ignition Ram Cargo Van 2012 Owner's Manual

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
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 notbe 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 key-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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 547

2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return 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 readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition 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 your
authorized 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 operation 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.
548 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
556 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
562 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J8 40 Amp Green — Power Memory Seat –
If Equipped
J9 40 Amp Green — Partial Zero Emis-
sions Vehicle Motor/
Flex Fuel – If
Equipped
J10 30 Amp Pink — Headlamp Wash/
Manifold Tuning
Valve – If Equipped
J11 30 Amp Pink — Power Sliding Door
Module/Anti–Theft
Module – If Equipped
J12 30 Amp Pink HVAC Rear Blower,
Radiator Fan Motor
J13 60 Amp Yellow — Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) – MainCavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J14 40 Amp Green — Rear Window Defog-
ger
J15 40 Amp Green — Front Blower
J17 40 Amp Green — Starter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp Blue — Powertrain Control
Module Trans Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow — Radiator Fan
J20 30 Amp Pink — Front Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp Blue — Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp Natural — Sunroof Module
580 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M10 — 15 Amp BlueIgnition Off Draw —
Video System, Satel-
lite Radio, DVD,
Hands-Free Module,
Universal Garage
Door Opener, Vanity
Lamp, Streaming
Video Module – If
Equipped
M11 — 10 Amp RedClimate Control Sys-
tem
M12 — 30 Amp GreenAmplifier/Radio
M13 — 20 Amp YellowInstrument Cluster,
SIREN, Clock Mod-
ule, Multi-Function
Control Switch – If
EquippedCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M14 — 20 Amp YellowTrailer Tow – If
Equipped
M15 — 20 Amp YellowRear View Mirror,
Instrument Cluster,
Multi-Function Con-
trol Switch, Tire Pres-
sure Monitor, Glow
Plug Module – If
Equipped
M16 — 10 Amp RedAirbag Module/
Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
M17 — 15 Amp BlueLeft Tail/License/
Park Lamp, Running
Lamps
M18 — 15 Amp BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp
582 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

steering column. If you experience temporary or perma-
nent loss of these systems, see your authorized dealer for
service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to protect your
battery. You may do the following:
•Remove the 20 Amp mini-fuse in the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (TIPM) labeled Ignition-Off
Draw (IOD).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS – InteriorBulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Lamp ................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lamps ............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Lamp .................. 578
Front Header Reading Lamps – If Equipped ..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lamps .................PC74
Liftgate Lamp(s) ......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lamps ..........PC579
Removable Console Lamp – If Equipped ........ 194
Visor Vanity Lamps .................... 6501966
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the interior bulbs are glass wedge base or glass
cartridge types. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved
and should not be used for replacement.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 585

Hill Start Assist......................... 449
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 500
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 231
Hood Release .......................... 196
Hook, Coat ............................ 260
Ignition ............................... 14
Key ............................. 12,14
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 14
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint .......................... 85
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 300
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 112
Instrument Cluster .................... 284,286
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 283
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 574
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 576Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
............ 578
Interior Appearance Care .................. 574
Interior Lights .......................... 201
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 515
Jack Operation .......................... 514
Jump Starting .......................... 532
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change Assist ...................... 204
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 55
628 INDEX