check engine light Ram 2500 2011 User Guide

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 Light
This 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 “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Speed Control Light
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This 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.
228 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key fob 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 highgear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift
lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering
column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if
equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting
into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK
(Column Shift Only).
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to limit the highest available gear when the shift
lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF
EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387

NOTE:Using “TOW/HAUL” mode or a lower gear
range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating
conditions will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build
up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Tow/Haul
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW/HAUL” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature) on more severe
grades.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 465

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 maynotbe 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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
520 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•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:** Vehicles 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
(78 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(156 000 km).
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S576 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check...................543,544
Fluid Type........................543,572
Gear Ranges.......................... 311
Shifting............................. 316
Special Additives...................... 546
Torque Converter...................... 316
Axle Fluid..........................541,572
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 541
Back-Up Camera........................ 147
Battery............................... 526
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 127
Belts, Seat............................40,84
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 529
B-Pillar Location........................ 407
Brake Assist System...................... 392
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 390Brake Fluid.........................539,572
Brake System........................390,539
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 390
Fluid Check.......................... 539
Master Cylinder....................... 539
Parking............................. 387
Warning Light........................ 215
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 309
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 81
Bulb Replacement....................... 559
Bulbs, Light..........................86,559
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 565
Calibration, Compass..................... 237
Camera, Rear........................... 147
Camper............................... 193
Capacities, Fluid........................ 569
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 524
10
INDEX 603

Power Steering........................ 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 536
Car Washes............................ 547
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,440
Cargo Light............................ 126
Cellular Phone.......................100,285
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 564
Center Lap Belts......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 171
Certification Label....................... 446
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 403
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............219,520
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint........................68,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............73,76
Child Seat............................69,75
Cigar Lighter........................... 163Cleaning
Wheels............................. 548
Climate Control......................... 285
Clock.............................246,256
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 285
Compass.............................. 236
Compass Calibration..................... 237
Compass Variance....................... 237
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 233
Connector
UCI .............................270,276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......270,276
Conserving Fuel......................231,233
Console, Overhead....................... 149
Contract, Service........................ 595
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 536
Cooling System......................... 534
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 535
Coolant Capacity...................... 569
604 INDEX

Exhaust Gas Caution...................83,440
Exhaust System.......................83,531
Exterior Lighting........................ 123
Exterior Lights.......................... 86
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 526
Engine Oil........................525,571
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 525
Flashers
Turn Signal......................86,128,206
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 500
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 443
Engine Oil........................... 443
Fuel Requirements..................440,442
Maintenance......................... 444
Replacement Parts..................... 443
Starting............................. 443Flooded Engine Starting................... 306
Fluid, Brake........................... 572
Fluid Capacities......................... 569
Fluid Leaks............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Brake.............................. 539
Power Steering........................ 386
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 571
Fog Lights.......................124,221,562
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 177
Four Wheel Drive....................... 323
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 482
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 505
Front Axle (Differential)................... 541
Fuel................................. 435
Adding............................. 444
Conserving........................231,233
Ethanol............................. 437
10
INDEX 607

Center Mounted Stop................... 564
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 219
Courtesy/Reading..................... 149
Daytime Running...................... 127
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 399
Exterior.............................. 86
Fog ..........................124,221,562
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 327
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 482
Headlights........................... 123
High Beam........................129,215
High Beam Indicator.................... 215
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 129
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................202,206
Interior..........................125,149
Lights On Reminder.................... 127
Low Fuel............................ 214
Oil Pressure.......................... 217Passing............................. 128
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 222
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 210
Service............................. 559
Side Marker.......................... 568
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 210
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........217,424
Traction Control....................... 399
Transfer Case......................... 327
Turn Signal...................86,128,559,562
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . 202,206
Limited-Slip Differential................360,542
Loading Vehicle......................... 446
Tires ............................... 407
Locks................................. 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 29
Power Door........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 424
10
INDEX 611