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12DD43-926-AA
Chassis Cab 3500/4500/5500
Third Edition
User Guide

877220_12c_Chassis_Cab_UserGuide_041212.indd   1

4/12/12   10:08 AM

Summary of Contents for Ram 3500 2012

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...is moving is dangerous and could lead to a serious collision Texting while driving is also dangerous and should never be done while the vehicle is moving If you find yourself unable to devote your fu...

Page 3: ...rmation Center EVIC 52 Programmable Features 53 Power Inverter 54 Power Outlets 55 OFF ROAD CAPABILITIES Four Wheel Drive Operation 56 UTILITY Towing Payload 57 Tow Haul Mode 58 Integrated Trailer Bra...

Page 4: ...Reporting Safety Defects In The 50 United States And Washington D C 107 MOPAR ACCESSORIES Authentic Accessories By MOPAR 108 INDEX 109 FAQ How To Frequently Asked Questions 112 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2...

Page 5: ...er Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications and or make additions to or improvements to its products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them on pro...

Page 6: ...ell while the vehicle is moving Objects can become trapped under the brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle control Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or mounting c...

Page 7: ...ss Enter N Go and Remote Start range If you are experiencing difficulties with any of your wireless features try disconnecting your aftermarket devices to see if the situation improves If your symptom...

Page 8: ...DRIVER COCKPIT CONTROLS AT A GLANCE 6...

Page 9: ...mission Gear Selector G Audio System touch screen radio shown pg 28 H SWITCH PANEL Diesel Exhaust Brake pg 66 Tow Haul Hazard Switch Power Inverter pg 54 I Climate Controls pg 26 J SWITCH PANEL AUX Sw...

Page 10: ...rake ABS Light Air Bag Warning Light Electronic Throttle Control ETC Light Engine Temperature Warning Light Transmission Temperature Warning Light Seat Belt Reminder Light BRAKE Brake Warning Light Ma...

Page 11: ...aust Brake Indicator Diesel Only Door Ajar Indicator Electronic Speed Control Set Indicator Loose Gas Cap Indicator Odometer Messages gASCAP Gas Cap Loose HOTOIL Engine Oil too Hot noFUSE Fuse Fault L...

Page 12: ...ey Should the battery in the vehicle or the Key Fob transmitter go dead there is an emergency key located in the Key Fob that can be used for locking and unlocking the doors To remove the emergency ke...

Page 13: ...f up to 30 seconds before the engine starts To drive the vehicle press the UNLOCK button insert the Key Fob in the ignition and turn to the ON RUN position With remote start the engine will only run f...

Page 14: ...n if they have been damaged bent retractor torn webbing etc The seat belts for both front seating positions may be equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat b...

Page 15: ...n are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats rather than in the front Every state in the United States and all Canadian provinces require that small children ride in proper restraint systems...

Page 16: ...Tether Strap With Either Lower Anchors Or Vehicle Seat Belt Crew Cab Rear Seats Obtain tether straps by raising the head restraints and reaching between the rear glass and rear seat The tether strap m...

Page 17: ...between the anchor and the child seat preferably between the head restraint posts underneath the head restraint Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the tether anchor and remove sla...

Page 18: ...k Push switch forward or rearward and the seatback will move in either direction Power Lumbar The lumbar controls are located on the outboard side of the seat cushion The lumbar support can be increas...

Page 19: ...vel may become limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the seat s path WARNING Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is dangerous The sudden movement of the seat could cause you to...

Page 20: ...tback The fans draw this air across the surface of the seat using air ducts and fine perforations in the covering to help keep the driver cooler in higher ambient temperatures The ventilated seat swit...

Page 21: ...s a heating element that heats the steering wheel to one temperature setting The heated steering wheel switch is located on the center instrument panel below the climate controls Press the switch once...

Page 22: ...pede its ability to move as it may cause damage to the pedal controls Pedal travel may become limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the adjustable pedal s path WARNING Tilting the steeri...

