service indicator RAM CHASSIS CAB 2011 User Guide

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced. These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
• Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline. Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 311

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 automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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. Al-
though 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
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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 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.
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.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in bold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
5.7L Gas Engine
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Due” will be displayed
in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that
an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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S 426 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 73,321
Cargo Light ............................ 144
Cellular Phone ........................ 88,247
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 419
Center Lap Belts ......................... 46
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 166
Certification Label ....................... 324
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 296
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............. 189,379
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 72
Checks, Safety ........................... 72
Child Restraint ........................ 60,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 64,67
Child Seat ............................ 61,65
Cigar Lighter ........................... 160
Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 407
Climate Control ......................... 247 Clock ............................. 212,221
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 246
Compass .............................. 203
Compass Calibration ..................... 204
Compass Variance ....................... 204
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 201
Connector
UCI ................................ 235
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 235
Console, Overhead ....................... 155
Contract, Service ........................ 447
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 395
Cooling System ......................... 392
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 394
Coolant Capacity ...................... 422
Coolant Level ...................... 393,396
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 396
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 393
Inspection ........................... 396456 INDEX

Cargo .............................. 144
Center Mounted Stop ................... 419
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 189
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 155
Daytime Running ...................... 145
Exterior .............................. 76
Fog .......................... 142,190,418
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 278
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 356
Headlights ........................... 141
High Beam ........................ 146,186
High Beam Indicator .................... 186
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 146
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster ..................... 179
Interior .......................... 143,155
Lights On Reminder .................... 144
Low Fuel ............................ 186
Oil Pressure .......................... 188 Passing ............................. 146
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 191
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 182
Service ........................... 415,416
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 182
Transfer Case ......................... 278
Turn Signal ...................... 76,145,416
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 179
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 284,401
Loading Vehicle ......................... 324
Tires ............................... 300
Locks ................................. 29
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 388
Lug Nuts ........................... 361,363462 INDEX

Maintenance Free Battery .................. 385
Maintenance Procedures ................... 381
Maintenance Schedule .................... 426
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 379
Manual, Service ......................... 449
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check ..................... 401
Lubricant Selection ..................... 424
Memory Seat ........................... 134
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 201
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82
Electric Powered ....................... 84
Heated .............................. 85
Memory ............................ 134
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 87
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7 Mopar Parts ......................... 380,448
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 145
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 71
Occupant Restraints ................... 37,54,56
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 54
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 317
Odometer ............................. 182
Trip ................................ 182
Oil Change Indicator .................. 184,199
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .............. 184,199
Oil, Engine ......................... 382,423
Capacity ............................ 422
Change Interval ....................... 382
Dipstick ............................. 382
Disposal ............................ 384
Filter ............................ 384,423
Filter Disposal ........................ 384
10 INDEX 463

Cooling System Tips .................... 340
Hitches ............................. 329
Minimum Requirements ................. 331
Mirrors .............................. 87
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 330
Wiring .............................. 338
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 330
Trailer Weight .......................... 330
Transfer Case ........................... 401
Electronically Shifted ................... 278
Fluid ............................... 424
Transmission
Automatic ........................ 268,402
Fluid ............................... 424
Maintenance ......................... 402
Shifting ............................. 266
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24 Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 310
Trip Odometer .......................... 182
Turn Signals ...................... 145,179,416
UCI Connector ......................... 235
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 88
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 451
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 235
Variance, Compass ....................... 204
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ...................... 301,324
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 257,415
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 118
Voltmeter ............................. 186
10 INDEX 469