
17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on.
18. Driver Information Display (DID)
The Driver Information Display (DID) features an inter-
active display that is located in the instrument cluster.
For further information, refer to “Driver Information
Display (DID)” in this section.
19. Transmission Gear Position Indicator
The Transmission Gear Position Indicator is self-
contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the
gear range of the automatic transmission. NOTE:
The highest available transmission gear is dis-
played in the lower right corner of the DID whenever the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature is active. Use the
+/- selector on the shift lever or steering wheel to activate
ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
20. Driver Information Display (DID) Menu
Driver Information Display (DID) features an interactive
display of the main menu’s that is located in the instru-
ment cluster. For further information, refer to “Driver
Information Display (DID)” in this section.
21. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light indicates that the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is in Partial Off or Full Off mode.
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•DOWN Arrow Button
Push and release the DOWNarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu and
submenus (Fuel Economy, Trip A, Trip B, Au-
dio, Stored Messages, Screen Set Up).
• RIGHT Arrow Button
Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to
access/select the information screens or sub-
menu screens of a main menu item. Push and
hold the RIGHTarrow button for two seconds
to reset displayed/selected features that can be reset.
• LEFT Arrow Button
Push the LEFTarrow button to return to the
main menu from an info screen or submenu
item.Diesel Indicator Lights
Water In Fuel Indicator Light
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start
the vehicle before you drain the water from the
fuel filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ters” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
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.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 in
the DID’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
and then returns to the previous screen. An example of this
message type is “Automatic High Beams On”.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Diesel Indicator Lights
This area will show reconfigurable amber telltales that
relate to your diesel. These telltales include:
NOTE:“Refer to your OM on DVD for additional telltale
information”
Water In Fuel Indicator Light
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
nate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the
vehicle before you drain the water from the fuel
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” telltale will illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer
based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is out. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
NOTE: The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) 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.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

•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.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector. Do not leave the
key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location
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.
218 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 jumper cables 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.
270 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Diesel Fuel...............................85
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................85
Bulk Storage of .........................94
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ...............111
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................118
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...........107
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......41
Engine ................................ .100
Air Cleaner .......................... .104
Block Heater ........................78,84
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ......................... .100
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................123
Identification ......................... .100
Idling ................................82
Oil............................. .102 , 123
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .103Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... .104
Engine Fuel .......................... .107
Engine Oil ....................... .104 , 123
Engine Oil Disposal .....................104
Flashers Turn Signal .........................17,32
Fluid Capacities ......................... .122
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .120
Fluid, Brake ............................ .126
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........123
Fog Lights ...............................17
Fuel ...................................85
Adding ...............................91
Diesel ............................85,123
Filter ............................... .107
Requirements ...........................85
Specifications ...........................86
INDEX - RAM 1500 335