Page 23: ...r For the recommended viscosity and quality grades refer to Maintaining Your Vehicle NON DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED A new engine may consume some oil during its first few th...

Page 24: ...d to the second detent for headlights With the parking lights or low beam headlights on push the headlight switch once for fog lights Rotate the headlight switch to AUTO for AUTO headlights When set t...

Page 25: ...g wheel Cruise ON OFF Push the ON OFF switch to activate the Speed Control The cruise symbol will appear on the instrument cluster to indicate the Speed Control is on Push the ON OFF switch a second t...

Page 26: ...memory WARNING Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on when not in use is dangerous You could accidentally set the system or cause it to go faster than you want You could lose control and have...

Page 27: ...aking Toggle the switch on the column shift lever down or up to select the desired top gear For maximum deceleration engine braking toggle the switch on the column shift lever down Your vehicle will a...

Page 28: ...rost floor defrost floor mix modes Heated Mirrors The mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice This feature is activated whenever you turn on the rear window defroster AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL ATC...

Page 29: ...he indicator light may flash three times to indicate the cabin air is being controlled automatically Heated Mirrors The mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice This feature is activated whenever you t...

Page 30: ...YOUR VEHICLE S SOUND SYSTEM ELECTRONICS 28...

Page 31: ...ELECTRONICS 29...

Page 32: ...ours Press the TUNE SCROLL control knob until the minutes begin to blink turn the TUNE SCROLL control knob to set the minutes Press the TUNE SCROLL control knob to save the time change To exit press a...

Page 33: ...ys the selections on the CD in random order to provide an interesting change of pace Audio Jack Operation The Audio Jack allows a portable device such as an MP3 player or a cassette player to be plugg...

Page 34: ...ome of these radio features should not be used when driving because they take your eyes from the road or your attention from driving Clock Setting Press and hold the TIME button until the hours blink...

Page 35: ...utton allows you to select between items that are available in that particular mode Turn the TUNE SCROLL control knob to scroll through the entries Push the AUDIO SELECT button to select an entry and...

Page 36: ...cle s speakers The functions of the portable device are controlled using the device buttons The volume may be controlled using the radio or portable device Media Center 430 430N Sales Code RBZ RHB NOT...

Page 37: ...er the arrow soft keys or the cross hair on the screen to change Balance and Fade The CENTER soft key resets the settings Touch the Equalizer soft key and use either the arrow soft keys or the sliders...

Page 38: ...to bypass stations without stopping Store Radio Presets Select the radio band by touching either the AM FM or SAT soft key Find the station to store by either pressing the Seek Up or Seek Down soft ke...

Page 39: ...ystem Insert a CD DVD Disc To insert a disc press the LOAD hard key With the printed side upwards insert the disc into the disc slot of the radio The radio pulls the disc in automatically and closes t...

Page 40: ...on that the internal HDD can hold more tracks It is also possible to import display pictures to the internal hard disk drive The pictures can be displayed on the right half of the radio screen Before...

Page 41: ...he From Disc or From USB soft key then select the folders or pictures you wish to copy to the HDD Use the PAGE soft keys to page through the list of pictures Touch the desired pictures or press the Al...

Page 42: ...ean the touch screen If necessary use a lint free cloth dampened with a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol or an isopropyl alcohol and water solution ratio of 50 50 Be sure to follow the solv...

Page 43: ...he on screen prompts to enter the address and touch Go Searching Near Another Location From the main Navigation menu touch Where To then touch a destination and then touch Near Select an option from t...

Page 44: ...elect the stop to add from the search results Touch Go then touch Add to Current Route Taking A Detour To take a detour you must be navigating a route Touch the back arrow icon to return to the Main N...

Page 45: ...o Mode then touch the Channel Lock to enable and or disable desired channels The SEEK and SCAN function will then only display channels without Channel lock Search Browse Touch the magnifying glass so...

Page 46: ...Currently playing favorites Replay While you are in SAT mode you can replay 44 minutes of the current Sirius XM channel when the channel is changed this audio buffer is erased Press the REPLAY button...

