2016 Ram 2500 charging

Charging System Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the light stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s nonessential electrical devices or increase
engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an
authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies.”
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible.
• Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
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 transmis-
sion 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
authorized 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 en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
68 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Charging System Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the light stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s nonessential electrical devices or increase
engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an
authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies.”
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent.
• Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion.
• Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or of
immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 329

WARNING!(Continued)
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known simply by
the name of its active component, UREA—is a key
component of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems,
which help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission regu-
lations. DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to convert
smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless ni-
trogen and water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. You can receive assistance in locating DEF in the United
States by calling 866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636). In
Canada call 1–800–465–2001 (English) or 1–800–387–9983
(French)
Maintenance-Free Batteries
The top of the maintenance-free batteries are perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:
Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging
system.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............140
Adding Fuel .............................114
Air Bag Light .............................25
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .128
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................28
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................139
Capacities ........................... .146
Disposal ............................. .142
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .150
Axle Fluid ............................. .150
Battery .................................30
Charging System Light ....................30
Brake Fluid ............................ .150
Brake System ........................... .144
Fluid Check .......................... .144
Master Cylinder ....................... .144Warning Light
..........................26
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........146
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .146
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .127
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................142
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .144
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........142
Cooling System .......................... .138
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............140
Coolant Capacity ...................... .146
Coolant Level ......................... .138
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................142
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................139
Points To Remember .....................143
Pressure Cap ......................... .142
Radiator Cap ......................... .142
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........139 , 147
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 391

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............356
Adding Fuel ............................ .312
Air Bag Light ........................... .191
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .340
Air Filter .............................. .340
Alarm (Security Alarm) .....................194
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................355
Capacities ........................... .373
Disposal ............................. .358
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... .365
Fluid Level Check ...................... .364
Fluid Type ........................... .377
Shifting ............................. .286
Axle Fluid ............................. .377
Battery ................................ .196
Blanket .......................... .274 , 354Charging System Light
...................196
Emergency Starting ..................... .326
Brake System ........................... .360
Fluid Check .......................... .360
Master Cylinder ....................... .360
Warning Light ........................ .192
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................286
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........373
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .373
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................358
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .360
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........358
Cooling System .......................... .354
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............356
Coolant Capacity ...................... .373
Coolant Level ......................... .354
396 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500