engine Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 Diesel Supplement

9. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light –
If EquippedIf the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on
the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. This indicator light starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) becomes active. The “ESC/TCS Indicator Light”
also flashes when TCS is active. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. If
the “ESC/TCS Indicator Light” is on solid, the ESC
system has been turned off by the driver or a temporary
condition exists that will not allow full ESC function.
10. Exhaust Brake Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the exhaust brake has
been turned on. 11. 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.
12. 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. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
13. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 17

14. Odometer/Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Display
Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.
The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the TRIP ODOMETER button.
To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button for
approximately two seconds until the display resets.15. Shift Lever Indicator
This display indicator shows the transmission shift lever
selection.
16. High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam. Push the multifunction lever forward to
switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
17. Voltmeter
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 system should be
serviced.
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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.
18. Cargo Light The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
19. 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
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS). In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related
to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 19

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 opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
NOTE: The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a
“Low Tire” message in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) screen. Refer to “Starting and Operating/
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)” in the Owner’s
Manual for further information. 22. 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 23

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 MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability.
23. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. 24. Front Fog Light Indicator Light – If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
25. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the seat belt reminder light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to Occupant Restraints/
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert )in
“Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” in the
Owners Manual for further information.
24 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center – If
Equipped” in the Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
EVIC Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle Not in Park
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle in Motion
•Service Air Filter
•Perform Service
•Exhaust Filter XX% Full
•Exhaust Filter Full – Power Reduced See Dealer
•Exhaust Service Required – See Dealer Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Required Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration In Process
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
•Low DEF Refill Soon
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start In XXX Miles
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start
•Service DEF System See Dealer
•Service DEF Syst Engine Will Not Start in XXX Mi See
Dealer
•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start See Dealer
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 30-sec During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 2-min During Warmup
26 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

EVIC Warning Lights
•
Water In Fuel Indicator LightThe “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filter. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the
vehicle before you drain the water from the
fuel filter to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
•Wait To Start Light The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information. NOTE:
The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Turbocharger Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate is
activated to protect the turbocharger during engine start
up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup - This mes-
sage 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).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 27

•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.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages –
Chassis Cab Only
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning messages
when the DEF level reaches a driving range of approxi-
mately 1,000 miles (1 609 km). If the following warning
message sequence is ignored, your vehicle will not start
unless DEF is added.
•Low DEF Refill Soon – This message will display
when the low level is reached, during vehicle start up,
and with increased frequency during vehicle opera-
tion. It will be accompanied by a single chime. Ap-
proximately 6 gallons (23 Liters) of DEF is required to
refill the tank when this message is initially displayed.
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Restart In XXX Miles –
This message will continuously display if the “Low
DEF Refill Soon” message is ignored, and the fre-
quency of occurance of the chime will increase unless
up to 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
The engine will not restart if the mileage counter
reaches zero.
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start – This message will
continuously display when the counter reaches zero,
and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. The
engine will not start after it has been turned off unless
up to 2.5 gallons (9.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the
tank.
NOTE: A minimum of up to 2.5 gallons (9.5 Liters) may
be required to restart the engine. Although the vehicle
will continue to operate while this warning message is
initially displayed, the engine will not restart the next
time the vehicle is shut off.
28 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages – Chassis Cab Only
There are three 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 will not start if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 250 miles (402 km) of the fault being
detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following
warnings will display:
•Service DEF System – See Dealer— This message
will display when the fault is initially detected, each
time the vehicle is started, and periodically during
driving. The message will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible.
•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start In
200 Miles – See Dealer — This message will display if
the DEF system has not been serviced after the “Ser-
vice DEF System – See Dealer” message is displayed.
This message will continuously display until the mile-
age counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied by
a periodic chime. The message will continue to count-
down until it reaches zero unless the vehicle is ser-
viced. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
NOTE: Under some circumstances this mileage counter
may start with a value of less than 200 miles (322 km). For
example, if recurring faults are detected in a time interval
of less than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the value
where it stopped when a previous fault was temporarily
remedied, or at a minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 29

•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start – See
Dealer— This message will continuously display
when the mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The engine will not
restart after it has been turned off, your vehicle will
require towing, see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE: When this message is displayed, the engine will
no longer start after it has been turned off.
Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.
•DEF Fluid Level – Chassis Cab Only
Displays the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fluid level.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission sump temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL