Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction — part 8

NOTE:

The engine must be running before the head-

lights will turn on in the Automatic Mode.

Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
approximately 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when
the ignition is turned OFF while the headlight switch is
on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight
delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlight
switch on then off, or by turning the ignition ON.

The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Customer-Programmable Features (SETUP)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.

Parking Lights and Panel Lights

To turn on the parking lights and instrument panel
lights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the

parking light symbol. To turn off the parking lights,
rotate the headlight switch back to the O (Off) position.

Fog Lights — If Equipped
The fog lights are turned on by rotating the headlight
switch to the parking light or headlight position and
pushing in the headlight rotary control.

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The fog lights will operate only when the parking lights
are on or when the vehicle headlights are on low beam.
An indicator light located in the instrument cluster will
illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog lights will

turn off when the switch is pushed a second time, when
the headlight switch is rotated to the off position, or the
high beam is selected.

Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the bottom of the switch) is rotated to the far
right detent position, or if equipped, when the UNLOCK
button is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. When a door is open and the interior lights
are on, rotating the dimmer control all the way left, to the
OFF detent, will cause all the interior lights to go out.
This is also known as the

⬙Party⬙ mode because it allows

the doors to stay open for extended periods of time
without discharging the vehicle’s battery.

Fog Light Switch

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The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control right (brighter)
or left (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
to the right until you hear a click. This feature is termed
the “Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are
required during the day.

Cargo Light
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the cargo
button.

The cargo lights will also turn on for approximately
30 seconds when a RKE transmitter UNLOCK button is
pressed, as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.

Dimmer Control

Cargo Light Switch

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights are left on
after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime will sound when
the driver’s door is opened.

Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle’s battery, load shedding
is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.

If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for
10 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated right for
10 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.

If the headlights remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes. If the headlights are turned on and left on
for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.

NOTE:

Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is

ON.

Daytime Running Lights (DRL) (Canada Only and
Fleet Vehicles)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear
except PARK. This provides a constant

⬙Lights ON⬙

condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights
illuminate at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the
parking brake is applied, the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) will turn OFF. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the
DRL lamp on the same side of the vehicle may turn off for
the duration of the turn signal activation. Once the turn
signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate.

Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.

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127

Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down and the arrows
on each side of the instrument cluster flash to show
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.

NOTE:

If either light remains on and does not flash, or

there is a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside
light bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.

Lane Change Assist
Tap the lever up or down once, without moving beyond
the detent, and the turn signal (right or left) will flash
three times then automatically turn off.

Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.

Turn Signal Lever

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

High/Low Beam Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument
panel to switch the headlights to high beam. Pulling the
multifunction back toward the steering wheel will turn
the low beams back on, or shut the high beams off.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

Windshield Wipers
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
multifunction lever. Turn the end of the handle to select
the desired wiper speed.

High/Low Beam Switch

Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch

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129

Intermittent Wiper System
The intermittent feature of this system was designed for
use when weather conditions make a single wiping cycle,
with a variable pause between cycles, desirable. For
maximum delay between cycles, rotate the control knob
into the upper end of the delay range.

The delay interval decreases as you rotate the knob until
it enters the low continual speed position. The delay can
be regulated from a maximum of about 18 seconds
between cycles, to a cycle every one second. The delay
intervals will double in duration when the vehicle speed
is 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Windshield Washers
To use the windshield washer, push the washer knob,
located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward to
the second detent. Washer fluid will be sprayed until the
washer knob is released from this position. If the washer
knob is depressed while in the delay range, the wiper will

operate for several seconds after the washer knob is
released. It will then resume the intermittent interval
previously selected. If the washer knob is pushed while
in the off position, the wiper will turn on and cycle
approximately three times after the wash knob is re-
leased.

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.

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WARNING!

Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to a collision. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.

Mist Feature
Push the washer knob, located on the end of the multi-
function lever, inward to the first detent. The wipers will
cycle one time and automatically shut off to clear road
mist or spray from a passing vehicle.

TILT STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. The tilt lever is located on the
steering column, below the multifunction lever.

Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to unlock the
steering column. With one hand firmly on the steering
wheel, move the steering column up or down, as desired.
Release the lever to lock the steering column firmly in
place.

Tilt Steering Lever

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131

WARNING!

Do not adjust the steering column while driving.
Adjusting the steering column while driving or driv-
ing with the steering column unlocked, could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Be sure the
steering column is locked before driving your ve-
hicle. Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.

HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED
The steering wheel contains a heating element that helps
warm your hands in cold weather. The heated steering
wheel has only one temperature setting. Once the heated
steering wheel has been turned on it will operate for
approximately 58 to 70 minutes before automatically
shutting off. The heated steering wheel can shut off early
or may not turn on when the steering wheel is already
warm.

The heated steering wheel switch is located on the switch
bank below the climate controls.

Press the switch to turn on the heated
steering wheel. The light on the switch
will illuminate to indicate the steering
wheel heater is on. Pressing the switch
a second time will turn off the heated
steering wheel and light indicator.

NOTE:

The engine must be running for the heated

steering wheel to operate.

Vehicles Equipped with Remote Start
On models that are equipped with remote start, the
heated steering wheel seat can be programmed to come
on during a remote start. Refer to “Remote Starting
System — If Equipped” in “Things to Know Before
Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

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WARNING!

• Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin

because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, ex-
haustion, or other physical conditions must exer-
cise care when using the steering wheel heater. It
may cause burns even at low temperatures, espe-
cially if used for long periods.

