check engine light Ram 1500 2018 User Guide

Automatic High Beam Headlamp
Control — If Equipped
The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
system provides increased forward lighting at
night by automating high beam control
through the use of a digital camera mounted
on the inside rearview mirror. This camera
detects vehicle specific light and automati-
cally switches from high beams to low beams
until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
NOTE:
• The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Con-trol can be turned on or off by selecting
“ON” under “Auto High Beam” within your
Uconnect settings, as well as turning the
headlight switch to the AUTO position. Re-
fer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
in the Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
• Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and taillights of vehicles in the field of view
will cause headlights to remain on longer
(closer to the vehicle). Also, dirt, film, and
other obstructions on the windshield or
camera lens will cause the system to func-
tion improperly. If the windshield or Automatic High Beam
Headlamp Control mirror is replaced, the
mirror must be re-aimed to ensure proper
performance. See a local authorized dealer.
Automatic Headlights — If
Equipped
This system automatically turns the head-
lights on or off according to ambient light
levels. To turn the system on, rotate the
headlight switch counterclockwise to the
AUTO position. When the system is on, the
headlight time delay feature is also on. This
means the headlights will stay on for up to
90 seconds after you place the ignition into
the OFF position. The headlight time delay
can be programmed 0/30/60/90 seconds.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multime-
dia” in the Owner’s Manual for further infor-
mation.
To turn the automatic system off, move the
headlight switch out of the AUTO position.
NOTE:
The engine must be running before the head-
lights will turn on in the Automatic Mode.
Parking Lights And Panel Lights
To turn on the parking lights and instrument
panel lights, rotate the headlight switch
clockwise. To turn off the parking lights,
rotate the headlight switch back to the O (off)
position.
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument
cluster display will flash to show proper op-
eration of the front and rear turn signal lights.
NOTE:
If either light remains on and does not flash,
or there is a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would
suggest that the indicator bulb is defective.
33

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from
the OFF position to the ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illumi-
nate, have the light inspected by your autho-
rized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warn-
ing Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature
is too high, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will be sound for four minutes or until the
engine is able to cool: whichever comes first.
If the light turns on 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 nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the
engine is running, there may be a malfunc-
tion with the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
— 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 when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle is run-
ning, the light will either stay on or flash
77

depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely
and completely stopped and the transmission
is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with
the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually
be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the ve-
hicle is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced per-
formance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing.
The light will come on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN posi-
tion 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.— Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light
This light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS (Electric Power Steering)
system. Refer to “Power Steering” in
“Starting And Operating” in the Owner’s
Manual at
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html
(U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents)
for further information.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warn-
ing Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed. NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a
single chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indica-
tor Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start.
If the bulb does not come on when turning
the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illumi-
nate the light after engine start. The vehicle
should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may
flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
78

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle coolant level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler
cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see your authorized dealer.
SERV4WD— Service 4WD Warning Light — If
Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. We recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into PARK and run the engine at idle or
slightly higher until the light turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
81

rotate at the same speed. Low range provides
a greater gear reduction ratio to provide in-
creased torque at the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information on four-wheel drive op-
eration and proper use.
— Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition
is turned to the RUN position. It’s duration
may be longer based on colder operating
conditions. Vehicle will not initiate start until
telltale is no longer displayed. Refer to
“Starting The Engine” in “Starting And Op-
erating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illumi-
nate if the intake manifold temperature is
warm enough.
— Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the
fuel filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT
start the vehicle before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to prevent engine dam-
age. Refer to the “Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” section in “Dealer Service” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further in-
formation.
— Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indi-
cator Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
will illuminate if the vehicle is low on Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Refer to “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Green Indicator Lights
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the park
lights or headlights are turned on.
— Front Fog Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on.
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash indepen-
dently and the corresponding exterior turn
signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is
moved down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
• A continuous chime will sound if the ve- hicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km)
with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
—Cruise Control Set Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set to the desired speed. Refer to “Speed
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
83

