2015 Ram 1500 ignition

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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

Fuel Filter Life Reset
The cluster will display the “Service Fuel Filter” message
when the fuel filter maintenance life is less than 5%. To
check the remaining fuel filter life, go to the “Fuel Filter
Life” screen in the “Vehicle Info” menu. When this
message appears, dealers should replace both frame
mounted and engine mounted fuel filters.
NOTE:Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)
Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the ignition in the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”. 3. Press and release the
RIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Fuel Filter Life” screen.
4. Press and hold the RIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the Reset Confirmation screen.
5. Press and release the UPorDOWN arrow button to
select “Yes” or “No” then press and hold the RIGHT
arrow button to reset the Fuel Filter Life.
6. Press and release the Uparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen once the Fuel Filter Life is 100%
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Press and release the RIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Fuel Filter Life” screen.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

4. Press and hold theRIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the ”Fuel Filter Life Reset” screen.
5. Press and hold the RIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the Reset Confirmation screen.
6. Press and release the UPorDOWN arrow button to
select “Yes” or “No” then press and hold the RIGHT
arrow button to reset the Fuel Filter Life.
7. Press and release the Uparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen once the Fuel Filter Life is 100%
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the DID display for approximately 10 seconds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent
upon your personal driving style.
NOTE:
Use the steering wheel DID controls for the
following procedure(s)
Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without Pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

4. Push and hold theRIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the ”Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to select
“Yes”, then push and release the Rightarrow button to
select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the DID
screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “ Vehicle Info”.
3. Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to access
the ” Oil Life” screen. 4. Push and hold the
RIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the ” Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the DOWNarrow button to select
“Yes”, then push and release the Rightarrow button to
select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Push and release the Uparrow button to exit the DID
screen.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .225
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .227
▫ Block Heater Usage ....................227
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ....................227
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .230
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............232
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .232
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .232
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .244
▫ Shifting ............................ .244▫
Downshifting ....................... .246
▫ Reverse Shifting ..................... .247
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED .....248
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED (CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ..........248
▫ Stationary Mode ..................... .249
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ .250
 ENGINE RUNAWAY ....................251
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................252
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................253
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements .............254
 ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL
MODELS ........................... .257
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS . . .260
204 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
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.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the engine with the transmission in the NEUTRAL
or PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go™ — If Equipped
This feature allows the driver to oper-
ate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the Remote
Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Key Fob
is in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will
disengage automatically after 10 seconds.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 207