Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual — part 27

3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.

Vehicles with Full Size Spare

1. The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a TPM sensor that can be monitored by the TPMS.

2. If you install the full size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
upon the next ignition switch cycle, a chime will sound
and the TPM Telltale Light will turn ON.

3. Driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(25 km/h) will turn off the TPM Telltale Light, as long as
no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit
in any of the four active road tires.

Premium System – If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.

NOTE:

It is particularly important for you to check the

tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.

The TPMS consists of the following components:

• Receiver module,
• Four TPM sensors,
• Various TPMS messages, which display in the Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), and

• TPM Telltale Light

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The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly (if
equipped) has a TPM sensor. The full size spare can be
used in place of any of the four road tires. A spare with a
pressure below the low-pressure limit will not cause the
TPM Telltale Light to illuminate or the chime to sound.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings

The TPM Telltale Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and a chime will sound when
tire pressure is low in one or more of the four

active road tires. In addition, the EVIC will display one or
more low pressure messages (Left Front, Left Rear, Right
Front, Right Rear) for three seconds and a graphic
showing the pressure values of each tire with the low tire
pressure values flashing.

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires with a low pressure condition (those
flashing in the EVIC graphic) to the vehicle’s recom-
mended cold placard pressure inflation value. Once the
system receives the updated tire pressures, the system
will automatically update, the graphic display in the
EVIC will stop flashing, and the TPM Telltale Light will

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turn off. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.

Check TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the TPM Telltale Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.
The system fault will also sound a chime. In addition, the
EVIC will display a

⬙CHECK TPM SYSTEM⬙ message for

three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value to indicate which sensor is not being
received.

If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the TPM Telltale Light will no longer
flash, and the

⬙CHECK TPM SYSTEM⬙ message will no

longer display, and a pressure value will display in place
of the dashes. A system fault can occur due to any of the
following:

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1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as
the TPM sensors.

2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains
materials that may block radio wave signals.

3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.

Vehicles with Full Size Spare
1. The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a TPM sensor that can be monitored by the TPMS.
2. If you install the full size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
upon the next ignition switch cycle, a chime will sound
and the TPM Telltale Light will turn ON. In addition, the
EVIC will display a low pressure message and a graphic
showing the low tire pressure value flashing.

3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) the TPM Telltale Light will turn OFF,
as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires.

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire Light
Load Inflation Switch Description (2500 Models) –
If Equipped

WARNING!

Never operate your vehicle with the TPMS and tire
pressures set to the Light Load Inflation Pressure
settings if carrying more than two occupants (150 lbs
[68 kg] each) plus 200 pounds (91 kg) of cargo. The
vehicle “Light Load Definition” is found in the
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information Label which
is located on the rear face of the driver door opening.
Failure to do so may cause you to lose control resulting
in a collision, causing serious or fatal injury.

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The TPMS tire light load inflation switch will allow the
driver to switch between the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning threshold and the light load
inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold
depending on the vehicle’s load condition. The Tire and
Loading Information label defines the recommended
front and rear cold tire inflation pressures for the vehicle
when operating in the Max Load condition. A Supple-
mental Tire Pressure Information label is also available
defining Light Load tire inflation pressures when oper-
ating in the Light Load condition. When the tire light
load inflation switch LED is ON, the TPMS is using the
light load inflation pressure (cold) low inflation warning
thresholds.

Tire Light Load Inflation Switch Operation – If
Equipped

• This vehicle may have different recommended tire

pressure values between the front and rear tires as
shown in both the Tire Loading Information Label and
the Supplemental Tire Pressure Information Label. It is

Tire Light Load Inflation Switch

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also equipped to be driven with tire pressures appro-
priate to either a Light Load condition or the vehicle
Max Load condition.

• The tire light load inflation switch will allow the driver

to change between the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning threshold and the light
load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning
threshold depending on the vehicle’s load condition.
Refer to the “Supplemental Tire Pressure Information”
label for the vehicle’s Light Load inflation pressures
and “Tire and Loading Information” label for the
vehicle’s Max Load inflation pressures.

