service Ram 3500 2019 Owner's Guide

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
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 overheated engine condition.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator
will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the tempera -
ture 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 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 Emer -
gency” for further information.
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182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine oil
pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle,
shut off the engine as soon as possible, and contact an autho -
rized dealer. 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.
— Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil
temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait
for oil temperature to return to normal levels. — Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with
the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either
stay on or flash 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 vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, 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 position 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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power
Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally. — 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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
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184 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Yellow Warning Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is detected with the air
suspension system.
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator 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. This warning 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 illuminate 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 catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the Electronic Stability
Control system is Active. The “ESC Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC
is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilome -
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected. • The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Indicator
Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when
ESC becomes inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off
previously.
— Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc -
tion indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi -
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace -
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly. — Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(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 Warning Light is not also on. CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to your
authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
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188 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 inspected by an authorized dealer. — Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear
axle locker fault has been detected.
— Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision Warning (FCW)" in "Safety" for
further information.
— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD
system. 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 recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Speed Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Speed
Control System is not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
— Sway Bar Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar
disconnect system.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward
Collision Warning is off.

— Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light —
If Equipped

This indicator light will illuminate 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.

192 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is
ready, but not set. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in
the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then
20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push
the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the
vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
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 transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions 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. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
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 vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access
this information to assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system.

For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in “Multimedia”.

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 not be 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.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to
read the VIN, diagnose, or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information stored in your vehicle systems, including personal infor -
mation.
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194 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 posi-
tion, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about ten seconds and thenreturn to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the
ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illu -
minated until you place the ignition in the off position
or start the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD
II system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M
station. If your OBD II system is
not ready, you should see an autho -
rized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD II system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate that
the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system is ready
or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal vehicle oper -
ation you should have your vehicle serviced before going to
the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle
because the MIL is on with the engine running.