2012 RAM CHASSIS CAB service indicator

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 press402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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 Mainte-
nance (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 dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. 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 key-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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
5.7L Gas Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary. On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
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S 454 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... 78,339
Cargo Light ............................ 152
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,255
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 445
Center Lap Belts ......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 176
Certification Label ....................... 342
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 310
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............. 199,403
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 77
Checks, Safety ........................... 77
Child Restraint ........................ 64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 68,73
Child Seat .............................. 70
Cigar Lighter ........................... 169
Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 432
Climate Control ......................... 256 Clock ............................. 223,232
Cold Weather Operation ................... 274
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 255
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 325
Compass .............................. 214
Compass Calibration ..................... 215
Compass Variance ....................... 215
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 212
Connector
UCI .............................. 246
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 246
Console, Overhead ....................... 163
Contract, Service ........................ 475
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 419
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 418
Coolant Capacity ..................... 449
Coolant Level .................... 417,420
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 420484 INDEX

Automatic Headlights ................. 148
Brake Warning ...................... 197
Bulb Replacement ................. 442,443
Cap Top Clearance ................... 447
Cargo ............................. 152
Center Mounted Stop .................. 445
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ...... 199
Courtesy/Reading .................... 164
Daytime Running .................... 153
Exterior ............................ 81
Fog ......................... 150,200,445
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............. 291
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 376
Headlights ......................... 148
High Beam ...................... 154,196
High Beam Indicator .................. 196
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 154
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 189 Interior ......................... 150,164
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel .......................... 196
Oil Pressure ........................ 198
Passing ............................ 154
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 202
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 192
Service ......................... 442,443
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 192
Transfer Case ....................... 291
Turn Signal .................... 81,153,443
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 189
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 298,426
Loading Vehicle ......................... 342
Tires .............................. 314
Locks ................................. 30
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 30490 INDEX

Power Door ......................... 31
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 68
Lubrication, Body ....................... 412
Lug Nuts ........................... 382,384
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 409
Maintenance Procedures ................... 405
Maintenance Schedule .................... 454
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 403
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check .................... 427
Lubricant Selection ................... 451
Manual, Service ......................... 477
Memory Seat ........................... 140
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 212
Mirrors ................................ 87
Automatic Dimming ................... 87
Electric Powered ...................... 90 Heated ............................. 91
Memory ........................... 140
Outside ............................ 88
Rearview ........................... 87
Trailer Towing ....................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 404,476
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 153
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
Occupant Restraints ................... 38,57,60
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 57
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 335
Odometer ............................. 192
Trip .............................. 192
Oil Change Indicator .................. 194,210
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .............. 194,210
10 INDEX 491

Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 393
Towing ............................ 344,395
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 107
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 395
Guide ............................. 348
Recreational ........................ 365
Weight ............................ 348
Towing Assistance ....................... 107
Traction .............................. 299
Trailer Towing .......................... 344
Cooling System Tips .................. 361
Hitches ............................ 347
Minimum Requirements ................ 351
Mirrors ............................ 92
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 349
Wiring ............................ 359
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 348
Trailer Weight .......................... 348 Transfer Case ........................... 427
Electronically Shifted .................. 292
Fluid ............................. 451
Transmission
Automatic ....................... 278,427
Fluid ............................. 451
Maintenance ........................ 427
Shifting ........................... 276
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 21
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 327
Trip Odometer .......................... 192
Turn Signals ...................... 153,189,443
10 INDEX 497