have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area
with cool water. For nose or throat irritation,
move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufac-
turer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt preten-
sioners cannot protect you in another col-
lision. Have the air bags, seat belt preten-
sioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Also, have the Occu-
pant Restraint Controller System serviced
as well.
NOTE:
• Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment. • After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica-
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of
the event, the ORC will determine whether to
have the Enhanced Accident Response Sys-
tem perform the following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the batteryhas power or until the hazard light button is
pressed. The hazard lights can be deacti-
vated by pressing the hazard light button.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power.
• Unlock the power door locks.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System functions after an event, the
ignition switch must be changed from igni-
tion START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Care-
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the ground near
the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
• Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you
need it. You could be injured if the air
bag system is not there to protect you.
Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim
cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
add aftermarket side steps or running
boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to
tell anyone who works on your vehicle
that it has an air bag system.
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your
air bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function prop-
SAFETY
114

WARNING!
• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat onthe driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress
the accelerator, the brake, and the
clutch pedal (if present) to check for
interference. If your floor mat interferes
with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat
in your trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals and could cause
a loss of vehicle control.
•
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These ob-
jects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING!
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor
mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle
carpet. Fully depress each pedal to
check for interference with the accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals then re-
install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat
has been properly installed and is se-
cured to your vehicle using the floor mat
fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the
tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel bolts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
SAFETY
136

ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and will
illuminate the "Wait To Start" telltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is
normal operation.
2. The “Wait To Start" telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending
on the engine temperature.
3. While the "Wait to Start" telltale is on, the instrument cluster will additionally dis-
play a gauge or bar whose initial length
represents the full "Wait to Start" time
period. Its length will decrease until it
disappears when the "Wait to Start" time
has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START engine before
you drain the water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage. Refer to “Draining
Fuel/Water Separator Filter” in “Dealer
Service” under “Servicing And Mainte-
nance” for further information. 4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale
goes off, the engine will automatically
crank.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 sec-
onds at a time or starter motor damage
may result. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position and wait at least two minutes
for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil pressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three min- utes until the manifold heaters have com-
pleted the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically in- crease to 1,000 RPM and engage the Vari-
able Geometry Turbocharger at low coolant
temperatures to improve engine warm-up. • The engine may not automatically crank
after the engine "Wait To Start" telltale goes
off if a door or the hood is ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for more than two minutes after
the “Wait To Start Light” goes out, reset the
grid heaters by turning the ignition switch
to the OFF position for at least five seconds
and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through
7 of “Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Proce-
dure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature
Below 66° F (19° C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with
several features designed to assist cold
weather starting and operation:
• The engine block heater is a resistance
heater installed in the water jacket of the
engine just above and behind the oil filter.
It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.STARTING AND OPERATING
148

ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 3.0L DIESEL
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 6.7L DIESEL
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine
does not require a break-in period due to its
construction. Normal operation is allowed,
providing the following recommendations are
followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging. • Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).STARTING AND OPERATING
154

4. Start the engine. Shift the transmissioninto NEUTRAL. Depress the clutch pedal
on a manual transmission.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired
position.
• With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold
the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button
until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light
turns off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indi-
cator light turns off, release the NEU-
TRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL
(N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position
indicated by the selector switch.
• With electronic shift transfer case with push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired
position indicator light turns on. NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL
(N), turning the engine OFF is not required,
but may be helpful to avoid gear clash. With
the 8-speed automatic transmission, the en-
gine must remain running, since turning the
engine OFF will shift the transmission to
PARK (and the transmission must be in NEU-
TRAL for the transfer case to shift out of
NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic
transmission into PARK. On 8-speed
transmissions the shifter will automati-
cally select PARK when the engine is
turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on
manual transmissions), and check that
the vehicle operates normally. NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must
be met before pushing the button to shift
out of NEUTRAL (N), and must continue to
be met until the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met
before pushing the button or are no longer
met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the button
is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the igni-
tion is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
STARTING AND OPERATING
200