2012 RAM 1500 2500 3500 Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
RAM
Model:
1500 2500 3500
Rating:
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
5
INTRODUCTION
6
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
6
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
8
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
8
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
8
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
9
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
11
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
14
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) — If Equipped
14
Key Fob
15
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
16
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
18
SENTRY KEYĥ
18
Replacement Keys
19
Customer Key Programming
20
General Information
20
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
21
Rearming Of The System
21
To Arm The System
21
To Disarm The System
21
Security System Manual Override
22
ILLUMINATED ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
22
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF EQUIPPED
23
Remote Unlock The Doors
23
To Lock The Doors
25
Using The Panic Alarm
26
Programming Additional Transmitters
27
Transmitter Battery Replacement
27
General Information
28
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
28
How To Use Remote Start
29
DOOR LOCKS
32
Manual Door Locks
32
Power Door Locks — If Equipped
33
Child-Protection Door Lock
34
WINDOWS
36
Power Windows — If Equipped
36
Wind Buffeting
39
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
40
Lap/Shoulder Belts
43
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
51
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
52
Center Lap Belts
52
Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions
53
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode – If Equipped
54
Energy Management Feature
55
Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped
55
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlertĥ)
56
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
57
Seat Belt Extender
57
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags
58
Air Bag System Components
59
Advanced Front Air Bag Features
60
Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls
64
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
71
Child Restraints
72
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
87
SAFETY TIPS
87
Transporting Passengers
87
Exhaust Gas
88
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
89
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle
91
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
93
MIRRORS
100
Inside Day/Night Mirror
100
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
100
Outside Mirrors
101
Outside Mirrors Folding Feature
102
Power Mirrors — If Equipped
103
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped
104
Driver's Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
104
Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped
104
“Slide-On-Rod” Features Of Sun Visor — If Equipped
105
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
106
Uconnect™ Phone — IF EQUIPPED
107
Operation
109
Phone Call Features
116
Uconnect™ Phone Features
119
Advanced Phone Connectivity
123
Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect™ Phone
125
General Information
136
VOICE COMMAND — IF EQUIPPED
136
Voice Command System Operation
136
Commands
137
Voice Training
141
SEATS
141
Driver's Power Seat — If Equipped
141
Passenger's Power Seat — If Equipped
143
Power Lumbar — If Equipped
145
Heated Seats — If Equipped
145
Ventilated Seats — If Equipped
148
Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped
149
Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped
150
40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped
151
Mega Cabĥ Rear Seat Features
152
Head Restraints
155
DRIVER MEMORY SEAT — IF EQUIPPED
158
Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE Transmitter To Memory
158
Memory Position Recall
160
To Disable A RKE Transmitter Linked To Memory
160
Easy Entry/Exit Seat
161
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
162
LIGHTS
164
Headlights
165
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
165
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With Automatic Headlights Only)
166
Headlight Delay
166
Parking Lights And Panel Lights
166
Fog Lights — If Equipped
166
Interior Lights
167
Cargo Light
168
Lights-On Reminder
169
Battery Saver
169
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
169
Multifunction Lever
169
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
171
Windshield Wipers
171
Windshield Wiper Operation
171
Intermittent Wiper System
172
Windshield Washers
172
Mist Feature
173
TILT STEERING COLUMN
173
HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED
174
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
175
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
176
To Activate
177
To Set A Desired Speed
178
To Deactivate
178
To Resume Speed
178
To Vary The Speed Setting
178
To Accelerate For Passing
179
PARKSENSEĥ REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
179
ParkSenseĥ Sensors
180
ParkSenseĥ Warning Display
180
ParkSenseĥ Display
181
Enabling And Disabling ParkSenseĥ
184
Service The ParkSenseĥ Rear Park Assist System
185
Cleaning The ParkSenseĥ System
186
ParkSenseĥ System Usage Precautions
186
PARKVIEWĥ REAR BACK UP CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
189
Turning ParkViewĥ On Or Off — With Navigation/Multimedia Radio
190
Turning ParkViewĥ On Or Off — Without Navigation/Multimedia Radio
