coolant level Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
When the vehicle is in the RUN state, 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
system should be serviced.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. 7. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
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. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located. Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
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. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “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 the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Base Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. The gauge pointer will likely
show higher temperatures when driving
in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in
heavy stop and go traffic. If the red
Warning Light turns on while driving,
safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and
turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected. 3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
oil pressure when the engine is running.
A continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel filler
door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads greater “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 the “h,” turn the
engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.

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126GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likelihood
of permanent damage to the after-treatment
system. If this condition is not corrected and
a dealer service is not performed, extensive
exhaust after-treatment damage can occur.
To correct this condition it will be necessary
to have your vehicle serviced by your local
authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent the
diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and reduced
engine power. Only an authorized dealer will be
able to correct this condition.Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated to
protect the engine during start up in cold
ambient temperatures.
Engine Power Reduced During Warmup —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10°F (-12°C) and -10°F (-23°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec
(Seconds) During Warmup — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10°F (-23°C) and
-25°F (-32°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min
(Minutes) During Warmup — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is -25°F (-32°C) and below.
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine
warm up protection feature that may limit
engine performance after cold starting at low
ambient temperatures. The length of time
engine speed is limited is dependent upon
engine coolant temperature. Engine speed
may be briefly limited to 1000 RPM after
starting with coolant temperature below freezing conditions, and may be limited to
1000 RPM for up to approximately 2 minutes
under more severe cold conditions.
Coolant Low
— This telltale will turn on to indi -
cate the vehicle coolant level is low. Refer to
“Dealer Service” in “Servicing And Mainte -
nance” for more information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages
There are four different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The vehicle
may be limited to a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H) if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 200 miles (322 km) of the fault
being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the
following warnings will display:
DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will
display when the low level is reached, during
vehicle start up, and with increased
frequency during vehicle operation. It will be
accompanied by a single chime. Approxi -
mately 5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is required
to refill the tank when this message is initially CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL131
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
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 required. 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 illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized 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.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an over -
heated 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 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 Air Conditioning
(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 and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL135
Service LaneSense Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when
the LaneSense system is not oper-
ating and requires service. Please see
an authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the windshield washer fluid is low.
Refer to “Engine Compartment” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for
further information.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approxi -
mately 3.2 gal (12 L) this light will turn
on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with
Low Fuel Warning.
Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the
vehicle coolant level is low.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning 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 an authorized dealer.
Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate when Trailer Merge Assist
has been activated.
Refer to “Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)” in
“Safety” for further information.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that
the tire pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases,
optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the indi -
cations corresponding to each tire. 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) that illuminates a low tire pres
-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres -
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and
steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair
immediately using the dedicated tire repair
kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
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220STARTING AND OPERATING
completes, the driver’s foot should be fully
removed from the brake pedal prior to
pushing the start button again in order for the
ignition to move directly to off.
If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is
left ON for more than two minutes after the
“Wait To Start” telltale goes out, reset the
intake air heater by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps
1 through 5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66°F
(19°C).”
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it
may be beneficial to cycle the intake air heater
twice before attempting to start the engine. This
can be accomplished by turning the ignition OFF
for at least 5 seconds and then back ON after
the “Wait To Start” telltale has turned off, but
before the engine is started. However, exces -
sive cycling of the intake air heater will result in
damage to the heater elements or reduced
battery voltage. NOTE:
If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be
required to maintain battery state of charge at a
satisfactory level.

1. If the engine stalls after the initial start, the
ignition must be turned to the OFF position
for at least five seconds and then to the ON
position to recycle the intake air heater.

NOTE:
Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor -
mance will result if intake air heater are not
recycled.
2. Heat generated by the intake air heater dissipates rapidly in a cold engine. If more
than two minutes pass between the time
the “Wait To Start” telltale turns off and the
engine is started, recycle the intake air
heater by turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19 mph (31 km/h) before the
intake air heater post-heat (after start) cycle
is complete, the intake air heater will shut
off. 4. If the engine is cranked for more than
10 seconds, the post-heat cycle will turn off.
NOTE:
Engine idle speed will automatically increase
to 1,000 RPM and engage the Variable
Geometry Turbocharger at low coolant
temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel or the fuel gels at low temperatures, air
is pulled into the fuel system. If your engine
has run out of fuel, refer to “Dealer Service/
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is
left ON for more than two minutes after the
“Wait To Start” telltale goes out, reset the
intake air heater by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least 5
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps
1 through 5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66°F
(19°C).”

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STARTING AND OPERATING225

1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking
brake applied, and the engine running,
push the speed control switch to the ON
position, then push the SET switch.

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle speed
will increase to approximately 1,500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the
DECEL switch and the idle speed will
decrease to approximately 1,100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.
Noise
Diesel engines can create noises that may
seem concerning. The nature of a diesel engine
is compression ignition where compressed air and fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, baro
-
metric pressure, altitude, and temperature will
affect how fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines
will sound different from day to day or previous
model years. Clicking, ticking, or light knocking
is normal and will change from day to day, as
the engine breaks in, and can vary with changes
in ambient temperature. Clicking sound from
under the hood shortly after vehicle shutdown is
normal as actuators such as the EGR valve are
cycled. Fuel pump noise may increase during
low speed/light load conditions when ambient
temperature is above 100°F (38°C), and when
fuel tank level is below 10% which is a normal
condition of the fuel system and controls
strategy. Diesel equipped vehicles also have an
exhaust after-treatment system to reduce emis -
sions utilizing a DPF (refer to “Odor” in this
section for further information) and a Selective
Reduction Catalyst (SCR). The SCR reduces
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) using the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly into
the SCR through a dosing module. This process
will create a clicking sound and at times, will
make noise even with the vehicle shut off. This
is normal as the DEF dosing module is purging
DEF. If at any time the check engine light is on,
please visit an authorized dealer.
Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is espe
-
cially important for turbocharged, charge
air-cooled engines. Refer to the following chart
for proper engine shutdown:
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
5

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228STARTING AND OPERATING
The block heater must be plugged in at least
one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the coolant.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F
(-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle accelera-
tion in low gear can be detrimental and should
be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the recom
-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera -
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the break in period. Add
oil as required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The Cummins® Turbo 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
prolonged 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.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before
driving. Damage to the 110–115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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380
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator 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 service 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 Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate 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 sched -
uled 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 “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominantly at idle, or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi
-
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.

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