Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2019 Owner's Manual
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
 — Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light 
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with
the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected  while  the  vehicle  is  running,  the  light  will  either
stay  on  or  flash  depending  on  the  nature  of  the  problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The  light  should  turn  off.  If  the  light  remains  on  with  the
vehicle  running,  your  vehicle  will  usually  be  drivable;
however,  see  an  authorized  dealer  for  service  as  soon  as
possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If  the  light  continues  to  flash  when  the  vehicle  is  running,
immediate  service  is  required  and  you  may  experience
reduced  performance,  an  elevated/rough  idle,  or  engine
stall  and  your  vehicle  may  require  towing.  The  light  will
come  on  when  the  ignition  is  placed  in  the  ON/RUN  or
ACC/ON/RUN  position  and  remain  on  briefly  as  a  bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.  — Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
 — Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If 
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and  run  the  engine  at  idle  or  slightly  faster,  with  the  trans -
mission  in  PARK  or  NEUTRAL,  until  the  light  turns  off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If  you  continue  operating  the  vehicle  when  the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you  could  cause  the  fluid  to  boil  over,  come  in  contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire. 
CAUTION!
 Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning  Light  illuminated  will  eventually  cause  severe
transmission damage or transmission failure. 
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150 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
 — Door Open Warning Light  
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and
not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light 
— If Equipped
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  to  indicate  a  fault  in  the
ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For  further  information,  refer  to  “Adaptive  Cruise  Control
(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
 — Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light 
(MIL) 
The  Engine  Check/Malfunction  Indicator  Light  (MIL)  is  a
part  of  an  Onboard  Diagnostic  System  called  OBD  II  that
monitors  engine  and  automatic  transmission  control
systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition
is  in  the  ON/RUN  position  before  engine  start.  If  the  bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions,  such as a loose  or missing gas cap, poor
quality fuel,  etc., may illuminate the light  after engine start.
The  vehicle  should  be serviced  if the  light  stays  on  through
several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle
will drive normally and will not require towing.
When  the  engine  is  running,  the  MIL  may  flash  to  alert
serious  conditions  that  could  lead  to  immediate  loss  of
power  or  severe  catalytic  converter  damage.  The  vehicle
should  be  serviced  by  an  authorized  dealer  as  soon  as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A  malfunctioning  catalytic  converter,  as  referenced
above,  can  reach  higher  temperatures  than  in  normal
operating  conditions.  This  can  cause  a  fire  if  you  drive
slowly  or  park  over  flammable  substances  such  as  dry
plants,  wood,  cardboard,  etc.  This  could  result  in  death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others. 
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
 — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning 
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the Electronic Stability
Control  system  is  Active.  The  “ESC  Indicator  Light”  in  the
instrument cluster  will come on when the ignition  is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC
is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC  Indicator  Light”  comes  on  continuously  with  the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilome -
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an autho -rized  dealer  as  soon  as  possible  to  have  the  problem
diagnosed and corrected.
• The  “ESC  Off  Indicator  Light”  and  the  “ESC  Indicator
Light”  come  on  momentarily  each  time  the  ignition  is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The  ESC  system  will  make  buzzing  or  clicking  sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when
ESC becomes inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
 — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning 
Light — If Equipped 
This  warning  light  indicates  the Electronic Stability  Control
(ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to  ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN,  the  ESC  system  will  be  on,  even  if  it  was  turned  off
previously.
CAUTION!
Prolonged  driving  with  the  Malfunction  Indicator  Light
(MIL)  on  could  cause  damage  to  the  vehicle  control
system.  It  also  could  affect  fuel  economy  and
driveability.  If  the  MIL  is  flashing,  severe  catalytic
converter  damage  and  power  loss  will  soon  occur.
Immediate service is required.
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152 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
 — Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  when  the  windshield
washer fluid is low.
 — Low Fuel Warning Light 
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.2 gal (12 L) this
light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.
 — Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level
is low.
 — Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the fuel filler cap is
loose.  Properly  close  the  filler  cap  to  disengage  the  light.  If
the light does not turn off, please see an authorized dealer.  — Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning 
Light 
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to
indicate  that  the  tire  pressure  is  lower  than  the  recom -
mended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In
these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
Should  one  or  more  tires  be  in  the  condition  mentioned
above,  the  display  will  show  the  indications  corresponding
to each tire.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly  when  cold  and  inflated  to  the  inflation  pressure
recommended  by  the  vehicle  manufacturer  on  the  vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard
or  tire  inflation  pressure  label,  you  should  determine  the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
CAUTION!
Do  not  continue  driving  with  one  or  more  flat  tires  as
handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding
sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair
immediately using the dedicated tire repair kit and contact
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. 
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 153
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi-
nates  a  low  tire  pressure  telltale  when  one  or  more  of  your
tires  is  significantly  under-inflated.  Accordingly,  when  the
low  tire  pressure  telltale  illuminates,  you  should  stop  and
check your  tires as soon  as  possible,  and inflate  them  to  the
proper  pressure.  Driving  on  a  significantly  under-inflated
tire  causes  the  tire  to  overheat  and  can  lead  to  tire  failure.
Under-inflation  also  reduces  fuel  efficiency  and  tire  tread
life,  and  may  affect  the  vehicle’s  handling  and  stopping
ability.
Please  note  that the  TPMS  is  not  a  substitute  for  proper  tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the  level  to  trigger  illumination  of  the  TPMS  low  tire  pres -
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc -
tion  indicator  to  indicate  when  the  system  is  not  operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the  low  tire  pressure  telltale.  When  the  system  detects  a
malfunction,  the  telltale  will  flash  for  approximately  one
minute  and  then  remain  continuously  illuminated.  This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long  as  the  malfunction  exists.  When  the  malfunction  indi -
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal  low  tire  pressure  as  intended.  TPMS  malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the  TPMS  malfunction  telltale  after  replacing  one  or  more
tires  or  wheels  on  your  vehicle  to  ensure  that  the  replace
-
ment  or  alternate  tires  and  wheels  allow  the  TPMS  to
continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The  TPMS  has  been  optimized  for  the  original
equipment  tires  and  wheels.  TPMS  pressures  and
warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on  your vehicle. Undesirable  system  operation  or  sensor
damage  may  result  when  using  replacement  equipment
that  is  not  of  the  same  size,  type,  and/or  style.
Aftermarket  wheels  can  cause  sensor  damage.  Using
aftermarket  tire  sealants  may  cause  the  Tire  Pressure
Monitoring  System  (TPMS)  sensor  to  become
inoperable.  After  using  an  aftermarket  tire  sealant  it  is
recommended  that  you  take  your  vehicle  to  your
authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
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154 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
 — Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light 
This  warning  light  monitors  the  Anti-Lock  Brake  System
(ABS).  The  light  will  turn  on  when  the  ignition  is  placed  in
the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on
for as long as four seconds.
If  the  ABS  light  remains  on  or  turns  on  while  driving,  then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning
and  service  is  required  as  soon  as  possible.  However,  the
conventional  brake  system  will  continue  to  operate
normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
 — Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If 
Equipped
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  to  indicate  when  a  rear
axle locker fault has been detected.  — Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — 
If Equipped
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  to  indicate  a  fault  in  the
Forward  Collision  Warning  System.  Contact  an  authorized
dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision  Warning  (FCW)"  in "Safety"  for
further information.
 — Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  to  signal  a  fault  with  the
4WD system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it  means  that  the  4WD  system  is  not  functioning  properly
and that service is required. We recommend you drive to the
nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immedi -
ately.
 — Speed Control Fault Warning Light
This  warning  light  will  illuminate  to  indicate  the  Speed
Control  System  is  not  functioning  properly  and  service  is
required. Contact an authorized dealer. 
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
 — Sway Bar Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar
disconnect system.
Yellow Indicator Lights
 — Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light — If 
Equipped
This  indicator  light  illuminates  to  indicate  that  Forward
Collision Warning is off.
 — TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode
is selected.
 — Cargo Light — If Equipped
This  indicator  light  will  illuminate  when  the  cargo  light  is
activated by pushing the cargo light button on the headlight
switch.  — Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This  indicator light  will illuminate when the front sway  bar
is disconnected.
 — Snowplow Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This  indicator  light  will  illuminate  when  Snowplow  Mode
has been activated.
