2011 RAM CHASSIS CAB instrument panel

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

NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Due” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or under “Instrument
Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
At Each Stop for Fuel
• Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427

Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 176
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 409
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 410
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ............. 334
Interior Appearance Care .................. 408
Interior Lights .......................... 143
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 147
Introduction ............................. 4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... 160
Jack Location ........................... 356
Jump Starting .......................... 366
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 17
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 16
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12 Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 145
Lane Change Assist ...................... 146
Lap Belts .............................. 46
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 38
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) ....... 64
Latches ................................ 76
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 76
Life of Tires ............................ 310
Light Bulbs ............................. 76
Lights .............................. 76,140
Airbag ........................ 55,59,74,190
Alarm .............................. 182
Anti-Lock ........................... 190
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 293
Automatic Headlights ................... 141
Brake Warning ........................ 187
Bulb Replacement ................... 415,416
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 420
10 INDEX 461