warning light DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G User Guide

To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. An indi-
cator light in the instrument cluster illuminates when the
system is on.
To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle, or pressing the CAN-
CEL button will deactivate speed control without erasing
the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button to the OFF
position or turning off the ignition erases the memory.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control ON when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system to
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the sys-
tem OFF when you aren't using it.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
30 mph (50 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
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NOTE:It is possible for DTE to display ªLO FUELº
before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru-
ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning
is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an
estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy
and remaining fuel tank volume.
Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²52 gallons - Standard rear tank
²22 gallons - Optional Midship Tank
Trip Odometer (ODO)
NOTE:The maximum value is approximately 6000
miles. Then the trip odometer must be reset in order to
update the trip odometer miles.
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset. Resetting of this screen will cause the trip odometer
to change to Zero.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset. Resetting the Elapsed Time will cause
the display to change to Zero.
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

storage area into separate compartments. Lift the lower
handle on the front of the armrest, and raise the armrest
for access to the lower storage bin. On Quad Cab models
the rear of the floor console offers a power outlet, and a
tip out bin.
WARNING!
²This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the
armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle
operation, or an accident. Only use the center
seating position when the armrest is fully upright.
²In an accident, the latch may open if the total
weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs (4.5
kg). These items could be thrown about endanger-
ing occupants of the vehicle. Items stored should
not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
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3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating.
4. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high rpm for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
5. Airbag Indicator Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8 seconds
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver's seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer to9Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlertŸ)9in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information.(See page 35 for more
information.)
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour.
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If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine 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.19. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released. This light will
illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when
braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if
the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will
flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is
released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until
the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a
period of time may result in the red brake light illumi-
nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS
equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should
extinguish the red brake light.
20. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS
light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates
that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. See your autho-
rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also
illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated
until the brake pedal is pressed.21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine 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 first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
22. SERV 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the
4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric
shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4

the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
23. Water In Fuel Indicator Ð Diesel Only
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure.(See page 417 for more infor-
mation.)
24. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If thislight comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
25. Wait To Start Indicator Ð Diesel Only
The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66 degrees F.
Follow engine starting procedure for proper engine start-
ing and operating. Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator
turns OFF then start the vehicle.
NOTE:The Wait To Start Indicator may not illuminate if
the engine coolant temperature is warm enough.
26. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

27. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
28. Low Fuel Warning Light
Glows when the pointer is between ªEº and 1/8
indication mark (approximately 15% of tank vol-
ume) on the fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge
pointer is on ªEº (equivalent to Distance To Empty [DTE]
= 0 on the overhead console if so equipped) there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren't many gas stations.(See page
137 for more information.)Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows:
²52 gallons - Standard Rear Tank
²22 gallons - Optional Mid Ship Tank
29. CRUISE Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or
time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio
model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ªONº or
ªACCº position.
When the ignition switch is in the ªOFFº position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time keep-
ing is accurately maintained.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
NORMAL OPERATION ± DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
²All message center lights are off.
²Check Engine Lamp is off.
²Engine Oil Pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
²Low Oil Pressure light is off.
²Voltmeter Operation:
²The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation
is caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake mani-
fold heater system. The number of cycles and the
length of the cycling operation is controlled by the
engine control module. Post-heat operation can run
for several minutes, and then the electrical system
and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
²The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on
the brake pedal.
ªRº Reverse
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.ªNº Neutral
Shift to Neutral when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
ªDº Drive
This position provides all forward gears, including 4th
gear direct and 5th or 6th (if equipped) gear overdrive
(see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city
and highway driving.
ª3º Third
Use this position for driving in slight heavy city traffic or
on mountain roads where more precise speed control is
desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and for
engine braking when descending moderately steep
grades. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed
40 mph (64 km/h) in this range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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