2015 Ram 1500 warning light

NOTE:Under certain conditions the engine fan will run
after the engine is turned off. These conditions are under
high load and high temperature conditions.
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission
overheating in high ambient temperature conditions,
take the following actions:
• City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
• Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
• Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission gear.
• Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
NOTE: If the coolant temperature is too high the A/C
will automatically turn off.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the low oil pressure warning light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as
soon as possible. A chime will sound when the light turns
on.
NOTE: Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 83

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” These
microbes form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration
system and lines. Drain condensation from the supply
tank and change the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE: When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
94 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned in front of the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. This
cooling process enables more efficient burning of fuel
resulting in fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and radiator
clean and free of debris. Periodically check the hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or loose
clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced engine
performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
120 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon-
oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious in-
jury or death when inhaled.
• Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters
away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.
Remote Start Abort Message
The following messages will display in the EVIC/DID if
the vehicle fails to remote start or exits remote start
prematurely:
• Remote Start Aborted - Door Ajar
• Remote Start Aborted - Hood Ajar •
Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low
• Remote Start Aborted - System Fault
The EVIC/DID message stays active until the ignition is
turned to the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec-
onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn
will chirp twice (if programmed). In cold am-
bient temperature conditions, the diesel vehicle may
delay crank up to 30 seconds for the fuel and grid heater.
Once the vehicle has started, the engine will run for 15
minutes or 75 seconds in extreme cold and high
elevation.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 145

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .................150
▫ Instrument Cluster Descriptions ...........151
 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .................163
▫ Instrument Cluster Descriptions ...........164
 ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION
CENTER (EVIC) ...................... .174
▫ Instrument Cluster Messages .............175
▫ Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features) ........................... .176
 Driver Information Display
(DID) — 7” Display .....................188 ▫
Diesel Indicator Lights ..................191
▫ Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages .......191
▫ Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages .....192
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages .......................... .195
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages .......................... .196
▫ RAM Active Air System .................198
▫ Fuel Filter Life Reset ...................199
▫ Oil Life Reset ....................... .2003

Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer
1. The tachometer indicates engine speed in RevolutionsPer Minute (RPM x 1000).
2. 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.
3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part
of an Onboard Diagnostic (OBDII) system
which monitors the emissions and engine con-
trol system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
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 temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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.
4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
152 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!(Continued)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an after-
market tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
NOTE: The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a “Low
Tire” message in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC) and Driver Information Display (DID) screen
indicating “Low Tire”.
11. Cargo Light
The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch. 12. Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light
— If Equipped
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
13. 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 transmission is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
156 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL