service indicator Ram 1500 2014 User Guide

direct gears only. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in direct gear regardless of which forward gear is se-
lected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 419

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of both the
torque converter clutch and the top overdrive gear are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to first and
direct gears only. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear regardless of which forward gear isselected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for theselected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If One Or More Shift Conditions Are Not Met:
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will con- tinue to flash.
3. The transfer case will notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section. The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury or death.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 449

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 559

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though 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
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 693

“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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 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. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
694 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•
1500 Models Only
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months on
1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
8
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S764 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cellular Phone.......................... .360
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............750
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............239
Certification Label ........................ .588
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .540
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .284
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............120
Checks, Safety .......................... .120
Child Restraint ............................83
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation ....................108
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .102
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ................................ .104
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......92
Cigar Lighter ........................... .231
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .578
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .727Climate Control
......................... .360
Cold Weather Operation ....................393
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............359
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .556
Console, Overhead ....................... .212
Contract, Service ......................... .777
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........712
Cooling System .......................... .709
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............711
Coolant Capacity ...................... .755
Coolant Level ......................... .709
Disposal of Used Coolant .................713
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................710
Inspection ........................... .713
Points to Remember .....................715
Pressure Cap ......................... .712
Radiator Cap ......................... .712
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............710
Corrosion Protection ...................... .725
786 INDEX

Fog .................................174
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................439
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................629
Headlights ........................... .170
High Beam ........................... .180
High Beam Indicator .....................288
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............180
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .284
Interior ............................. .175
Oil Pressure .......................... .289
Passing ............................. .180
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .288
Security Alarm ........................ .289
Service .............................. .743
Side Marker .......................... .754
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............290
Traction Control ....................... .536
Transfer Case ......................... .439Turn Signal
.......................... .124
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......284
Limited-Slip Differential ....................492
Loading Vehicle ......................... .588
Tires ............................... .545
Locks ..................................37
Automatic Door .........................39
Child Protection .........................40
Door .................................37
Power Door ............................39
Low Tire Pressure System ...................567
Lubrication, Body ........................ .704
Lug Nuts .............................. .630
Maintenance Free Battery ....................701
Maintenance Procedures ....................696
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .764
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......694
Manual, Service ......................... .780
10
INDEX 793

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................599
Tonneau Cover .......................... .731
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................731
Torque Converter Clutch ....................424
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................677
Towing ............................... .591
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .682
Guide .............................. .595
Recreational .......................... .617
Weight .............................. .595
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........617
Traction ............................... .493
Traction Control ......................... .527
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................538
Trailer Towing .......................... .591
Cooling System Tips .....................611
Hitches ............................. .594
Minimum Requirements ..................600 Mirrors
............................. .146
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................599
Wiring .............................. .608
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .595
Trailer Weight ........................... .595
Transfer Case ........................... .720
Electronically Shifted .....................440
Fluid ............................... .760
Transmission ........................... .403
Automatic ........................... .403
Fluid ............................... .760
Maintenance .......................... .721
Shifting ............................. .400
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .30
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .24
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........24
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .559
Turn Signals ............................ .179
800 INDEX