2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab instrument panel

NOTE:The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of the
cycling operation is controlled by the engine control
module. Post-heat operation can run for several minutes,
and then the electrical system and voltmeter needle will
stabilize.
18. Cargo Light The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
19. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the
Anti-Lock Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS). In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related
to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 19

indicated by the “Brake Warning Light,” which will turn
on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on
is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have
failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You
could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately. Vehicles equipped with the ABS, are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the “Brake Warning Light” will turn on
along with the “ABS Warning Light.” Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the “Brake Warning Light” can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning LightThis light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “ABS Warning Light” remains on or turns on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on.
If the “ABS Warning Light” is on, the brake system
should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “ABS Warning Light”
does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, have the light inspected by an authorized
dealer. 21. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light – If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 21

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
22 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
NOTE: The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a
“Low Tire” message in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) screen. Refer to “Starting and Operating/
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)” in the Owner’s
Manual for further information. 22. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system which
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-
tem. 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 condition 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 23

Although 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
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability.
23. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. 24. Front Fog Light Indicator Light – If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
25. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the seat belt reminder light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to Occupant Restraints/
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert )in
“Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” in the
Owners Manual for further information.
24 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

26. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If EquippedThis light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is off.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE:The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.
This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 25

Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center – If
Equipped” in the Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
EVIC Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle Not in Park
•System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle in Motion
•Service Air Filter
•Perform Service
•Exhaust Filter XX% Full
•Exhaust Filter Full – Power Reduced See Dealer
•Exhaust Service Required – See Dealer Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Required Now
•Exhaust System – Regeneration In Process
•Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
•Low DEF Refill Soon
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start In XXX Miles
•Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start
•Service DEF System See Dealer
•Service DEF Syst Engine Will Not Start in XXX Mi See
Dealer
•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start See Dealer
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 30-sec During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 2-min During Warmup
26 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL