also include a description of features
and equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered
on this vehicle. Please disregard any features and equipment
described in this manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or im-
provements to its products without imposing any obligation
upon itself to install them on products previously manufac-
tured.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................. 89
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................241
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................369
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 575
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................609
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................669
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 687
10
INDEX ...................................................................697
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵Van Conversions/Campers ................. 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............. 6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7
1

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. Refer
to the Warranty Information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac-
turer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment in-
stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builders Guide refer to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di-
mensional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It
is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical
support. For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the bottom
of the frame rail, on the right hand side, near the center
of the vehicle and underbody as well as the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
6 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Vehicle Identification Number
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) —
If Equipped ......................... 12
▫KeyFob............................ 13
▫Removing Key Fob From Ignition .......... 14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 16
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 16
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 18
▫General Information ................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 19
▫Rearming Of The System ................ 19
▫To Arm The System ................... 19
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
▫Security System Manual Override ......... 20
䡵Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 21
▫Remote Unlock The Doors ............... 21
2

▫To Lock The Doors .................... 23
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 25
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 26
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 30
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 30
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 31
▫Child-Protection Door Lock .............. 33
䡵Windows ............................ 34
▫Power Windows — If Equipped ........... 34
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 49
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 50
▫Center Lap Belts ...................... 50
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 51
▫Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode –
If Equipped ......................... 52
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 53
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 53
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 54
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 55
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 55
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air
Bags .............................. 56
▫Air Bag System Components ............. 57
▫Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 58
▫Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 62
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 69
▫Child Restraints ...................... 70
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 84
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 84
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 84
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 85
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 86
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 88
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may use a keyless ignition system. This
system consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter and a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
with integral ignition switch. You can insert the Key Fob
into the ignition switch with either side up.
Standard Blade Ignition Key — If Equipped
Your vehicle may use a standard blade key ignition
system. The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle
has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place. You can insert the
double-sided standard blade key into the ignition switch
with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) — If Equipped
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi-
tions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati-
cally returns to the ON/RUN position.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key Fob
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the
square end of the key fob into the ignition switch located
on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired posi-
tion. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in the
rear of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter
go dead. You can keep the emergency key with you when
valet parking.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb and
then pull the key out with your other hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key
into the lock cylinder with either side up.
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission). Turn the Key Fob to the OFF
position and then remove the Key Fob.
NOTE:
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 45 seconds after
the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power
window switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 min-
utes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
Emergency Key Removal
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

(EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
CAUTION!
• If your vehicle battery becomes low or dead, your
Key Fob will become locked in the ignition.
• Do not attempt to remove the Key Fob while in
this condition, damage could occur to the Key Fob
or ignition module. Only remove the emergency
key for locking and unlocking the doors.
• Leave the Key Fob in the ignition and either:
• Jump Start the vehicle.
• Charge the battery.
WARNING!
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF or ACC,
a chime will sound to remind you to remove the Key Fob.
NOTE:
• The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
Key Fob is placed in the OFF or ACC ignition position.
• If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC) the EVIC will display “Key In Ignition”.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses a Key Fob with a factory-mated Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The
system will not allow the engine to crank if an invalid
Key Fob is used to start and operate the vehicle. The
system will shut the engine off in two seconds if an
invalid Key Fob is used to start the engine.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: A Key Fob that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after
the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid
Key Fob to try to start the engine. Either of these
conditions will result in the engine being shut off after
two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
All of the Key Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the
vehicle. Once a Key Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keys威from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of Key Fobs.
Duplication of Key Fobs may be performed at an autho-
rized dealer, this procedure consists of programming a
blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank Key Fob
is one that has never been programmed.
NOTE:
• When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer System
serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a programmed Key Fob is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining Key Fobs erased from the
system’s memory. This will prevent the lost Key Fobs
from starting your vehicle. The remaining Keys Fobs
must then be reprogrammed.
Customer Key Programming
Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters may be
performed at an authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE