engine RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owner's Guide

86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
DIESEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature. The gauge pointer will likely
show higher temperatures when driving
in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in
heavy stop and go traffic. If the red
Warning Light turns on while driving,
safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and
turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected. 3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú
page 90.

Base Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. It is recommended to call
an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads greater “H,” pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“h,” turn the engine off immediately and call
an authorized dealer for service.

1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL87
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
oil pressure when the engine is running.
A continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme-
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 6. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge

The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. DEF
is required to maintain normal vehicle
operation and emissions compliance. If
something is wrong with the gauge, a DEF
Warning Message or Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) will be displayed. More informa
-
tion is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of DEF
Warning Messages.

7. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel filler door is located. NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to
the DEF system, the gauge may not update to
the new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 87

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL89
DIESEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 90.

Premium Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli -
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed. More information is available
in the instrument cluster display section
under the heading of Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages.
5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel filler door is located. NOTE:
The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed
with a large amount of full reserve. So the
level sensor will indicate a full reading even
before the tank is completely full. To put it
another way, there’s additional storage
capacity in the tank above the Full mark
that’s not represented in the gauge. You may
not see any movement in the reading – even
after driving up to 200 miles (321 kilome
-
ters) in some cases.
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to
the DEF system, the gauge may not update to
the new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 89

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL91
Trailer Tow
Audio
Messages
Screen Set Up
Vehicle Settings — If Equipped
Commercial Settings — If Equipped
The system allows the driver to select
information by pushing the following instrument
cluster display control buttons located on the
left side of the steering wheel:

Instrument Cluster Display Control Buttons

Up Arrow Button
Push and release the up arrow button to
scroll upward through the main menu items,
submenu screen, and vehicle settings.
Down Arrow Button
Push and release the down arrow button
to scroll downward through the main menu
items, submenu screen, and vehicle settings.
Right Arrow Button
Push and release the right arrow button to
access/select the information screens or
submenu screens of a main menu item.
Push and hold the right arrow button for
two seconds to reset displayed/selected
features that can be reset.
Left Arrow Button
Push and release the left arrow button
to access/select the information screens,
submenu screens of a main menu item, or to
return to the main menu.
OIL LIFE RESET

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Required” message will display in the instrument
cluster display after a single chime has sounded,
to indicate the next scheduled oil change
interval. The engine oil change indicator system
is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate, dependent upon
your personal driving style.

NOTE:
Use the steering wheel instrument cluster
display controls for the following procedure.
Oil Life Reset Procedure

1. Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the
ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not
start the engine).

2. Push and release the down arrow button
to scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the right arrow button
to access the ”Vehicle Info” screen, then
scroll up or down to select “Oil Life.”
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 91

92GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
4. Push and hold the right arrow button to
select “Reset”.
5. Push and release the down arrow button
to select “Yes,” then push and release the
right arrow button to reset the Oil Life to
100%.
6. Push and release the up arrow button to
exit the instrument cluster display screen.
Secondary Method Of Resetting Engine Oil Life

1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the
ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not
start the engine).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within ten seconds.
3. Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return
the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when
you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this
procedure.DISPLAY MENU ITEMS
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the desired selectable menu icon is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Speedometer
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the speedometer menu item is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and release the right arrow button to
cycle the display between mph and km/h.
Vehicle Info
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Vehicle Info menu item is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and release the right arrow button to
enter the submenus items of Vehicle Info.
Follow the directional prompts to access or
reset any of the following Vehicle Info submenu
items:
Tire Pressure
Coolant Temperature
Transmission Temperature — If Equipped
Oil Temperature
Oil Pressure
Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
Boost Pressure — If Equipped
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) — If Equipped
Oil Life
Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Battery Voltage
Gauge Summary
Engine Hours
Off-Road
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Off-Road menu icon is displayed
in the instrument cluster display. Push and
release the left or right arrow button to
scroll through the information submenus.
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Angle: displays the graphical
and numerical value of calculated
average front wheel angle from the
steering wheel orientation.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL101
Commercial Settings — If Equipped
Commercial Settings allows the driver to set
and recall additional features when the
transmission is in PARK.
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until Commercial Settings displays in the
instrument cluster display.
Follow the prompts to enter the required PIN
and enter the Commercial Settings submenu.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a touchscreen
radio, “Commercial Settings” will replace
“Vehicle Settings” in the instrument cluster
display. The Commercial Settings menu will only
include the settings below Ú page 228.Commercial Settings allows you to access the
following features (if equipped):
Power Take Off (PTO)
Remote Ignition
Idle Control
Backup Alarm
ParkSense
Aux Switches
PIN Setup
NOTE:
If the vehicle’s PIN is forgotten or not known,
see an authorized dealer to have the PIN reset.
DIESEL MESSAGES AND WARNINGS
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel
emissions standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced.
To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art
engine and exhaust system. These systems are
seamlessly integrated into your vehicle and
managed by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion
to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap
and burn Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants,
with no input or interaction on your part.
Calibrate Compass
Compass Cal Cancel; Calibrate
Fuel Saver Display Fuel Saver On; Off
Setting NamesSetting Names Abbreviated
(Left Submenu Layer) Submenus (Right Submenu Layer)
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 101

102GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your
vehicle or engine. The following messages may
display in your instrument cluster display:

Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval.
To help remind you when this maintenance
is due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform
Service” message is displayed in the instru -
ment cluster display it is necessary to have the
emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter
element. The procedure for clearing and reset -
ting the "Perform Service" indicator message is
located in the appropriate Service Information.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at
Highway Speeds to Remedy" will be displayed
in the instrument cluster display if the exhaust
particulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum
storage capacity. Under conditions of exclu -
sive short duration and low speed driving
cycles, your Cummins diesel engine and
exhaust after-treatment system may never
reach the conditions required to remove the
trapped PM. If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter
XX% Full Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to
Remedy” message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist in
alerting you of this condition

By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your Cummins diesel
engine and exhaust after-treatment system
to remove the trapped PM and restore the
system to normal operating condition.Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
DPF is self-cleaning. Maintain your current
driving condition until regeneration is
completed.

Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed —
This message indicates that the DPF
self-cleaning is completed. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist in
alerting you of this condition.
Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer
Now — This message indicates regeneration
has been disabled due to a system malfunc -
tion. At this point the engine Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will register a fault code,
the instrument panel will display a MIL light.

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything
that can burn.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 102

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL103
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likelihood
of permanent damage to the after-treatment
system. If this condition is not corrected and
a dealer service is not performed, extensive
exhaust after-treatment damage can occur.
To correct this condition it will be necessary
to have your vehicle serviced by an autho-
rized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and reduced
engine power. Only an authorized dealer will be
able to correct this condition.Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated
to protect the engine during start up in cold
ambient temperatures.
Engine Power Reduced During Warm up —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10°F (-12°C) and -10°F (-23°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec
(Seconds) During Warm up — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10°F (-23°C) and
-25°F (-32°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min
(Minutes) During Warm up — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is -25°F (-32°C) and below.
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine
warm up protection feature that may limit
engine performance after cold starting at low
ambient temperatures. The length of time
engine speed is limited is dependent upon
engine coolant temperature. Engine speed
may be briefly limited to 1,000 RPM after
starting with coolant temperature below freezing conditions, and may be limited to
1,000 RPM for up to approximately two
minutes under more severe cold conditions.
Coolant Low
— This telltale will turn on to indi -
cate the vehicle coolant level is low. Refer to
“Dealer Service” in “Servicing And Mainte -
nance” for more information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages
There are four different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The vehicle
may be limited to a maximum speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 200 miles (322 km) of the fault
being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the
following warnings will display:

DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will
display when the low level is reached, during
vehicle start up, and with increased frequency
during vehicle operation. It will be accompa -
nied by a single chime. Approximately
5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is required to

CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 103

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL105
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle
or Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This
message will continuously display when the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a
maximum speed of 5 mph upon the first of
the following conditions to occur:
If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
If the vehicle is idled for an extended
period of time, approximately one hour
or greater.
If the system detects that the level of fuel
in the tank has increased.
5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a peri -
odic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of 5 mph.
Your vehicle will require towing, see an
authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only
operate at a maximum speed of 5 mph.
Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The message
will be accompanied by a single chime.
We recommend you drive to the nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Ram Active Air system that provides enhanced
performance, especially when towing under
demanding hot or high altitude conditions. If the
instrument cluster display displays the message
“Active Airbox Service Required See Dealer”, vehicle
performance may be reduced until service is
performed by an authorized RAM dealer.

BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery. In cases when the IBS detects charging system
failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
running. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message
“Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have
Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument
cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
has a low state of charge and continues to lose
electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain.
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 105

106GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:
The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system Úpage 108.
The electrical loads that may be switched off
(if equipped), and vehicle functions which can
be affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volt AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
more of the following conditions:

The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system because
the electrical loads are larger than the capa -
bility of charging system. The charging system
is still functioning properly.

Turning on all possible vehicle electrical
loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior
and interior lights, overloaded power outlets
+12 Volts, 115 Volt AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving,
towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights,
upfitter electrical accessories, audio
systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appli -
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices. What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On”
or “Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if
possible:

Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).

Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volt AC, USB ports.

Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).

Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and
review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).

The vehicle should have service performed if the
message is still present during consecutive trips
and the evaluation of the vehicle and driving
pattern did not help to identify the cause.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 106