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9. Selectable Gauge 2
10. Selectable Gauge 1
11. Selectable Gauge 1
The main display area will normally display the main
menu or the screens of a selected feature of the main
menu. The main display area also displays “pop up”
messages that consist of approximately 60 possible warn-
ing or information messages. These pop up messages fall
into several categories:
•Five Second Stored Messages
When the appropriate conditions occur, this type of
message takes control of the main display area for five
seconds and then returns to the previous screen. Most of
the messages of this type are then stored (as long as the
condition that activated it remains active) and can be
reviewed from the “Messages” main menu item. As long
as there is a stored message, an “i” will be displayed inthe EVIC’s compass/outside temp line. Examples of this
message type are “Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Out”
and “Low Tire Pressure”.
•Unstored Messages
This message type is displayed indefinitely or until the
condition that activated the message is cleared. Examples
of this message type are “Turn Signal On” (if a turn signal
is left on) and “Lights On” (if driver leaves the vehicle).
•Unstored Messages Until RUN
These messages deal primarily with the Remote Start
feature. This message type is displayed until the ignition
is in the RUN state. Examples of this message type are
“Remote Start Aborted - Door Ajar” and “Press Brake
Pedal and Push Button to Start”.
•Five Second Unstored Messages
When the appropriate conditions occur, this type of mes-
sage takes control of the main display area for five seconds
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
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•A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
•A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66° F (19° C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. For
vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEU-
TRAL.3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and watch
the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!(Continued)
accessible to children), and do not leave the igni-
tion (of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
•All message center lights are off.
•Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
•Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
•Voltmeter operation:
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.
The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of the
headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable reduc-
tion in blower motor speed.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F (0°C) may
require special considerations. The following charts sug-
gest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE:Use “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels”ONLY.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 277 of 360
NOTE:
•An aftermarket controller may be available for use
with trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer
brake systems. To determine the type of brakes on
your trailer and the availability of controllers, check
with your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
•Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may
cause damage to the electrical system and electronic
modules of the vehicle. See your authorized dealer if
an aftermarket module is to be installed.Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
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JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumpercables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Diesel Fuel...............................69
Diesel Fuel Requirements....................69
Bulk Storage of.........................95
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming...............109
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................117
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter...........105
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......30
Engine.................................100
Air Cleaner...........................104
Block Heater........................62,68
Break-In Recommendations.................14
Compartment..........................100
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................122
Identification..........................100
Idling................................65
Oil..............................102 , 122
Oil Filler Cap..........................103Filters
Air Cleaner...........................104
Engine Fuel...........................105
Engine Oil........................104 , 122
Engine Oil Disposal.....................104
Flashers
Turn Signal............................19
Fluid Capacities..........................121
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................118
Fluid, Brake.............................125
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........122
Fog Lights...............................26
Fuel...................................69
Adding...............................92
Diesel............................69,122
Filter................................105
Requirements...........................69
Specifications...........................70
INDEX - RAM 1500 347
Page 350 of 360

Tank Capacity..........................121
Fueling.................................92
Gauges
Speedometer...........................23
Tachometer............................18
Voltmeter..............................63
Gross Axle Weight Rating....................75
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................74
Hitches
Trailer Towing..........................77
Information Center, Vehicle...................30
Instrument Cluster.........................16
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls...............82
Intervention Regeneration Strategy..............41
Keyless Enter-N-Go........................61Lights
Airbag................................23
Alarm................................24
Anti-Lock.............................18
Brake Warning..........................21
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)..........18
Fog ..................................26
High Beam............................22
High Beam Indicator......................22
Instrument Cluster.......................18
Seat Belt Reminder.......................22
Security Alarm..........................24
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).............24
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).......18
Maintenance Procedures....................101
Maintenance Schedule......................128
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................14
348 INDEX - RAM 1500
Page 352 of 360
Hitches...............................77
Minimum Requirements...................79
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................78
Wiring................................87
Trailer Towing Guide.......................78
Trailer Weight............................78
Transfer Case
Fluid................................125
Transmission
Turn Signals..............................19
Viscosity, Engine Oil.......................103
Voltmeter................................63
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description)....18
Water Separator, Diesel Fuel..................105
350 INDEX - RAM 1500