• Do not place anything on the steering wheel that

insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cush-
ion. This may cause the steering wheel heater to
overheat.

DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The adjustable pedals system is designed to allow a
greater range of driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and
seat position. This feature allows the brake, accelerator,
and clutch pedals (if equipped) to move toward or away

from the driver to provide improved position with the
steering wheel.

The adjustable pedal switch is located to the left side of
the steering column.

Adjustable Pedals Switch

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Adjustment

1. Position the driver’s seat so that you are at least 10 in
(25.4 cm) away from the airbag, located in the center of
the steering wheel.

2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.

3. Move the adjustable pedal switch in the direction you
desire the pedals to move.

NOTE:

The pedals cannot be adjusted when the vehicle

is in REVERSE or when the Electronic Speed Control
System is on. The following messages will be displayed
on vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation System (EVIC) if the pedals are attempted to be
adjusted when the system is locked out (“Adjustable
Pedal Disabled — Cruise Control Engaged” or “Adjust-
able Pedal Disabled — Vehicle In Reverse”.

CAUTION!

Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal’s path.

WARNING!

Do not adjust the pedals while the vehicle is moving.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
adjust the pedals while the vehicle is parked.

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, Electronic Speed Control takes over the
accelerator operation at speeds greater than 25 mph
(40 km/h). The Electronic Speed Control lever is located
on the right side of the steering wheel.

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Elec-

tronic Speed Control System has been designed to shut
down if multiple Speed Control functions are operated at
the same time. If this occurs, the Electronic Speed Control
System can be reactivated by pushing the Electronic
Speed Control ON/OFF button and resetting the desired
vehicle set speed.

To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button (located in the end of the lever)
once and the cruise indicator light (located in the mes-
sage window of the cluster) will illuminate showing that
the Electronic Speed Control system is on. To turn the
Electronic Speed Control system off, push the ON/OFF
button a second time and both the Electronic Speed
Control system and indicator will turn off.

Electronic Speed Control Lever

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135

WARNING!

Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidently
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have a collision. Always
leave the Electronic Speed Control system off when
you are not using it.

To Set a Desired Speed
Turn the Electronic Speed Control ON. When the vehicle
has reached the desired speed, press the SET lever
downward and then release. Lift your foot off the accel-
erator and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.

Deactivating Electronic Speed Control
A soft tap on the brake pedal or pulling the Electronic
Speed Control lever (CANCEL) toward you will deacti-
vate the Electronic Speed Control without erasing the set

speed memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button to the OFF
position or turning OFF the ignition erases the set speed
memory.

To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, raise the Electronic
Speed Control lever (RESUME ACCEL) upwards and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 30 mph
(50 km/h).

Varying The Speed Setting
When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can in-
crease speed by pushing up and holding the RESUME
ACCEL lever. If the lever is continually held in the
RESUME ACCEL position, the set speed will continue to
increase until the lever is released, then the new set speed
will be established.

Tapping the RESUME ACCEL lever once will result in a
1 mph (2 km/h) increase in set speed. Each subsequent
tap of the lever results in an increase of 1 mph (2 km/h).

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To decrease speed while the Electronic Speed Control is
set, push down and hold the SET DECEL lever. If the
lever is continually held in the SET DECEL position, the
set speed will continue to decrease until the lever is
released. Release the lever when the desired speed is
reached, and the new set speed will be established.

Tapping the SET DECEL lever once will result in a 1 mph
(2 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of
the lever results in a decrease of 1 mph (2 km/h).

To Accelerate for Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

NOTE:

The Electronic Speed Control system maintains

speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.

Your vehicle may experience a downshift (automatic
transmissions only) while climbing uphill or descending
downhill. This downshift is necessary to maintain vehicle
set speed.

On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.

WARNING!

Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your ve-
hicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you
could lose control and have a collision. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.

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137

PARKSENSE

姞 REAR PARK ASSIST — IF

EQUIPPED
The ParkSense

威 Rear Park Assist system provides visual

and audible indications of the distance between the rear
fascia and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g.
during a parking maneuver. Refer to ParkSense

威 System

Usage Precautions for limitations of this system and
recommendations.

ParkSense

威 will retain the last system state (enabled or

disabled) from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
changed to the ON/RUN position.

ParkSense

威 can be active only when the shift lever is in

REVERSE. If ParkSense

威 is enabled at this shift lever

position, the system will remain active until the vehicle
speed is increased to approximately 11 mph (18 km/h) or
above. The system will become active again if the vehicle
speed is decreased to speeds less than approximately
10 mph (16 km/h).

ParkSense

姞 Sensors

The four ParkSense

威 sensors, located in the rear fascia/

bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle that is
within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors can detect
obstacles from approximately 12 in (30 cm) up to 79 in
(200 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper in the horizontal
direction, depending on the location, type and orienta-
tion of the obstacle.

ParkSense

姞 Warning Display

The ParkSense

威 Warning screen will only be displayed if

Sound and Display is selected from the Customer- Pro-
grammable Features section of the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The ParkSense

威 Warning Display is located in the Instru-

ment cluster’s EVIC display. It provides both visual and
audible warnings to indicate the distance between the
rear fascia/bumper and the detected obstacle.

ParkSense

姞 Display

When the vehicle is in REVERSE, the warning display
will turn ON indicating the system status.

Rear ParkSense

威 Display

Park Assist System On

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