Dodge 1500 (2012 year). Instruction — part 23

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.

364

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.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

365

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.

366

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

367

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
▫ Extreme Cold Weather

(Below –20°F Or

⫺29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 377

䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 380
▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission

(3.7L Engine) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 380

▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission

(4.7L And 5.7L Engine) —
1500 Models Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission

(5.7L Engine) — 2500 Models Only . . . . . . . . 401

5

䡵 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 411

▫ Instructionly Shifted Transfer Case – If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

▫ Shifting Procedure – Instructionly Shifted

Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414

▫ Transfer Case Position Indicator Light . . . . . . 415
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case

(Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped . . . . . . . 415

▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case

(Five-Position Switch) – If Equipped . . . . . . . 422

▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

䡵 Axle Locker System (2500 Models Only) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

䡵 Stabilizer/Sway Bar System — Power Wagon

Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

䡵 Safe Off-Road Driving —

Power Wagon Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

▫ Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle

Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand . . . . . . . . . 435
▫ Crossing Obstacles

(Rocks And Other High Points) . . . . . . . . . . 437

▫ Hill Climbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
▫ Airing Down For Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . 444
▫ Vehicle Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

䡵 Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450

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STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454

▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455

䡵 Winch Usage (Power Wagon Only) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456

▫ Things To Know Before Using Your Winch . . 456
▫ Understanding The Features

Of Your Winch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458

▫ Winch Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460

▫ Operating Your Winch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
▫ Rigging Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477

䡵 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only . . . . . . . . . . 478

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480

▫ Dual Rear Wheel Models Only . . . . . . . 480

䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 481

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 481
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481

▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped . . . 482

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STARTING AND OPERATING

371

▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped . . . . . . 483
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486

▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC Off Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 490

▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) – If Equipped . . . 491

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 496
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 497
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 498

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503

▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 505
▫ Radial Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire

And Wheel – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506

▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped . . . . . . . . 506
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 507
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 507
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510

䡵 Supplemental Tire Pressure Information — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512

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STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 515

▫ Directional Tires – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 516
▫ Dual Rear Wheels – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 516

䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 517

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
▫ Premium System – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 522
▫ Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire

Light Load Inflation Switch Description
(2500 Models) – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 526

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531

▫ 3.7L And 4.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
▫ 5.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531

▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 532
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 535

䡵 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536

▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel

Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . 538

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▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 538
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 541

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 544
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 548
▫ Trailer Towing Weights

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . 549

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 554
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564

䡵 Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

▫ Models Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
▫ 2500/3500 Models Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570

▫ Towing This Vehicle

Behind Another Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570

▫ Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571

▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

374

STARTING AND OPERATING

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
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in the vehicle. 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

375

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.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or

⫺

29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

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.

• 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.

(Continued)

376

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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
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.

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377

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.

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.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-

TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

378

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the shift lever. Do not leave the key
fob in the vehicle. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• 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 pressing 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 foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

379