service indicator Ram 2500 2015 Owner's Manual

3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system which
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-
tem. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing,
the light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started.
If the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing the light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on
for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain on
until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come on
during starting, have the condition investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
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 Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. 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, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
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4. Turn Signal IndicatorsThe arrow will flash with the exterior turn
signal when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
• A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn
signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at
a rapid rate.
5. Voltmeter — If Equipped
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced. NOTE:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of the
cycling operation is controlled by the engine control
module. Post-heat operation can run for several minutes,
and then the electrical system and voltmeter needle will
stabilize.
6. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-lock Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
10. Oil Pressure Gauge — If EquippedThe pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous high or
low reading under normal driving conditions may indi-
cate a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
11. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/km/h).
12. Park/Headlight ON Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the park
lights or headlights are turned on. 13. Cargo Light — If Equipped
The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
14. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position.
15. Vehicle Security 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.
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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.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
26. 4 LOW — If EquippedThis light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on
four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
27. 4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive auto mode, and the front
axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent
to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on
four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
296 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Vehicle Info” screen, then scroll UP or DOWN to
select “Oil Life.”
4. Push and hold the RIGHTarrow button to select
“Reset,” then push and release the Rightarrow button
to select “NO”or“YES” to reset the Oil Life to 100%.
5. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without depressing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
2. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to access
the “Vehicle Info” screen then scroll UPorDOWN to
select “Oil Life.” 4. Push and hold the
RIGHTarrow button to select
“Reset,” then select “NO” or “YES” by pushing the
RIGHT arrow then push the RIGHTarrow button to
select reset of the Oil Life to 100%.
5. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the Oil Life indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
EVIC Messages Menu Item
• Front Seat Belts Unbuckled
• Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Service Air Bag System
• Traction Control Off
302 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass H,
a continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
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 ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
NOTE: When the transmission is shifted to Neutral,
activate the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away. •
Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
• Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
EVIC Yellow Telltales
This area will show reconfigurable yellow caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L), this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 309

•Air Suspension Payload Protection Telltale — If
Equipped This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded or
load leveling cannot be achieved at its current
ride height.
Protection Mode will automatically be selected in order
to “protect” the air suspension system, air suspension
adjustment is limited due to payload.
• Service Stop/Start System Telltale — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
Stop/Start is Unavailable, service Stop/Start
system.
• Loose Fuel Filler Cap
This telltale will turn on to indicate that the fuel
filler cap may be loose.EVIC White Telltales
•Electronic Speed Control ON
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. Refer to “Electronic Speed
Control” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
• Electronic Speed Control SET
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is SET. Refer to “Electronic Speed
Control” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
• Hill Descent Control – If equipped
This indicator will illuminate when Hill De-
scent Control (HDC) has been selected using
the Hill Descent Control Switch. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Brake Control” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 311

3. Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the “ Oil Life” screen.
4. Push and hold the RIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the “ Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to select “
Ye s ,” then push and release the RIGHTarrow button
to select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the DID
screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
2. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “ Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to access
the “ Oil Life” screen. 4. Push and hold the
RIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the “ Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to select “
Ye s ,” then push and release the RIGHTarrow button
to select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the DID
screen.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
DID Messages
• Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Service Airbag System
330 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass H,
a continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
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 ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
NOTE:
When the transmission is shifted to Neutral,
activate the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.
• Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
• Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 337

If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep
grade, or in stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In
these conditions, torque converter slip can impose a
significant additional heat load on the cooling system.
Downshifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to reduce this
excess heat generation.
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 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.
470 STARTING AND OPERATING