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2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Owners Manual - Instrument cluster base



Instrument cluster base

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

The tachometer indicates engine speed in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM x 1000).

CAUTION! Do not operate the engine with the tachometer pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine damage may occur.

2. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal when the turn signal lever is operated.

NOTE:

A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven

more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.

Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at a rapid rate.

3. Fuel Gauge

Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.

4. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera- ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera- ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.

CAUTION! Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call an autho- rized dealership for service.

WARNING! A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer- ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main- taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.

5. Speedometer

The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/km/h).

6. 4 LOW

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to- gether forcing the front and rear wheels to

rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the wheels. For further information on four-wheel drive operation and proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating”.

7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light

This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a

bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer. If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position, the light should turn off.

If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an autho- rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

8. 4WD Indicator

This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultane- ously.

9. 4WD Auto Indicator

The 4WD auto indicator will be illuminated whenever the four-wheel drive mode is auto- matically engaged.

10. SVC (Service) 4WD

The SVC 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SVC 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive system is not func-

tioning properly and that service is required. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

11. TOW/HAUL

The TOW HAUL button is located on the center stack upper switch bank. This light will illuminate when TOW HAUL mode is selected.

12. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/ Malfunction Indicator Light If Equipped

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the

engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In- dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:

The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo- mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.

Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be ON, even if it was turned off previously.

The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.

13. Vehicle Security Light If Equipped

This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi- mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

14. Oil Pressure Gauge

The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure when the engine is running. A continuous high or low reading under normal driving conditions may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer.

15. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button/ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) Button If Equipped

Press this button to toggle between the odometer display, trip odometer display or the “ECO” display. Holding the button in resets the trip odometer reading when in trip mode. If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) the “ECO” message will be displayed in the EVIC display in the instrument cluster. Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

16. Odometer Display / Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display Area If Equipped Odometer Display

The odometer display shows the total distance the ve- hicle has been driven. U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair technician should leave the odometer reading the same as it was before the repair or service. If s/he cannot do so, then the odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must be placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage was before the repair or service. It is a good idea for you to make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/service, so that you can be sure that it is properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer must be reset at zero.

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and release the TRIP ODOMETER button. To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom- eter to be reset then push and hold the button for approximately two seconds until the display resets.

Vehicle Odometer Messages

When the appropriate conditions exist, the following messages will display in the odometer:

ECO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Saver Indicator Off

ECO-ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Saver Indicator On

Lo tirE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Tire Pressure

noFUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse Fault

CHAngE OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Change Required

LoWASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Washer Fluid

NOTE: There is also an engine hour function. This indicates the total number of hours the engine has been running. To display the engine hours on the base cluster,

perform the following: Place the ignition in the ON/ RUN, but do not start the engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the TRIP button down for a period of six seconds. The odometer will change to trip value first, then it will display the engine hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned OFF or the engine is started. If equipped, some of the above warnings will be dis- played in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instrument cluster. Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

ECO / ECO-ON (Fuel Saver Indicator) If Equipped

The ECO-ON indicator will illuminate when you are driving in a fuel efficient manner and can be used to modify driving habits in order to increase fuel economy. The ECO display will toggle between ECO and ECO-ON depending on driving habits and vehicle usage. Press the

Odometer / Trip Odometer / ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) button to change the display from odometer to either of the two trip odometer settings or the “ECO” display.

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator will display in the odometer display area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP button to turn off the message. If the problem continues, the message will appear

the next time the vehicle is started. A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

Lo tirE

When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer display will toggle between Lo and tirE for three cycles.

Loose Gascap

Indicator

noFUSE

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom- eter display area. For further information on fuses and fuse locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.

CHAngE OIL

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The

CHAngE OIL message will flash in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle-based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN

position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position

(do not start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.

17. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condi- tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap- proaches

H, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass

H, the indicator will continuously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve- hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

18. Shift Lever Indicator

The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the automatic transmission.

NOTE: In vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, the highest available transmission gear is displayed in the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select (ERS) fea- ture is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

19. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.

For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information

Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

20. High Beam Indicator

This indicator shows that headlights are on high beam. Push the multifunction lever forward to

switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.

21. Voltmeter

When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and remains there during normal driving, the electrical system should be serviced.

NOTE: The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater system. The number of cycles and the length of the

cycling operation is controlled by the engine control module. Post-heat operation can run for several minutes, and then the electrical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.

22. Cargo Light

The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo light is activated by pressing the cargo light button on the headlight switch.

23. Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the Anti-lock Brake System reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the

master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop. The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac- ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi- tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake fluid level checked. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces- sary.

WARNING! Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with the ABS, are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap- proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer. The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi- tion.

NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

24. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The light should turn on momentarily when the engine

is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns on.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle

placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.).

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi- nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not

operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys- tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

CAUTION! The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera- tion or sensor damage may result when using re- placement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

NOTE: The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a “Low Tire” message in the odometer (Base Cluster), or in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen indicating “Low Tire” for EVIC enabled clusters.

26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system which monitors the emissions and engine control sys-

tem. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing the light will come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come on during starting, have the condition investigated promptly. If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it suggests a potential engine control problem and the need for system service.

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

CAUTION! Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause damage to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

WARNING! A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

27. Airbag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while

driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

28. Front Fog Light Indicator If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when the front fog lights are on.

29. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light

This light monitors the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on. If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

30. Transmission Temperature Warning Light

This light indicates that there is excessive trans- mission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may also occur when operating the vehicle in a high

torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow plowing, off-road operation). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or faster with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.

CAUTION! Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera- ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

WARNING! If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle, in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this warn- ing light will display in the Electronic Vehicle Informa- tion Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Informa- tion Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

31. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/ RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if

the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat

belt remains unbuckled, the seat belt reminder light will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

32. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg- ing system. The light should come on when the

ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho- rized dealer. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi- cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) If Equipped” for further information.

33. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light If Equipped

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con- trol (ESC) is off.


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