check engine light Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 Diesel Supplement

Information Center (EVIC)/Customer-Programmable
Features (System Setup)” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel”.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cumminsturbocharged diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations 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 temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the
Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbo-
charged diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the engine
parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first
6,000 miles (10 000 km).
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
2. Turn Signal Indicator Light The 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 flashes at a rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture 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.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 15

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.
3
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

CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
36 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
3. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
4. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
5. Release the parking brake and drive.
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.
•If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start
Light” goes out, reset the grid heaters 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 Tempera-
ture 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 manifold heaters twice before
attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished
by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and
then back ON after the “Wait To Start Light” has turned
off, but before the engine is started. However, excessive
cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to
the heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
38 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connect-
ing jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch
each other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
92 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Charge Air Cooler – Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables more efficient
burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 121

To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Fluid Level Check – Chassis Cab Only
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature, the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To properly check the transmission fluid, the following
procedure must be used.
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. Operate the engine at idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds and normal operating temperature.3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the shift lever in PARK. Make sure the
engine is running at idle speed.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 160°F to 175°F (70°C
to 82°C). This is the normal operating temperature after
the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles (25 km). The
fluid cannot be comfortably held between the fingertips.
Only use the cold region of the dipstick as a rough
reference when doing initial oil level set after transmis-
sion rebuild or transmission refill.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
126 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel............................ 83
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter) ............................. 104,129
Air Filter .............................. 104
Airbag Light ............................ 24
Alarm Light ............................ 17
Anti-Lock Warning Light ................... 21
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............. 116,117
Capacities .......................... 133
Disposal ........................... 119
Automatic Transmission .................... 64
Adding Fluid ....................... 125
Fluid Level Check .................... 124
Fluid Type ...................... 124,136
Shifting ............................ 54
Axle Fluid ............................. 136
Battery ............................... 114
Blanket .......................... 43,115Emergency Starting
.................... 92
Brake Fluid ............................ 136
Brake System ........................... 121
Fluid Check ........................ 121
Master Cylinder ..................... 121
Warning Light ....................... 19
Brake/Transmission Interlock ................ 53
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 133
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 133
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ 103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 118
Charge Air Cooler ....................... 121
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................. 23
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 118
Cooling System ......................... 115
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 117
164 INDEX