 — Front And Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This  light  indicates  when  the  front,  rear,  or  both  axles  have
been  locked.  The  telltale  will  display  the  lock  icon  on  the
front and rear axles to indicate the current lock status.
 — Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This  light  indicates  when  the  rear  axle  lock  has  been  acti -
vated.
 — 4WD Lock Indicator Light
This  light  alerts  the  driver  that  the  vehicle  is  in  the
four-wheel  drive  LOCK  mode.  The  front  and  rear  drivesh -
afts  are  mechanically  locked  together,  forcing  the  front  and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
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156 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Refer  to  “Four-Wheel  Drive  Operation”  in  “Starting  And
Operating”  for  further  information  on  four-wheel  drive
operation and proper use. — 4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This  light  alerts  the  driver  that  the  vehicle  is  in  the
four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are  mechanically  locked  together  forcing  the  front  and  rear
wheels  to  rotate  at  the  same  speed.  Low  range  provides  a
greater  gear  reduction  ratio  to  provide  increased  torque  at
the wheels.
Refer  to  “Four-Wheel  Drive  Operation  —  If  Equipped”  in
“Starting  And  Operating”  for  further  information  on
four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
 — 4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This  light  alerts  the  driver  that  the  vehicle  is  in  the
four-wheel drive HIGH mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are  mechanically  locked  together  forcing  the  front  and  rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.  — NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the 4WD power transfer case
is in the NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear driveshafts
are disengaged from the powertrain.
Green Indicator Lights
 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With Target 
Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a target vehicle is
detected.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No Target 
Detected Indicator Light — If Equipped
This  light  will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control  is
SET and there is no target vehicle detected.
Refer to "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped" in
"Starting And Operating" for further information. 
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157
 — ECO Mode Indicator Light
This light will turn on when ECO Mode is active.
 — Park/Headlight On Indicator Light 
This  indicator  light  will  illuminate  when  the  park  lights  or
headlights are turned on.
 — Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog lights
are on.
 — Turn Signal Indicator Lights  
When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn signal
indicator  will  flash  independently  and  the  corresponding
exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be acti -
vated when the multifunction lever is moved down (left) or
up (right).
NOTE:
• A  continuous  chime  will  sound  if  the  vehicle  is  driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
• Check  for  an  inoperative  outside  light  bulb  if  either  indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate. • If equipped with fog lamps, the fog lamp on the side of the
activated  turn signal will also illuminate  to  provide addi -
tional light when turning.
 — Cruise Control Set Indicator Light — If Equipped  
This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is
set  to  the  desired  speed.  Refer  to  “Speed  Control”  in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
White Indicator Lights
 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready Light — If 
Equipped  
This  light  will  illuminate  when  the  vehicle  equipped  with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)  has  been  turned on but not
set.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
 — Cruise Control Ready Indicator  
This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is
ready, but not set. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
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158 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
 — Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If 
Equipped
This  indicator  shows  when  the  Hill  Descent  Control  (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in
the “4WD LOW” position and  the vehicle speed is less then
20 mph  (32 km/h).  If  these  conditions  are  not  met  while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
 — High Beam Indicator Light
This  indicator  light  will  illuminate  to  indicate  that  the  high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push
the  multifunction  lever  forward  (toward  the  front  of  the
vehicle)  to  turn  on  the  high  beams.  Pull  the  multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high  beams. If  the  high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II   
Your  vehicle  is  equipped  with  a  sophisticated  Onboard
Diagnostic  system  called  OBD  II.  This  system  monitors  the
performance  of  the  emissions,  engine,  and  transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your  vehicle  will  provide  excellent  performance  and  fuel
economy,  as  well  as  engine  emissions  well  within  current
government regulations.
If  any  of  these  systems  require  service,  the  OBD  II  system
will  turn  on  the  Malfunction  Indicator  Light  (MIL).  It  will
also  store  diagnostic  codes  and  other  information  to  assist
your  service  technician  in  making  repairs.  Although  your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage  to  the  emission  control  system.  It  could  also
affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be  serviced  before  any  emissions  tests  can  be
performed.
• If  the  MIL  is  flashing  while  the  vehicle  is  running, severe  catalytic  converter  damage  and  power  loss  will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.