2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS Owners Manual

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
mInstruments And Controls.................141
mInstrument Cluster......................142
mInstrument Cluster Description.............143
mElectronic Digital Clock..................151
NClock Setting Procedure.................151
mSales Code RBBÐAM/FM Stereo Radio With
Cassette Tape Player And CD Changer
Capability............................151
NOperating Instructions..................151
NPower Button........................152NElectronic Volume Control...............152
NSeek..............................152
NTune ..............................152
NTo Set The Push-Button Memory..........153
NBalance............................153
NFade..............................153
NBass And Treble Tone Control............153
NAM/FM Selection.....................154
NMode Button........................1544

NCassette Player Features................154
NCD Changer Control Capability Ð If
Equipped...........................155
NRadio Display Messages................157
mSales Code RAZÐAM/ FM Stereo Radio With
Cassette Tape Player, CD Player And CD
Changer Controls Ð If Equipped...........158
NOperating Instructions Ð Radio...........158
NPower Switch, Volume Control............158
NSeek Button (Radio Mode)...............158
NTuning.............................158
NPTY (Program Type) Button..............159
NBalance............................160
NFade..............................160NTone Control........................160
NAM/FM Selection.....................161
NScan Button.........................161
NTo Set The Radio Push-Button Memory......161
NTo Change From Clock To Radio Mode......162
NOperating Instructions Ð Tape Player.......162
NSeek Button.........................162
NFast Forward (FF).....................162
NRewind (RW)........................162
NTape Eject...........................163
NScan Button.........................163
NChanging Tape Direction................163
NMetal Tape Selection...................163
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NPinch Roller Release...................163
NNoise Reduction......................163
NOperating Instructions Ð CD Player........164
NInserting The Compact Disc..............164
NSeek Button.........................165
NEJT CD (Eject) Button..................165
NFF/Tune/RW........................165
NProgram Button 4 (Random Play)..........165
NMode..............................166
NTape CD Button......................166
NTime Button.........................166
NScan Button.........................166NCD Changer Control Capability Ð If
Equipped...........................166
mSales Code RBKÐAM/ FM Stereo Radio With
CD Player And CD Changer Controls........168
NRadio Operation......................168
NCD Player Operation...................171
NCD Changer Control Capability Ð If
Equipped...........................173
NRadio Display Messages................174
mSales Code RBQÐAM/FM Stereo Radio With
6 - Disc CD Changer....................175
NRadio Operation......................175
NCD Player Operation...................177
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 139
4

mRemote Sound System Controls Ð If Equipped . . 181
NRadio Operation......................182
NTape Player.........................182
NCD Player..........................182
mCassette Tape And Player Maintenance.......183
mCompact Disc Maintenance................184
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........184
mClimate Controls.......................185NHeater Only Ð Fleet Vehicles.............185
NAir ConditioningÐIf Equipped...........187
NElectric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors Ð If Equipped..........191
NAir Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature
Control Ð If Equipped.................191
NOperating Tips.......................196
NOperating Tips Chart...................198
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. 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 condi-
tion 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.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your 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 driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
4

2. Voltage Gauge
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 sys-
tem should be serviced.
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating.
4. 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.
5. Airbag Indicator Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8 seconds
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.
6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
144 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL