2016 Ram 1500 ignition

AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to five auxiliary switches located in the
lower switch bank of the instrument panel which can be
used to power various electronic devices and PTO
(Power Take Off) – If Equipped. If Power Take Off is
equipped, it will take the place of the fifth Auxiliary
switch. Connections to the switches are found under the
hood in the connectors attached to the auxiliary Power
Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of the
auxiliary switches via the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID). All
switches can now be configured for setting the switch
type operation to latching or momentary, power source of
either battery or ignition, and ability to hold last state
across key cycles.NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when
switch type is set to latching and power source is set to
ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.com and choosing the appropriate
links.
CUPHOLDERS
Front Seat Cupholders (40–20–40 Seats)
The cupholders are located on the backside of the center
portion of the front seat (20). Fold down the center
section of the front seat to gain access to the cupholders.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 239

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Headlight Switch 7 — 115v Power Inverter Outlet 13 — Gear Selector/Transfer Case Position
Switch — If Equipped
2 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Power Outlet — If Equipped 14 — Ignition Switch
3 — Radio 9 — Lower Switch Bank 15 — Hood Release
4 — Hazard Switch 10 — Instrument Panel Drawer 16 — Parking Brake Release
5 — Upper Glove Compartment 11 — Climate Controls
6 — Lower Glove Compartment 12 — Power Outlet/Cigar Lighter — If
Equipped 290 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Tachometer
•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) messages. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
3. Speedometer
•Indicates vehicle speed.4. Fuel Gauge
•The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
5. Temperature Gauge
•The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
•The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
292 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Tachometer
•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
•When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the
electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay
within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE: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.3. Oil Pressure Gauge
•The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous high
or low reading under normal driving conditions may
indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained from an authorized
dealer.
4. Speedometer
•Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Fuel Gauge
•The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
6. Driver Information Display (DID)
•
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Driver Information Display (DID) messages.
Refer to “Driver Information Display” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295

Red Telltale Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Red Telltale
LightWhat It Means
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a
chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains un-
buckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will
sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Bag Warning Light
Red Telltale
LightWhat It Means
Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has
been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately. Refer
to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, theBrake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 301

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red Telltale
LightWhat It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash de-
pending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn
off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/
RUN 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.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL