ignition RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Workshop Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light

This warning light monitors the 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.

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.

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
Ú
page 281.

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.
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the Cruise Control System is
not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.

YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Off
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to
indicate that Forward Collision
Warning is off Ú page 281.
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.
Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate when Trailer Merge Assist
has been activated.
Cargo Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the cargo light is activated by
pushing the cargo light button on the
headlight switch.
Snowplow Mode Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when Snowplow Mode has been
activated Úpage 212.
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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when a derate (engine power
reduction) is activated for protection
of the turbocharger in cold ambient
temperatures.
Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has
been activated, and is in full strength
mode Ú page 138.
4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the 4WD LOCK mode.
The front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed Ú page 153.
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the 4WD Low mode.
The front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Low range provides a greater gear
reduction ratio to provide increased torque at
the wheels Ú
page 153.
4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the 4WD High mode.
The front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed.
NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
4WD power transfer case is in the
NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear
driveshafts are disengaged from the
powertrain.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
Light — If Equipped

The Low DEF Indicator will illuminate if
the vehicle is low on DEF
Ú
page 379.

Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position.
Its duration may be longer based on
colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed
Ú page 122.
NOTE:

The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if the
intake manifold temperature is warm enough.

Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light”
will illuminate 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 Ú page 375.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL117
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 Maintenance (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 depleted
battery or a battery replacement. 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.
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 position, 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 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 ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated 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 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.
3

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118 (Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few
seconds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in the
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting
into any driving range. NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal
must be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an eight-speed transmis
-
sion, starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not
possible unless the Manual Park Release has
been activated. For the Manual Park Release
operation information Ú page 348.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Place the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long
as the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key
fob is in the passenger compartment.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the OFF
mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle
and lock the vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous
for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

STARTING AND OPERATING119
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE
START/S TOP B
UTTON
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while
pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing
the accelerator pedal. To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push
and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds or three short pushes in a
row with the vehicle speed above 5 mph
(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off.
The ignition will remain in the ACC mode
until the gear selector is in PARK and the
button is pushed twice to the OFF mode.

4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h),
the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle
Not In Park ” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of the
PARK position, or it could roll.

NOTE:
If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine will shut off and the ignition will
remain in the ACC position. If vehicle speed
drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the vehicle
may AutoPark Ú
page 120.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three modes:
OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition
modes without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the ignition to the ACC mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the
RUN mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
mode.
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 119

120STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
AUTOPARK — ROTARY SHIFTER AND
E
IGHT SPEED TRANSMISSION ONLY

AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in
placing the vehicle in PARK should the situations
on the following pages occur. It is a back up
system and should not be relied upon as the
primary method by which the driver shifts the
vehicle into PARK.

The conditions under which AutoPark will
engage are outlined on the following pages. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns
off the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and
an eight speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
NOTE:
For Keyless Enter-N-Go equipped vehicles, the
engine will turn off and the ignition switch will
change to ACC mode. After 30 minutes the igni -
tion switches to OFF automatically, unless the
driver turns the ignition switch OFF. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits
the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle
may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and
an eight speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
Driver’s door is ajar
Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then
Shift to Gear ” will display in the instrument
cluster.
NOTE:
In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing the
“ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to Gear ”
to not be seen. In these cases, the shifter must
be returned to “P” to select desired gear.
WARNING!

Driver inattention could lead to failure to
place the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A
VISUAL CHECK that your vehicle is in PARK
by verifying that a solid (not blinking) “P” is
indicated in the instrument cluster display
and near the gear selector. If the "P" indi -
cator is blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK.
As an added precaution, always apply the
parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not
designed to replace the need to shift your
vehicle into PARK. It is a back up system
and should not be relied upon as the
primary method by which the driver shifts
the vehicle into PARK.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 120

122STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run,
but not have enough power to continue running
when the ignition button/key is released. If this
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after a
10 second period of engine cranking with the
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from
an authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 25-second intervals. Waiting a few
minutes between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying
again.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector. Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

STARTING AND OPERATING123
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in the
NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake
before shifting to any driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Place the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long
as the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key
fob is in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once. 3. The system takes over and attempts to start
the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after
25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, remove
your foot from the brake pedal and push the
ENGINE START/STOP button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or
pressing the accelerator pedal.
Under cold weather conditions, the engine
may not immediately crank if the "Wait to
Start" telltale is illuminated. This is normal
operation. For vehicles equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go, the vehicle will automat -
ically crank when the "Wait to Start" time has
elapsed Ú page 126.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once,
the instrument cluster will display a “Vehicle
Not In Park” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.

4. If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, and the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h),
pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once will turn the engine off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC mode.

5. If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h), the ENGINE START/STOP button must be
held for two seconds (or three short pushes
in a row) to turn the engine off. The ignition
will remain in the ACC mode (NOT the OFF
mode) if the engine is turned off when the
transmission is not in PARK.

NOTE:
If the ignition is left in the ACC or ON/RUN
(engine not running) mode and the transmis -
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically
time out after 30 minutes of inactivity and the
ignition return to the OFF mode.
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123

124STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)

The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar
to an ignition switch. It has three positions, OFF,
ACC, RUN. To change the ignition switch positions
without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories follow these steps:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once
to change the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition to the
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
position.Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature
0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C)
NOTE:
The temperature displayed in the instrument
cluster does not necessarily reflect the engine
manifold air temperature Ú page 90. When
engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on indi -
cating the intake air heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting”
procedure except:

1. Pushing the engine start button with the driver’s foot on the brake will move the
ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and
will illuminate the "Wait to Start" telltale.
The engine will not immediately crank, this
is normal operation.

2. The “Wait to Start" telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending on
the engine temperature.
3. While the "Wait to Start" telltale is on, the instrument cluster will additionally display a
gauge or bar whose initial length represents the full "Wait to Start" time period. Its length
will decrease until it disappears when the
"Wait to Start" time has elapsed.
4. After the engine “Wait to Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil pressure.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START the engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filters to avoid
engine damage Ú page 375.
CAUTION!

Do not crank engine for more than 25 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.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

STARTING AND OPERATING125
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.
The engine will not automatically crank after
the engine "Wait to Start" telltale goes off if a
door or the hood is ajar.

If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is
left ON for more than two minutes after the
“Wait to Start” telltale goes out, reset the
intake air heater by turning the ignition switch
to the OFF position for at least 5 seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 6 of
“Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure –
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C).”

EXTREME COLD WEATHER
The Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is equipped
with several features designed to assist cold
weather starting and operation:

The engine block heater is a resistance heater
installed in the water jacket of the engine just
above and behind the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.

NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped,
heater cords are available from an authorized
Mopar dealer.
A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter hous -
ings aid in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
An intake air heater system both improves
engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming engine.
NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURE —
E
NGINE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE
A
BOVE 66°F (19°C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights
when starting the engine.

1. Always apply the parking brake.

2. Shift into PARK for an automatic
transmission. 3. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
and watch the instrument panel cluster
lights.
4. Place the ignition switch in the START position and crank the engine. Do not press
the accelerator during starting.
5. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
6. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START the engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filters to avoid
engine damage Ú page 375.
CAUTION!

Do not crank engine for more than 25 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.

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