2014 Ram 1500 warning light

- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an onboard diagnostic system called
OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving
cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (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.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher tempera-
tures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
turned off.
- Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light
remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
172

- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS 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 light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to
restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” of your Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
The Air Bag System is designed to be maintenance free.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV
4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive
system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
173

- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns
off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as “Change Oil Soon” and “Oil Change Needed”)
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
174

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 “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
•1500 Models Only
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months on 1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•2500 – 3500 Models
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
or twelve months on 2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
215

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE
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.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe
Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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 “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
219

Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins® Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will
alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil Change
Due” on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The oil change reminder will
remind the owner to change the engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500 hours, whichever
comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models that are using B20 biodiesel, which are
12,500 miles or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Failure to change the engine oil per
the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine damage.
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 “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.
NOTE:
•
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
six months or 500 Hours, whichever comes first.
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles (20 000 km) when running B20 fuel (Chassis Cab Only).
If Chassis Cab models are operated with greater than 5% levels of Biodiesel, the oil
change interval must not exceed 12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circum-
stances. See the Fuel Requirements section for more information regarding opera-
tion of Chassis Cab models configured for use with Biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467.
Perform Service Indicator — Cummins® Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform Service” message is displayed on the
EVIC it is necessary to have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter
element. The procedure for clearing and resetting the “Perform Service” indicator
message is located in the appropriate Service Information.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
226

AdjustablePedals ...........31
Air BagAdvanceFrontAirBag ......16
AirBags ...............16
AirBagWarningLight....16,173
FrontAirBag ............16
Rollover ...............16
SideAirBags ............16
SideImpacts ............16
Air Conditioning .....43,44,45,46
Air Suspension ...........40,42
Alarm Arm The System ..........14
Disarm The System ........14
Vehicle Security Alarm ......14
Alarm (Security Alarm) .........14
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .173
Assistance Towing ..........169
Automatic Headlights .........34
Automatic High Beams ........34
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............45
Automatic Transmission FluidType ............205
AxleFluid...............205
Back-Up Camera ............47
Battery Charging System Light .....172
Brake Fluid ..............205
Brake System WarningLight ..........171
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .............32
BulbReplacement ..........235
Calibration,Compass.........116
CargoLight...............34
ChangeOilIndicator.........174
Charging System Light ........172
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)...172 Child Restraints
CarSeat ...............17
Child Restraints ..........17
Child Seat Installation ....18,19
Installing Child Restraints
Using The Vehicle Seat Belt . . .19
Lower Anchors And Tethers
For Children ..........17,18
ChildSeat................18
Climate Control ........43,44,45
Cluster Warning/Indicator Lights AirBagWarningLight ......173
Brake Warning Light .......171
Compass Calibration .........116
Cooling System Coolant Capacity .........205
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ....35
CruiseLight...............35
Customer Assistance .........236
Customer Programmable Features ..............117
Defects, Reporting ..........237
Defroster, Rear Window ......43,44
Defroster, Windshield .......43,44
Diesel Engine Maintenance . .147, 158
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ......151, 164
Diesel Fuel Water Separator . .147, 158
DimmerControl.............34
Disabled Vehicle Towing .......169
Disarming, Security System ......14
Electronic Range Select (ERS). .38, 39
Electronics Your Vehicle's Sound System . . .50
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........35
Electronic Stability Control (ESC). .169
Electronic Throttle Control WarningLight ...........173
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ...........116
INDEX
241

Emergency, In Case ofFreeing Vehicle When Stuck . .196
Overheating ............175
Towing ........... 169, 196
Engine Block Heater ...........155
Break-In
Recommendations . .32, 145, 155
Compartment ...........199
Malfunction Indicator
(CheckEngine) ..........172
OilSelection ...........205
Overheating ............175
Starting ...............13
Stopping ..............13
Event Data Recorder .........197
Exhaust Brake .............157
Exhaust Regeneration ........148
Exterior Lights .............235
Filters EngineFuel ........ 147, 158
FlatTireStowage...........188
Fluid Capacities ............205
Fluids .................205
FogLights................34
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .......196
Front And Rear ParkSense System...46
Front Heated Seats ...........27
Front ParkSense System ........46
Fuel Specifications ..........205
Fuse ..................230
Fuses..................230
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink
®)............120
Headlight ................34
Headlights Automatic .............34
Dimmer Switch ..........34
HighBeam .............33
Switch ...............34 Head Restraints
............24
Heated Seats ..............27
Heated Steering Wheel ........30
Heater, Engine Block .........155
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch ..........33
HomeLink
®
(Garage Door Opener) .......120
Hood Release .............198
HubCaps ...............186
Idle Up Feature ............158
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls . .138
Interior and Instrument Lights . . .7, 51
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ............33
Introduction ...............3
Inverter Outlet (115V) ........123
Inverter, Power ............123
Jack Location .............176
Jump Starting .............190
KeyFob.................10 Arm The Alarm ...........14
Disarm The Alarm .........14
Keyless Enter-N-Go ...........12
Lock/Unlock ............12
Starting/Stopping .........13
LaneChangeandTurnSignals....33
Lane Change Assist ..........33
LATCH (Lower Anchors and TetherforCHildren)....17,18,19
Lights
Engine Temperature Warning. .170
TurnSignal .............33
Maintenance Record. . .218, 224, 229
Maintenance Schedule.... 214, 219, 225, 227
Malfunction Indicator Light(CheckEngine).......172
MemorySeat ..............26
INDEX
242