191
OVERHEAD CONSOLE — IF EQUIPPED
191
Courtesy/Reading Lights
192
GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED
193
Before You Begin Programming HomeLinkĥ
194
Programming A Rolling Code
195
Programming A Non-Rolling Code
197
Canadian/Gate Operator Programming
198
Using HomeLinkĥ
199
Security
200
Troubleshooting Tips
200
General Information
201
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
202
Open Sunroof — Express Mode
203
Opening Sunroof — Manual Mode
203
Closing Sunroof — Express
203
Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode
203
Pinch Protect Feature
203
Pinch Protect Override
203
Venting Sunroof — Express
204
Sunshade Operation
204
Wind Buffeting
204
Sunroof Maintenance
204
Ignition Off Operation
204
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
205
CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER — IF EQUIPPED
209
POWER INVERTER — IF EQUIPPED
210
CUPHOLDERS
211
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — (40–20–40 Seats)
211
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor Mounted Shifter
212
Rear Cupholder — Quad Cabĥ
212
Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab
213
STORAGE
213
Glove Box Storage
213
Door Storage
215
Center Storage Compartment — If Equipped
216
Second Row In-Floor Storage Bin — If Equipped
218
Seatback Storage
219
Storage (Regular Cab)
220
Storage and Seats (Crew Cab)
220
Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers (Regular Cab Models)
221
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
222
Rear Window Defroster
222
Power Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
223
Manual Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped
223
FOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR — IF EQUIPPED
223
RAMBOXĥ — IF EQUIPPED
226
RamBoxĥ Integrated Box Side Storage Bins
226
RamBoxĥ Safety Warning
229
Bed Extender — If Equipped
230
Bed Rail Tie-Down System
238
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
240
Camper Applications
240
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
240
Disconnecting the Rear Camera — If Equipped
240
Removing The Tailgate
241
Locking Tailgate
242
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
243
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
247
SWITCH BANK BUTTON DESCRIPTION
248
Upper Switch Bank
248
Lower Switch Bank
248
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — BASE
250
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — PREMIUM
251
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
252
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
270
EVIC Displays
271
Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver Mode / Distance To Empty (DTE) — If Equipped
278
Trip Functions
279
Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
280
Tire PSI
281
Units
281
Compass / Temperature Display
282
Customer-Programmable Features (System Setup)
284
MEDIA CENTER 730N/430/430N (RHR/RER/RBZ/RHB) CD/DVD/HDD/NAV — IF EQUIPPED
290
Operating Instructions (Voice Command System) — If Equipped
291
Operating Instructions (Uconnect™ Phone) — If Equipped
291
MEDIA CENTER 130 (SALES CODE RES)
291
Operating Instructions — Radio Mode
291
Operation Instructions — CD MODE For CD And MP3 Audio Play
294
Notes on Playing MP3 Files
296
Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode
299
RSC)
300
Operating Instructions — Radio Mode
300
Operation Instructions — CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio Play
306
Notes On Playing MP3 Files
308
LIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
310
INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
310
Uconnect™ Multimedia (Satellite Radio) — If Equipped
311
Operating Instructions (Uconnect™ Phone) — If Equipped
315
iPodĥ/USB/MP3 CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
315
Connecting The iPodĥ Or External USB Device
316
Using This Feature
317
Controlling The iPodĥ Or External USB Device Using Radio Buttons
317
Play Mode
318
List Or Browse Mode
319
Bluetooth Streaming Audio (BTSA)
321
UCONNECT™ MULTIMEDIA VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES)™ — IF EQUIPPED
322
Getting Started
322
Single Video Screen
323
Play Video Games
326
Listen To An Audio Source On Channel 2 While A Video Is Playing On Channel 1
329
Important Notes For Single Video Screen System
331
Play A DVD Using The Touch-Screen Radio
331
Remote Control
334
Remote Control Storage
336
Locking The Remote Control
337
Replacing The Batteries
337
Headphones Operation
338
Controls
339
Replacing The Batteries
340
Unwiredĥ Stereo Headphone Lifetime Limited Warranty
340
System Information
341
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS — IF EQUIPPED
355
Radio Operation
356
CD Player
356
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
356
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
357
CLIMATE CONTROLS
357
Manual Heating And Air Conditioning System
358
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If Equipped
362
Summer Operation
367
Winter Operation
367
Vacation/Storage
368
Window Fogging and Frosting
368
Outside Air Intake
368
Operating Tips
369
STARTING AND OPERATING
371
STARTING PROCEDURES
377
Normal Starting
377
Automatic Transmission
377
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or ̺29°C)
378
If Engine Fails To Start
378
After Starting
379
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
379
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
380
Key Ignition Park Interlock
382
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
382
Four–Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L Engine) — If Equipped