Page 47: ...brings a wealth of useful information into your vehicle and right to your fingertips To access Travel Link press the MENU hard key then the Travel Link soft key NOTE Sirius Travel Link requires a subs...

Page 48: ...Pod players or other portable devices through your vehicle s speakers The USB port located inside the upper glove box allows you to plug an iPod into the vehicle s sound system To hear audio from devi...

Page 49: ...not you will see a message on the radio Uconnect phone not available The Uconnect Phone is a voice activated hands free in vehicle communications system with Voice Command Capability see Voice Comman...

Page 50: ...ly downloads names text names and number entries from your mobile phone s phonebook Specific Bluetooth Phones with Phone Book Access Profile may support this feature Automatic Transfer is indicated by...

Page 51: ...press the Voice Command button After the BEEP say transfer call Changing The Volume Start a dialogue by pressing the Phone button then adjust the volume during a normal call Use the radio ON OFF VOLU...

Page 52: ...voice commands for each of the different modes Common Voice Commands Examples Main Menu Radio to switch to the radio mode Disc to switch to the disc mode Memo to switch to the memo recorder System Set...

Page 53: ...edia Center 430N 730N radios may be able to play incoming Short Message Service SMS messages text messages through the vehicle s sound system It also allows you to respond by selecting from various pr...

Page 54: ...mation and Personal Settings For additional information refer to Programmable Features in this guide Press and release the UP button to scroll upward through the main menus Fuel Economy Tire PSI Vehic...

Page 55: ...d driver s door lock switch NOTE Pressing the LOCK button while you are inside the vehicle will activate the Vehicle Security Alarm Opening a door with the Vehicle Security Alarm activated will cause...

Page 56: ...r up to 150 Watts To turn on the power outlet press the switch once Press the switch a second time to turn the power outlet off The status indicator of the AC power inverter indicates whether the inve...

Page 57: ...nd can provide power at all times All accessories connected to the outlet s should be removed or turned off when the vehicle is not in use to protect the battery against discharge NOTE Do not exceed t...

Page 58: ...h 40 km h Shifting Procedure Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph 88 km h Shifting between 2H or 4H and 4L must be made with the transmis...

Page 59: ...eed Manual Transmission Towing 18 350 lbs max Payload 8880 lbs max 6 7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I 6 6 Speed AISIN Automatic Transmission Towing 18 300 lbs max Payload 8830 lbs max CHASSIS CAB 5500 ST SLT...

Page 60: ...e to excessive shifting When operating in TOW HAUL mode transmission upshifts are delayed and the transmission will automatically downshift for engine braking during steady braking maneuvers The TOW H...

Page 61: ...ivate the trailer brakes independent of the truck s brakes This module will have four different options depending on the type of trailer you want to tow Light Electric Heavy Electric Light EOH Electri...

Page 62: ...tton and then press the UP or DOWN buttons until Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen Press the SELECT button and then press the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on t...

Page 63: ...or complete loss of trailer braking There may be a increase in stopping distance or trailer instability which could result in personal injury AUXILIARY SWITCHES There are four auxiliary switches loca...

Page 64: ...will result Recreational towing for two wheel drive models is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer If using a tow dolly fol...

Page 65: ...or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing Tow only in the forward direction Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case...

Page 66: ...hich allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6 000 miles 10 000 km DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES Engine Block Heater For ambient temperatures below 0 F 18 C engine...

Page 67: ...battery voltage Refer to the Owner s Manual Diesel Supplement on the DVD for further details Engine Idling Avoid prolonged engine idling Long periods of idling may be harmful to your engine because co...

Page 68: ...accelerator pedal Exhaust braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher NOTE For optimum braking power it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in TOW HAUL mode CAUTION Use of after...

Page 69: ...the RPM push and hold the DECEL switch and the idle speed will decrease to approximately 1100 RPM To cancel the Idle Up Feature either push the CANCEL switch push the ON OFF switch or push the brake...

