2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab ignition

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the key fob. If the steering wheel is moved approxi-
mately a half turn in either direction and the key fob is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key fob. Turn
the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the
lock engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and start the
engine. If the key fob is difficult to turn, move the wheel
slightly to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 328 ft (100 m).
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
•The remote start system will wait for the “Wait To Start
Light” to extinguish before cranking the engine. This
allows time for the intake heater to pre-heat the
incoming air, and is normal operation in cold weather.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center/EVIC
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Warning Lights” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information on and “Wait To Start
Light” and pre-heat cycle.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
•Shift lever in PARK
•Doors closed
•Hood closed
•HAZARD switch off
•BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
•Ignition key removed from ignition switch
•Battery at an acceptable charge level
•RKE PANIC button not pressed
•Fuel meets minimum requirement
•Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated
•Wait To Start Light is not illuminated
WARNING!
•Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon-
oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Car-
bon Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious
injury or death when inhaled.
•Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters
away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9

Remote Start Abort Message On Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) – If Equipped
The following messages will display in the EVIC if the
vehicle fails to remote start or exits remote start prema-
turely:
•Remote Start Aborted - Door Ajar
•Remote Start Aborted - Hood Ajar
•Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low
•Remote Start Aborted - System Fault
The EVIC message stays active until the ignition is turned
to the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec-
onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn will chirp twice (if programmed). In cold ambient tem-
perature conditions, the diesel vehicle may delay crank
up to 30 seconds for the glow plugs or grid heater. Once
the vehicle has started, the engine will run for 15 min-
utes.
NOTE:
•The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
•For security, power window and power sunroof op-
eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.
•The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON position
before you can repeat the start sequence for a third
cycle.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Press and release the REMOTE START button one time or
allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
NOTE:To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm System
(if equipped). Insert the Key Fob into the ignition switch
and turn the switch to the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
•The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
in order to drive the vehicle.
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the message “Insert Key/
Turn To On” will flash in the EVIC until you insert the
Key Fob into the ignition swich. Once inserted, the
message “Turn To On” will flash in the EVIC until you
turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
Remote Start Comfort Systems – If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering
wheel, and driver heated seat features will automatically
turn on in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver
vented seat feature will automatically turn on when the
remote start is activated. These features will stay on
through the duration of remote start or until the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). For more information on Remote Start
Comfort System operation refer to “Electronic Vehicle
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. 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.
2. Turn Signal Indicator Light The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 15

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.)
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 21

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.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 23