2015 Ram 1500 electronic

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or 2nd gear
and REVERSE (with manual transmission), while gently
pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accel-
erator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the en-
gine.
NOTE:For trucks equipped with 8-speed automatic
transmission: Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can
only be achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or
less. Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL
for more than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE:Press the#ESC Off#switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in#Partial Off#mode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the#ESC
Off#switch again to restore#ESC On#mode.
734 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though 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 MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC/DID telltale display
area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 751

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid can-
not be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can
read the transmission sump temperature in the EVIC/
DID screen (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center [EVIC]” or “Driver Information Display (DID)”
for further information).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 787

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F0180 Amp BlackRad Fan Control Module – If equipped
F03 60 Amp YellowRad Fan – If Equipped
F0540 Amp GreenCompressor for Air Suspension – If Equipped
F0640 Amp GreenAntilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
Pump
F0740 Amp GreenStarter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue (1500
LD Diesel)
30 Amp Pink
(Cummins Diesel)
Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
F0940 Amp Green
(Special Services
Vehicle & Cummins
Diesel)
30 Amp Pink (1500
LD Diesel)
Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 799

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F7610 Amp Red Antilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
F7710 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module/Front Axle Discon-
nect Module
F7810 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Electric Power
Steering
F7915 Amp BlueClearance Lights
F8010 Amp Red Universal Garage Door Opener / Compass
F8120 Amp YellowTrailer Tow Right Turn/Stop Lights
F8210 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module/ Cruise
Control
F8415 Amp BlueSwitch Bank/Instrument Cluster
F8510 Amp RedAirbag Module
F8610 Amp RedAirbag Module
F8710 Amp Red Air Suspension-If Equipped / Trailer Tow /
Steering Column Control Module
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 805

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” or “Driver Information Dis-
play (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
828 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Ashtray................................232
Auto Down Power Windows..................47
Automatic Door Locks......................40
Automatic Headlights......................167
Automatic High Beams.....................169
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........418
Automatic Transmission....................461
Adding Fluid..........................788
Fluid and Filter Changes..................789
Fluid Change..........................789
Fluid Level Check.......................786
Fluid Type............................786
Shifting..............................470
Special Additives.......................786
Axle Fluid..............................784
Axle Lubrication..........................784
Back-Up Camera..........................210
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System..................531
Battery.................................764
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........30
Belts, Seat...............................116
Body Builders Guide........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................767
B-Pillar Location..........................603
Brake Assist System.......................583
Brake Control System, Electronic..............581
Brake Fluid.............................782
Brake System............................581
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................581
Fluid Check...........................782
Master Cylinder........................782
Parking..............................578
Warning Light.........................291
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................461
Bulb Replacement.........................808
Bulbs, Light.............................118
10
INDEX 849

Remote...............................37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................37
Door Locks, Automatic......................40
Door Opener, Garage.......................214
Driving
Off-Pavement..........................533
Off-Road.............................533
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................553
Dual Rear Wheels.........................624
E-85 Fuel...............................639
Electrical Power Outlets.....................227
Electric Rear Window Defrost.................245
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.............498
Electronic Brake Control System...............581
Anti-Lock Brake System..................581
Brake Assist System.....................583
Traction Control System...................583
Electronic Range Select (ERS).................468
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........186
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............587
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .302
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Setup Menu...........................302
EVIC Messages.........................302
Selectable Menu Items....................317
Emergency Brake.........................578
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck................734
Hazard Warning Flasher..................685
Jump Starting..........................729
Tow Hooks............................735
Emission Control System Maintenance..........752
Engine.................................749
Air Cleaner...........................759
Block Heater..........................458
852 INDEX