382
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission (4.7L And 5.7L Engine) — 1500 Models Only
392
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L Engine) — 2500 Models Only
403
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
413
Manually Shifted Transfer Case – If Equipped
413
Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted Transfer Case
416
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
417
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Four-Position Switch) – If Equipped
417
Shifting Procedure
421
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Five-Position Switch) – If Equipped
424
Shifting Procedure
428
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM (2500 MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
430
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON ONLY
433
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON ONLY
435
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics
435
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
437
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)
439
Hill Climbing
441
Driving Through Water
444
Airing Down For Off-Road Driving
446
Vehicle Recovery
447
After Driving Off-Road
451
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
452
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
453
Acceleration
453
Traction
454
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
454
Flowing/Rising Water
454
Shallow Standing Water
455
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
456
After Driving Off-Road
457
WINCH USAGE (POWER WAGON ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
458
Things To Know Before Using Your Winch
458
Understanding The Features Of Your Winch
460
Winch Accessories
462
Operating Your Winch
463
Rigging Techniques
476
POWER STEERING
478
Power Steering Fluid Check
479
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
480
PARKING BRAKE
480
BRAKE SYSTEM
482
3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
482
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
483
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
483
Traction Control System (TCS) – If Equipped
483
Brake Assist System (BAS) – If Equipped
484
Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped
485
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – If Equipped
488
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light
492
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) – If Equipped
493
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
494
Tire Markings
494
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
498
Tire Terminology And Definitions
499
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
500
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
504
Tire Pressure
504
Tire Inflation Pressures
505
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
507
Radial Ply Tires
507
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel – If Equipped
508
Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped
508
Full Size Spare – If Equipped
509
Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped
509
Tire Spinning
510
Tread Wear Indicators
511
Life Of Tire
511
Replacement Tires
512
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION — IF EQUIPPED
513
TIRE CHAINS
514
SNOW TIRES
516
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
517
Directional Tires – If Equipped
518
Dual Rear Wheels – If Equipped
518
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
519
Base System
522
Premium System – If Equipped
524
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire Light Load Inflation Switch Description (2500 Models) – If Equipped
528
General Information
532
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
533
3.7L and 4.7L Engine
533
5.7L Engine
533
Reformulated Gasoline
534
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
534
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
534
MMT In Gasoline
535
Materials Added To Fuel
536
Fuel System Cautions
536
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
537
FLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
538
E-85 General Information
538
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
539
Fuel Requirements
539
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles
540
Starting
540
Cruising Range
541
Replacement Parts
541
Maintenance
541
ADDING FUEL
542
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
543
VEHICLE LOADING
543
Certification Label
543
TRAILER TOWING
546
Common Towing Definitions
546
Trailer Hitch Classification
550
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
551
Trailer And Tongue Weight
555
Towing Requirements
556
Towing Tips
566
SNOWPLOW
568
1500 Models Only
568
2500/3500 Models Only
568
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
572
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
572
Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models
573
Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
574
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
583
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
585
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
585
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
586
Jack Location
587
Removing The Spare Tire
592
Preparations
593
Instructions
594
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped
601
Wheel Nuts
602
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
605
HOISTING
606
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
606
Preparations For Jump-Start
607
Jump-Starting Procedure
608
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
610
