check engine light DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2006 3.G User Guide

For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. 2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system is readyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system is not ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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M A I
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Adding Fuel........................... 360
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..............436,459
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 440
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............440,441
Air Conditioning System ................277,440
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 280
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 344,352
Airbag .......................... 43,50,80,86
Airbag Light ...................... 53,109,220
Airbag On/Off Switch ................... 50,86
Airbag, Side ............................ 89
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................26,222
Alignment and Balance ................... 351
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............448,483
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 331
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............224,332 Anti-Theft System
..................... 26,222
Appearance Care ........................ 462
Ashtray ............................... 194
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 455
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 456
Fluid Level Check ...................... 454
Fluid Type ........................ 456,486
Shift Indicator ........................ 222
Shifting ............................. 299
Special Additives ...................... 456
Axle Fluid .......................... 452,486
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 452
Ball Joints ............................. 441
Battery ............................... 439
Emergency Starting ..................... 416
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 163
Bearings .............................. 457
518 INDEX

Belts, Drive............................ 435
Belts, Seat ............................ 31,68
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 443
B-Pillar Location ........................ 339
Brake Fluid ............................ 486
Brake System ........................ 330,450
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 331
Disc Brakes .......................... 450
Hoses .............................. 451
Master Cylinder ....................... 450
Parking ............................. 328
Warning Light ........................ 224
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 106
Bulb Replacement ....................... 470
Bulbs, Light ............................ 470
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 477
Calibration, Compass ..................... 180
Camper ............................... 209 Capacities, Fluid
........................ 483
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 434
Power Steering ........................ 441
Car Washes ............................ 462
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...........108,211,360
Cargo Light ............................ 165
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 272
Catalytic Converter .................... 365,437
CD (Compact Disc) Player ............228,236,250
Cellular Phone .......................... 121
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 476
Center Lap Belts ....................... 40,77
Center Seat Storage Compartment .........199,200
Certification Label ....................... 367
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 336
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 223
Child Restraint ...................... 56,93,94
INDEX 519
10

Oil Selection....................... 433,483
Oil Synthetic ......................... 434
Temperature Gauge ..................... 221
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 395
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze ................. 448
Event Data Recorder .................... 54,91
Exhaust Gas Caution .............108,211,360,445
Exhaust System ...................... 108,445
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Filters Air Cleaner ........................ 436,459
Engine Fuel .......................... 436
Engine Oil ........................ 435,485
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 435
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... 166
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 404,415 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ........................ 365
Engine Oil ........................... 364
Fuel Requirements ..................... 363
Maintenance .......................... 365
Replacement Parts ..................... 365
Starting ............................. 364
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 297
Fluid, Brake ........................... 486
Fluid Capacities ......................... 483
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 441
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 485
Fog Lights ....................... 165,225,482
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 204
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 398
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 419
522 INDEX

Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 166
Lap Belts ............................ 40,77
Lap/Shoulder Belts ..................... 31,68
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) .....60,97
Life of Tires ............................ 350
Lights ............................. 109,161
Airbag .......................... 53,91,220
Anti-Lock Warning .................. 224,332
Brake Warning ........................ 224
Bulb Replacement ...................... 470
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 477
Cargo .............................. 165
Center Mounted Stop ................... 476
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 223
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 176
Cruise .............................. 227
Daytime Running ...................... 164
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear ............... 479 Fog ..........................
165,225,482
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 312
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 398
Headlights ........................... 164
High Beam ........................ 167,220
High Beam Indicator .................... 220
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 167
Instrument Cluster ..................... 219
Intensity Control ....................... 162
Interior .......................... 162,176
Lights On Reminder .................... 165
Passing ............................. 166
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 220
Service .............................. 470
Side Marker .......................... 481
Transfer Case ......................... 312
Transmission Warning ................... 226
Turn Signal .................. 166,219,470,474
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 219
INDEX 525
10

Limited-Slip Differential................327,453
Loading Vehicle ......................... 367
Tires ............................... 339
Locks ................................. 17
Child Protection ........................ 21
Door ................................ 17
Ignition .............................. 14
Keys ................................ 12
Power Door ........................... 18
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 60,97
Lubricants ............................. 457
Lubrication, Body ....................... 443
Lug Nuts ............................. 410
Lumbar Support ........................ 148
Maintenance ........................... 430
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 439 Maintenance Procedures
................... 431
Maintenance Schedule .................... 488
Schedule “A” ......................... 503
Schedule “B” ......................... 491
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 429
Manual, Service ......................... 514
Manual Transmission ...............304,306,453
Fluid Level Check ...................... 453
Lubricant Selection ...............453,454,486
Shift Speeds .......................... 305
Mirrors ............................... 116
Automatic Dimming .................... 117
Electric Powered ....................... 118
Outside ............................. 117
Rearview ............................ 116
Trailer Towing ...................... 1 19,381
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 431,513
Multi-Displacement Engine System ........... 334
526 INDEX