in the Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC) section
under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warn-
ing Messages.
25. Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
26. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever isplaced 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 autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
27. Air Suspension Normal Ride Height Indicator Lamp
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspension system
is set to the Normal Ride Height setting. For further
information, refer to “Air Suspension System” in “Start-
ing And Operating”.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is cor-
rected. This light does not show how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
•Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible.
•Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key 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 dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. You may experience
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger
at low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-
up.
•The engine may not automatically crank after the
engineWait To Starttelltale goes off if a door or the
hood is ajar.
•If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start
Light” goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning theignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of
“Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins® diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
•The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR® dealer.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned
off.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C)
NOTE:The temperature displayed in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) does not necessarily
reflect the engine manifold air temperature. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period
of time that varies depending on the engine tempera-
ture.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
2. While theWait To Start” telltale is on, the EVIC will
additionally display a gauge or bar whose initial
length represents the fullWait To Starttime period.
Its length will decrease until it disappears when the
Wait To Starttime has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START 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.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the
ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure
warning light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
•
Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger at
low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C for 68RFE transmis-
sion, or 68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. Only
use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference
when setting the fluid level after a transmission service
or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as
required, once the transmission reaches normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
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