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
611
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
612
Column Shifter — If Equipped
612
Center Console Shifter — If Equipped
613
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
614
Towing Without The Ignition Key Fob
616
Two-Wheel Drive Models
616
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
617
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
619
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L
622
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L
623
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
624
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
625
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
625
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
626
REPLACEMENT PARTS
627
DEALER SERVICE
628
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
628
Engine Oil
629
Engine Oil Filter
631
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
632
Maintenance-Free Battery
632
Air Conditioner Maintenance
634
Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500 (Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks Only)
635
Body Lubrication
635
Windshield Wiper Blades
636
Adding Washer Fluid
636
Exhaust System
637
Cooling System
640
Brake System
646
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
648
Transfer Case
650
Automatic Transmission
650
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
653
FUSES
660
Totally Integrated Power Module
660
VEHICLE STORAGE
665
REPLACEMENT BULBS
666
BULB REPLACEMENT
667
Dual Or Quad Headlamp/Front Park And Turn Signal — If Equipped
667
Fog Lamps
669
Rear Tail/Stop, Turn Signal And Backup Lamps
669
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) With Cargo Lamp
671
Cab Top Clearance Lamps — If Equipped
673
Rear Lamp Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheels) — If Equipped
674
Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels) — If Equipped
675
FLUID CAPACITIES
676
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
678
Engine
678
Chassis
680
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
681
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
682
Required Maintenance Intervals
684
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
699
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
701
Prepare For The Appointment
701
Prepare A List
701
Be Reasonable With Requests
701
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
701
Chrysler Group LLC Customer Center
702
Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center
702
In Mexico contact:
702
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)
703
Service Contract
703
WARRANTY INFORMATION
704
MOPARĥ PARTS
704
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
704
In the 50 United States and Washington, D.C.
704
In Canada
705
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
705
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
707
Treadwear
707
Traction Grades
707
Temperature Grades
708
2012 RAM 1500 2500 3500 Overview
Introduction
The 2012 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 models present a powerful blend of rugged capability and modern comfort, making them ideal for both work and recreation. Renowned for their strength and dependability, these trucks cater to various needs, whether it's hauling heavy loads, towing trailers, or navigating tough terrains. With distinctive styling, advanced technology, and a range of trims, the RAM heavy-duty pickups are designed to impress and perform.
Powertrains
RAM offers a robust lineup of powertrains for 2012, starting with the 1500 model equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine generating 215 horsepower. For those seeking more power, an available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine churns out 390 horsepower, providing exceptional towing capability. The 2500 and 3500 models up the ante with a standard 5.7-liter V8, while an optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine delivers 800 lb-ft of torque, making these trucks the ultimate workhorses in the segment. Each model is available with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a heavy-duty four-wheel drive option.
Trims
The 2012 RAM trucks come in various trims to cater to different preferences and budgets. The RAM 1500 features trims ranging from the base ST to the luxurious Longhorn edition, while the 2500 and 3500 offer SLT, Laramie, and other specialized trims, enhancing both comfort and capability. Each trim level boasts a unique set of features, making it easier for owners to find the perfect fit for their lifestyle.
Features
The 2012 RAM lineup is packed with features designed for comfort and convenience. Standard features include a robust infotainment system, available navigation, and keyless entry. Higher trims offer luxury amenities such as leather seating, premium audio systems, and advanced safety features. With spacious interiors and customizable options, these trucks provide a welcoming driving experience suitable for both work and family outings.
Owner's Manual
The RAM owner's manual for the 2012 models is an invaluable resource, providing owners with critical information about maintenance schedules, safety tips, and operational guidelines. It comprehensively covers everything from routine servicing to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring that owners can maintain their trucks in optimal condition for years to come.
User manual download
The RAM 1500 2500 3500 owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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