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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 transmission is 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.
•
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H,a continuous chime will occur until the engine is
allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into PARK and idle the vehicle. If
the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn
the engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to
“If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 263 of 338
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
JUMP STARTING ..................... .262▫With Portable Starting Unit ...............265
6
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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.
262 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of
the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a
good connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
• During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because
the battery could rupture or explode. The battery
temperature must be brought up above freezing
point before attempting to jump start. 3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do
not lean over the battery when making connection.
The negative connection must provide good electrical
conductivity and current carrying capacity.
4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start, cables must be disconnected in the following order:
• Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
• Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post on
booster battery.
• Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
264 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 333 of 338

Radiator Cap......................... .294
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........291 , 309
Diesel Exhaust Brake ...................... .218
Diesel Fuel ............................. .243
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................243
Bulk Storage Of ....................... .252
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ...............286
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................294
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...........280
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................230
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........144
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......159
Emergency, In Case Of Jump Starting ......................... .262
Engine ................................ .269
Air Cleaner .......................... .276Block Heater
...................... .202 , 217
Break-In Recommendations ................141
Compartment ..................... .269 , 270
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................309
Identification ..................... .269 , 270
Idling .............................. .212
Jump Starting ......................... .262
Oil............................. .271 , 309
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .274
Oil Synthetic ......................... .275
Runaway ............................ .242
Exhaust Brake ........................... .218
Exhaust System .......................... .304
Filters Engine Fuel .......................... .280
Engine Oil ....................... .276 , 309
Engine Oil Disposal .....................276
Fluid Capacities ......................... .308
8
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 331
Page 334 of 338

Fluid Level ChecksBrake ............................... .296
Manual Transmission ....................298
Transfer Case ......................... .298
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........309
Fuel .................................. .243
Adding ......................... .248 , 251
Diesel ....................... .243 , 251 , 309
Filter ............................... .280
Requirements ......................... .243
Specifications ......................... .244
Tank Capacity ......................... .308
Fueling ............................... .248
Gauges Voltmeter ............................ .208
Gear Ranges ............................ .223
Idle Up Feature .......................... .212Information Center, Vehicle
..................159
Instrument Cluster ....................... .150
Intervention Regeneration Strategy .............164
Jump Starting ........................... .262
Keyless Enter-N-Go ....................... .197
Maintenance Procedures ....................271
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .314
Manual Transmission ..................... .234
Fluid Level Check ...................... .298
Shift Speeds .......................... .236
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................141
Noise Control Maintenance .......................... .303
Tampering Prohibited ....................304
332 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500