check engine light Ram 1500 2009 User Guide

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized 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 drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
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 or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
27. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Indicator illuminated will eventually cause se-
vere transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
In some circumstances a Transmission Temperature
Indicator, under continued operation, could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
31. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight 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’s seat belt remains unbuckled, the seat belt reminder light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to
Enhanced Seat Belt Use
Reminder System (BeltAlert) in the Occupant Re-
straints section for more information.
32. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging
system. The light should come on when the ignition
switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, turn
off some of the vehicle’s non-essential electrical devices or
increase engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing
a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE
IMMEDIATELY. See an authorized dealer.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in this section for more
information.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in section 6 of this manual.
33. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning LightThe malfunction light for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Light” comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” in this section for more
information.
34. Check Gauges
This light illuminates when the voltmeter, engine oil
pressure or engine temperature gauges indicate a reading
either too high or too low. Examine the gauges carefully,
and follow the instructions contained below for each
indicated problem.
NOTE:
When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure and engine tempera-
ture gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
•Charging System LightThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in section 6 of this manual.
•Electronic Speed Control Light This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) LightThis light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON 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.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

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 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 that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II 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 II 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 the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE: ** Vehicle’s built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs. One set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 48,000 miles
(80 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(160 000 km).
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check................... 466,467
Fluid Type ........................ 466,490
Gear Ranges ......................... 315
Shifting ............................. 320
Special Additives ...................... 469
Torque Converter ...................... 319
Axle Fluid .......................... 465,490
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 465
Back-Up Camera ........................ 168
Battery ............................... 451
Emergency Starting ..................... 433
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 151
Belts, Seat ............................ 41,84
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 453
B-Pillar Location ........................ 367
Brake Assist System ...................... 351 Brake Control System, Electronic
............. 350
Brake Fluid ......................... 464,490
Brake System ........................ 347,463
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 348,350
Fluid Check .......................... 464
Master Cylinder ....................... 464
Parking ............................. 346
Warning Light ........................ 235
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 313
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ....................... 481
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,481
Calibration, Compass ..................... 254
Camera, Rear ........................... 168
Camper ............................... 216
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 488
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 449
10
INDEX 523

Power Steering........................ 345
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 461
Car Washes ............................ 470
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............83,390
Cargo Light ............................ 150
Cellular Phone .......................... 99
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 485
Center Lap Belts ......................... 49
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 194
Certification Label ....................... 396
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 364
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............239,445
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint .......................... 69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,76
Child Seat ............................ 69,74
Cigar Lighter ........................... 187 Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 471
Climate Control ......................... 293
Clock ........................ 261,262,265,274
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 292
Compass .............................. 253
Compass Calibration ..................... 254
Compass Variance ....................... 254
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 252
Conserving Fuel ...................... 251,252
Console, Overhead ....................... 171
Contract, Service ........................ 515
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 461
Cooling System ......................... 458
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 460
Coolant Capacity ...................... 488
Coolant Level ...................... 458,462
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 462
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 459
524 INDEX

Engine Oil Disposal.................... 450
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 85,152,227
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 432
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 393
Engine Oil ........................... 393
Fuel Requirements .................. 390,392
Maintenance ......................... 394
Replacement Parts ..................... 394
Starting ............................. 393
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 310
Fluid, Brake ........................... 490
Fluid Capacities ......................... 488
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 467
Brake .............................. 464
Power Steering ........................ 345 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
.......... 489
Fog Lights ....................... 148,241,483
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 201
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 326
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 420
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 436
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 465
Fuel ................................. 386
Adding ............................. 394
Conserving ........................ 251,252
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 396
Gauge .............................. 227
Light ............................... 234
Octane Rating ...................... 386,489
Requirements ...................... 386,488
Saver Mode ....................... 251,252
Tank Capacity ........................ 488
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 251
10
INDEX 527