To switch from the max load inflation pressure (cold) low
pressure warning threshold to the light load inflation
pressure (cold) low pressure warning threshold, begin by
placing the ignition switch in the RUN position. Next,
lower all four road tire pressures to the Light Load
Inflation Pressure values as listed on the Supplemental

Example Supplemental Tire Pressure Label

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Tire Pressure Information label. The Supplemental Tire
Pressure Information label is located on the rear face of
the driver door opening. Use an accurate tire gauge to
check the tire pressures when lowering all four tire
pressures. The vehicle may need to be driven above
15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this updated pressure
information. After all four tire pressures have been
lowered to the Light Load inflation pressures, press the
tire light load inflation switch. If the tire light load
inflation switch’s amber colored LED turns ON, the
TPMS is using the light load inflation pressure (cold) low
pressure warning thresholds.

If the tire light load inflation switch amber colored LED
flashes on and off for 10 seconds, after all four tire
pressures have been lowered to the Light Load inflation
pressures, the pressure in any one of the four tires may
not be at the light load inflation pressure (cold) values as
indicated for the Light Load condition as defined on the
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label located on

the rear face of the driver door. Using an accurate tire
pressure gauge, re-check the tire pressures for the light
load inflation pressure (cold) value.

WARNING!

It is the driver’s responsibility to change to the max
load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure warning
threshold condition when not driving in the light
load condition as defined as two occupants (150 lbs
[68 kg] each) plus 200 pounds (91 kg) of cargo. The
vehicle “Light Load Definition” is found in the
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information label lo-
cated on the rear face of the driver door. Failure to do
so may cause you to lose control resulting in a
collision, causing serious or fatal injury.

To switch back to the max load inflation pressure (cold)
low pressure warning threshold, press the tire light load
inflation switch. It is not necessary to first fill the tires to

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the max load inflation pressure (cold) values to switch
the TPMS system to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning threshold. If after pressing
the tire light load inflation switch, and tire pressures are
below the max load inflation pressure (cold) low pressure
warning thresholds, the TPMS low pressure warning
telltale light (located in the instrument cluster) will turn
ON and a chime will sound. The tire pressures are now
required to be inflated to the max load inflation pressure
(cold) values described on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. The Tire and Loading Information label is
located on the drivers side B-pillar. If the tire light load
inflation switch LED turns OFF, the TPMS has been reset
and the TPMS is using the max load inflation pressure
(cold) low pressure warning thresholds.

General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
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 received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

The TPM sensors are regulated under one of the follow-
ing licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

3.7L and 4.7L Engine

All engines (except 5.7L engines) are de-
signed to meet all emissions regulations
and provide excellent fuel economy and
performance when using high quality un-
leaded “regular” gasoline having an oc-
tane rating of 87. The use of premium

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gasoline is not recommended, as it will not provide any
benefit over regular gasoline in these engines.

5.7L Engine

The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane

for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such

as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.

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The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the engine
and fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as Ethanol. Fuels blended with oxygenates
may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or gaso-
line containing more than 10% Ethanol. Use of these
blends may result in starting and driveability prob-
lems, damage critical fuel system components, cause
emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to illumi-
nate. Pump labels should clearly communicate if a
fuel contains greater than 10% Ethanol.

Problems that result from using gasoline containing
Methanol or gasoline containing more than 10% Ethanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
not be covered under warranty.

E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.

If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:

• operate in a lean mode
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
• poor engine performance
• poor cold start and cold drivability
• increased risk for fuel system component corrosion

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To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:

• drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
• change the engine oil and oil filter
• disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the

engine controller memory

More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.

MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content

of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more
important to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada,
because MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

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Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emission control system.

• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• The use of fuel additives, which are now being

sold as octane enhancers are not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

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Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper

maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.

FLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED

E85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by a unique
fuel filler door label that states Ethanol (E85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline Only.

This section only covers those

subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline-only powered vehicles.

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CAUTION!

Only vehicles with the E85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E85.

Ethanol Fuel (E85)
E85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.

E85 Fuel Cap

E85 Badge

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WARNING!

Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.

Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that
alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.

When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:

• you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less

than 1/4 full

• you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when

refueling

• you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for

a period of at least 5 minutes

Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.

NOTE:

• When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C),

you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations
are followed.

• Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully

compatible with E85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPAR

威 Injector Cleanup or

Techron may be used.

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Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPAR

威 engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting

Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer re-
quires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
Chrysler Group LLC engines. Use MOPAR

威 or an

equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.

Starting
The characteristics of E85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.

NOTE:

Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is

beneficial for E85 startability when the ambient tempera-
ture is less than 32°F (0°C).

Cruising Range
Because E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.

Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.

CAUTION!

Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.

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