4. EVIC White Telltales
•Electronic Speed Control Ready
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
•Electronic Speed Control SET
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is SET. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
•Shift Lever Status
The highest available transmission gear is displayed in
the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift
lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.5. EVIC Amber Telltales
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
•Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
•Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filters” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
NOTE:The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup— This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
•
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds) During
Warmup— This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between -10° F (-23° C)
and -25 F (-32° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup
— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32° C)
and below.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
•Coolant Low— This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of
the lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced. To
achieve these emissions standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. These systems are seamlessly integrated into
your vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to
allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or
interaction on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to additional
maintenance required on your vehicle or engine. Refer to
the following messages that may be displayed on your
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC):
•Perform Service— Your vehicle will require emissions
maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup— This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds)
During Warmup— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is between -10°
F (-23° C) and -25 F (-32° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32°
C) and below.•Coolant Low— This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of
the lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced. To
achieve these emissions standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. These systems are seamlessly integrated into
your vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to
allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or
interaction on your part.3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:
•Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
•
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have
a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy
of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at
or below the ADD or MIN mark.Once A Month
•Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air filter.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
334 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............114
Adding Fuel..............................92
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .104
Airbag Light.............................23
Alarm Light..............................24
Anti-Lock Warning Light.....................18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................113
Capacities............................121
Disposal..............................117
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Type............................125
Axle Fluid..............................125
Battery.................................111
Brake Fluid.............................125
Brake System............................118
Fluid Check...........................118
Master Cylinder........................118
Warning Light..........................21Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........121
Capacities, Fluid..........................121
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................116
Charge Air Cooler.........................118
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .18
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........116
Cooling System...........................112
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............114
Coolant Capacity.......................121
Coolant Level..........................112
Disposal of Used Coolant..................117
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................113
Points to Remember.....................117
Pressure Cap..........................116
Radiator Cap..........................116
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........113,122
346 INDEX - RAM 1500
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