2016 Ram 2500 transmission

Engine Temperature Warning Light
Red WarningLight What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and
the gauge approaches
H,this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after
reaching a set threshold.
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 NEUTRAL 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 Emergencies” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What 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 transmission 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 driv-
able; 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.
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop them ve-
hicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the
light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The battery voltage may show a 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.
• Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
• Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
• Trans Temperature
Displays the actual automatic transmission sump tem-
perature. •
Engine Hours
Displays the total hours of engine operation, and the
hours in drive and at idle.
• Oil Life
Displays the percentage of oil filter life remaining, and
the miles since the last reset.
• Fuel Filter Life
Displays the percentage of fuel filter life remaining, and
the miles since the last reset.
NOTE: Refer to Fuel Filter Life Reset in this section for
further information.
• Exhaust Brake
Displays the actual exhaust brake power.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231

Driver Information Display (DID) — 7” Display
The Driver Information Display (DID) display is located
in the center portion of the cluster and consists of eight
sections:1. Main Screen — The inner ring of the display will
illuminate in grey under normal conditions, yellow for
non critical warnings, red for critical warnings and
white for on demand information.
2. Audio Information and Submenu Information — Whenever there are submenus available, the position
within the submenus is shown here.
3. Selectable Information (Compass, Temp, Range to Empty, Trip A, Trip B, Average MPG, Trailer Trip
(distance only), Trailer Brake Gain).
4. Air Suspension Status – If Equipped
5. Transmission Gear Position Indicator (PRND)
6. Status Menu Icons
7. Telltales/Indicators
8. 4WD Status
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................260
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......261
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....261
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ........261
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................265
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........266
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....267
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............269▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .271
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .272
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................273
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .275
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................277
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .278
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ....................278
▫ Operating Precautions ..................279
5

▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .279
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .280
▫ Block Heater Usage ....................281
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ....................281
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .284
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............286
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .286
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .286
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .298
▫ Shifting ............................ .299▫
Downshifting ....................... .300
▫ Reverse Shifting ..................... .302
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED .....302
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ..................303
▫ Stationary Mode ..................... .304
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ .305
 ENGINE RUNAWAY ....................306
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................307
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................308
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements .............309
 ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL
MODELS ........................... .312
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS . . .315
258 STARTING AND OPERATING