warning Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
•Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and your location, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
•
If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
•
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure EVIC display illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
•
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low EVIC display.
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•Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as
the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is
32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for service if
your vehicle overheats.
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BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. 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.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating bytaking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor
and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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Preparations
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the transfercase to the 4L position.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
• Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if the right front wheel is being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Instructions
1. Remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage.
2.
Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but
do not remove, the wheel nuts by turn-
ing them counterclockwise one turn
while the wheel is still on the ground.
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WARNING!
•Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack
and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under
a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jackshould not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving
traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during
a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It
could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the
wheel bolts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid
contact with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided.
•A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
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Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
• Disconnect the negative(-)jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
• Disconnect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable from the negative (-)post of
the booster battery.
• Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the booster battery.
• Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the discharged vehicle.
• If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a
system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
• Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
•
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets 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 the engine from starting.
WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could
rupture or explode and cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be
brought above the freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
•
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
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EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
• If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are mounted in the front.
• For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow hooks tominimize the risk of damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a vehicle stranded off-road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle. Tow straps are recommended when towing the vehicle; chains may cause
vehicle damage.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break,
causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may
break, causing serious injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the PARKposition, you can use the following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever.
• Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized dealer immediately if the shift lever override has been used.
Column Shifter
•
Tilt the steering wheel to the full up
position and firmly set the parking brake.
•Turn the Key Fob to the ACC or ON/RUN
position without starting the engine.
•Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver, press and hold the override tab through the access
port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position and start the vehicle.
• Release the parking brake.
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• Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Manual Park Release leverlocking tab (just below the middle of the lever) to the right.
• While holding the locking tab in the disengaged position, pull the tether
strap to rotate the lever rearward,
until it locks in place pointing to-
wards the driver's seat. Release the
locking tab and verify that the
Manual Park Release lever is locked
in the released position.
• The vehicle is now out of PARK and can be towed. Release the parking
brake only when the vehicle is se-
curely connected to a tow vehicle.
To Reset The Manual Park Release:
• Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock the lever.
• Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward to its original position, until
the locking tab snaps into place to
secure the lever.
• Pull gently on the tether strap to con- firm that the lever is locked in its
stowed position.
• Re-install the access cover.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the parking brake, before activating
the Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual Park Release will allow your
vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by the parking brake or by proper connection
to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on an unsecured vehicle
could lead to serious injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.
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