check engine light DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2007 3.G User Guide

24. ESP/BAS Warning Lamp – If Equipped
The lamp indicates a problem with one or more
of the functions of ESP. The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position as a bulb check. It should go out with
the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp”
comes on continuously with the engine running, a mal-
function has been detected in the ESP system. If this light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle
has been driven several miles at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. NOTE:•TheESP/BAS Warning Lampcome
on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned
ON.•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.25. Low Washer Fluid Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This lamp indicates the ESP system is active
when it is flashing or that a part, or all, of the
features of the ESP system are not able to
function when it is on solid. The yellow “ESP
Indicator Light” located in the tachometer area. The
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightstarts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso flashes when TCS is
active. If theESP/TCS Indicator Lightbegins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5

message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
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 maynotbe 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

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 isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
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 isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot 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.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
452 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).
520 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Fuel........................... 384
Adjustable Pedals....................... 174
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 459,484
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 463
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............463,464
Air Conditioning System................286,463
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 289
Air Pressure, Tires....................367,375
Airbag..........................47,54,86,92
Airbag Light......................57,219,228
Airbag On/Off Switch...................54,92
Airbag, Side............................ 95
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,230
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 374
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 279
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........470,471,512
Disposal............................ 472Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............341,344
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............232,342
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System.....................18,230
Appearance Care........................ 487
Ashtray............................... 198
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 122
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 481
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 482
Fluid Level Check...................... 480
Fluid Type........................480,515
Shift Indicator........................ 230
Shifting............................. 307
Special Additives...................... 482
Axle Fluid..........................477,515
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 477
550 INDEX

Ball Joints............................. 464
Battery............................... 461
Emergency Starting..................... 438
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 166
Bearings.............................. 482
Belts, Drive............................ 458
Belts, Seat............................34,73
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 466
B-Pillar Location........................ 362
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid.........................476,515
Brake System........................340,475
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................341,344
Disc Brakes.......................... 475
Fluid Check.......................... 476
Hoses.............................. 475
Master Cylinder....................... 476
Parking............................. 338Warning Light........................ 232
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 112
Bulb Replacement....................... 499
Bulbs, Light............................ 498
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 507
Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Camper............................... 215
Capacities, Fluid........................ 512
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 456
Power Steering........................ 464
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 471
Car Washes............................ 488
Carbon Monoxide Warning...........217,218,383
Cargo Light............................ 168
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 281
Catalytic Converter...................... 459
CD (Compact Disc) Player............238,246,260
INDEX 551
10

Cellular Phone.......................... 126
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 506
Center Lap Belts.......................43,83
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........203,204
Certification Label....................... 389
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 359
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 231
Child Restraint...................60,61,99,100
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.......64,68,103,107
Child Seat......................61,67,100,106
Cigar Lighter........................... 198
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 489
Climate Control......................... 283
Clock.....................236,240,248,262,275
Clutch............................... 477
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 477
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 282
Compact Spare Tire...................... 370Compass...........................183,184
Compass Calibration..................... 184
Compass Variance....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 180
Console, Overhead....................... 179
Contract, Service........................ 544
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 471
Cooling System......................... 469
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 471
Coolant Capacity...................... 512
Coolant Level......................469,472
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 472
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 470
Inspection........................... 472
Points to Remember.................... 473
Pressure Cap......................... 471
Radiator Cap......................... 471
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......470,512,514
Temperature Gauge..................... 229
552 INDEX

Starting............................. 388
Flooded Engine Starting................... 303
Fluid, Brake........................... 515
Fluid Capacities......................... 512
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 480
Brake............................... 476
Power Steering........................ 464
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 514
Fog Lights.......................168,233,502
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 210
Four Wheel Drive....................... 316
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 420
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 442
Front Axle (Differential)................... 477
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 482
Fuel................................. 380
Adding............................. 384
Filter............................... 459Gauge.............................. 235
Hoses.............................. 474
Octane Rating......................380,514
Requirements......................380,512
System Hoses......................... 474
Tank Capacity........................ 512
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuses................................ 492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............385,450
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 380
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 381
Gauges............................... 227
Coolant Temperature.................... 229
Fuel................................ 235
Oil Pressure.......................... 228
Speedometer......................... 228
Tachometer.......................... 227
INDEX 555
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Infant Restraint...................60,61,99,100
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 375
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 121
Instrument Cluster....................226,227
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 225
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 491
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 492
Interior Appearance Care.................. 490
Interior Lights.......................... 165
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 171
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 421
Jack Operation.......................426,427
Jacking Instructions...................... 426
Jump Starting.......................... 438
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 47
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 169
Lap Belts............................43,83
Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................34,73
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....64,103
Life of Tires............................ 373
Lights.............................164,220
Airbag..........................57,96,228
Anti-Lock Warning..................232,342
Brake Warning........................ 232
Bulb Replacement...................498,499
Cap Top Clearance..................... 507
Cargo .............................. 168
Center Mounted Stop................... 506
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 231
INDEX 557
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