Page 70: ...mage blacktop paving surfaces Drain the filter into an appropriate container Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new fuel filter There is a possibility debris could be introduced into the...

Page 71: ...l Exhaust System Regeneration in Process Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter DPF is self cleaning Maintain your current driving condition until regeneration is completed Exhaust System Regene...

Page 72: ...or Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction system in order to meet the very stringent diesel emissions standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency Selective Catalyt...

Page 73: ...down to purge the DEF system This is normal operation Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage Diesel Exhaust Fluid DEF is considered a very stable product with a long shelf life If DEF is kept in temperatures be...

Page 74: ...tely 6 gallons 23 Liters to fill the DEF tank NOTE Driving conditions altitude vehicle speed load etc will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your vehicle DEF Fill Procedure Remove cap from DEF...

Page 75: ...vehicle or engine damage will occur Have the vehicle serviced immediately WARNING A hot engine cooling system is dangerous You or others could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant You may want...

Page 76: ...driving we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately Electronic Throttle Control ETC Light This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Th...

Page 77: ...uired oil change Resetting The Light After Servicing Turn the ignition switch to the ON RUN position do not start engine Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds Turn the igni...

Page 78: ...ervice WARNING You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant antifreeze or steam from your radiator If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood do not open the hood until the radiato...

Page 79: ...on Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position For example if the right front wheel is being changed block the left rear wheel NOTE Passengers should not remain...

Page 80: ...eel nuts and pull the wheel off Install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the nuts toward the wheel on single rear wheel SRW models On dual rear wheel models DRW the lug nuts...

Page 81: ...oved You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pry off the wheel skins Insert the flat tip completely and using a back and forth motion loosen the wheel skin Repeat this procedure around the tire...

Page 82: ...torqued to specifications at all times Torque wheel stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication interval Wheel Nut Torque All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to eliminate the possibil...

Page 83: ...heel Being under a jacked up vehicle is dangerous The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you You could be crushed Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack Never start...

Page 84: ...the tire A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle Always stow the jack parts and the extra tire and wheel in the places provided HOISTING A...

Page 85: ...ble to the negative post of the booster battery Connect the opposite end of the negative jumper cable to a good engine ground exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle s engine away from the batter...

Page 86: ...ause personal injury Battery temperature must be brought above the freezing point before attempting a jump start Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised It can start an...

Page 87: ...hooks Tow straps and chains may break causing serious injury SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the PARK position you can use the following proced...

Page 88: ...perable Transmission in NEUTRAL 30 mph 48 km h max 15 miles 24 km max distance Auto Transmission in PARK Manual Transmission in gear NOT NEUTRAL Transfer Case in NEUTRAL Tow in FORWARD direction Wheel...

Page 89: ...ssion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle NOTE If your vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Control ESC or Traction Control turn the system off before attempting to rock...

Page 90: ...or and or brake pedal and How fast the vehicle was traveling These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur NOTE EDR data are recorded by y...

Page 91: ...r of the hood and move the safety latch lever while lifting the hood at the same time WARNING Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your vehicle If the hood is not fully latched it could op...

Page 92: ...ENGINE COMPARTMENT 5 7L Engine MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 90...

Page 93: ...6 7L Diesel Engine MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 91...

Page 94: ...nsed ATF 4 product Automatic Transmission 6 Speed AS68RC MOPAR AS68RC Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent Clutch Linkage MOPAR Multi Purpose Grease NLGI Grade 2 E P or equivalent Manual Transmi...

Page 95: ...2 and the API CJ 4 engine oil category is required In ambient temperatures above 0 F 18 C 15W 40 engine oil that meets Chrysler Materials Standard MS 10902 and the API CJ 4 engine oil category is requ...

Page 96: ...fuel meeting ASTM specification D 975 Grade S15 will provide good performance If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold below 20 F or 7 C or is required to operate at colder than normal conditions fo...

Page 97: ...ngine air cleaner filter replace if necessary X X X Lube the front drive shaft fittings 4x4 models only X X X X X X X X X X X X X Inspect the brake linings replace if necessary X X X X X X Inspect the...

Page 98: ...mproper looseness or end play replace if necessary X X X X X X Replace the spark plugs X X X Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes X X X Inspect and replace PCV valve i...

Page 99: ...000 Miles 52 000 km or 24 Months 40 000 Miles 65 000 km or 30 Months 48 000 Miles 78 000 km or 36 Months 56 000 Miles 91 000 km or 42 Months 64 000 Miles 104 000 km or 48 Months 72 000 Miles 117 000...

Page 100: ...rcumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7 500 miles 12 000 km or six months whichever comes first X X X X X X X X X X X X X Rotate the tires X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lubricate front drive shaf...

Page 101: ...00 156 000 Inspect the front suspension tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage wear improper looseness or end play replace if necessary X X X X X X Inspect wheel bear...

Page 102: ...000 Miles 48 000 km or 24 Months 37 500 Miles 60 000 km or 30 Months 45 000 Miles 72 000 km or 36 Months 52 500 Miles 84 000 km or 42 Months 60 000 Miles 96 000 km or 48 Months 67 500 Miles 108 000 k...

Page 103: ...p Pink Electric Brake J03 30 Amp Pink Diesel Powertrain Control Module If Equipped J04 25 Amp Natural Driver Door Node J05 25 Amp Natural Passenger Door Node J06 40 Amp Green Antilock Brakes Pump Stab...

Page 104: ...Front Console Rain Snsr M7 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet Rear Console or Center Seat M8 20 Amp Yellow Front Heated Seat Steering Wheel M9 20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seats M10 15 Amp Blue Hands Free Module...

Page 105: ...R Sensor Compass Module M35 15 Amp Blue Left Front Rear Parklamps M36 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet Instrument Panel or Center Console M37 10 Amp Red Antilock Brakes Stability Control System Module Stopl...

Page 106: ...cle handling and increase your stopping distance Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle Never overload them Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions Under...

Page 107: ...ot use oven cleaner These products may damage the wheel s protective finish Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel s protective finish Only MOP...

Page 108: ...gine exhaust some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm In addition...

Page 109: ...come involved in individual problems between you your authorized dealer and the manufacturer To contact NHTSA you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll free at 1 888 327 4236 TTY 1 800 424 9153...

Page 110: ...uthentic Ram Truck Accessories by Mopar visit your local Ram Truck dealership or online at mopar com EXTERIOR Aluminum Running Boards Chrome Tubular Side Steps Cold Weather Front End Cover Body Side M...

Page 111: ...22 Cruise Control Speed Control 23 Cruise Light 23 Customer Assistance 106 Defects Reporting 107 Defroster Rear Window 26 Defroster Windshield 26 Dimmer Control 22 Disarming Theft System 11 Dual Rear...

Page 112: ...ator Light Check Engine 73 Media Center Radio 30 32 Memory Seat 16 Message Center Water in Fuel 64 Mirrors Heated 26 27 MOPAR Accessories 108 Navigation 40 New Vehicle Break In Period 21 64 Oil Change...

Page 113: ...ngine Coolant 76 Text Messaging 51 Theft Alarm Security Alarm 11 Theft System Arming 11 Theft System Disarming 11 Tilt Steering Column 19 Tires Air Pressure 104 Dual 79 Wheel Nut Torque 78 Tow Hooks E...

Page 114: ...tion System pg 47 How do I use my iPod pg 46 How do I use my USB port to listen to audio through my touch screen radio pg 46 OFF ROAD CAPABILITIES How do I shift into different four wheel drive select...

Page 115: ...e been drinking Never drink and then drive RAMTRUCKS COM This guide has been prepared to help you get quickly acquainted with your new RAM and to provide a convenient reference source for common quest...

Page 116: ...ng your application store Keyword RAM Trucks or scanning the Microsoft Tag To put Microsoft Tags to work for you use your mobile phone s browser or App store to download a Microsoft Tag reader like th...

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