2017 Ram 1500 battery load

•Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electri-
cal accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar de-
vices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long
parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time
(weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged
completely.
• The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on
when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery was used for an extended period with the
engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12V portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game
consoles and similar devices. What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
•
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
– Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)
– Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports
– Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
– Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (ad-
ditional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio sys-
tems, alarms) and review specifications if any (load and
Ignition Off Draw currents).
• Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time
and parking time).
• The vehicle should have service performed if the mes-
sage is still present during consecutive trips and the
evaluation of the vehicle and driving pattern did not
help to identify the cause.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically resume as soon as system operation requirements
are met. See your authorized dealer if system does not
resume.
NOTE: If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal
operation does not resume.
442 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic
load leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running. Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically resume as soon as system operation requirements
are met. See your authorized dealer if system does not
resume.
NOTE: If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
448 STARTING AND OPERATING

Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect
the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and disable the
automatic load leveling system. This mode is intended to
be enabled with engine running. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio
for further information. NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with
a touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically resume as soon as system operation requirements
are met. See your authorized dealer if system does not
resume.
452 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering Fluid Check — 2500/3500 Models
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off
four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load and
cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE: This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the trans-
mission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
492 STARTING AND OPERATING

HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in another
vehicle or by using a portable battery booster pack. Jump-
starting can be dangerous if done improperly, so please
follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and precautions.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It
could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other
booster source with a system voltage greater than 12
Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor, alternator
or electrical system may occur.
Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE: The positive battery post may be covered with a
protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the cap to gain access
to the positive battery post. Do not jump off fuses. Only
jump directly off positive post which has a positive (+)
symbol on or around the post.
618 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•When installing the power distribution center cover,
it is important to ensure the cover is properly posi-
tioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may allow
water to get into the power distribution center and
possibly result in an electrical system failure.
• When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to minimize
the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
• Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
• Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Overhead Console Lamps TS 212–9
Dome Lamp 7679
For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer for
replacement instructions.
688 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Exterior................................98
Fog........................... .142, 256, 691
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................417
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................580
Headlights ............................ .139
High Beam ............................ .147
High Beam/Low Beam Select ................147
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............505
Illuminated Entry .........................21
Interior ..................... .143, 144, 145, 174
Low Fuel ............................. .254
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........249
Park ................................. .262
Passing ............................... .147
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .241
Security Alarm ......................... .244
Service ............................ .688, 690
Side Marker ........................... .696
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........252, 535
Traction Control ........................ .503
Transfer Case .......................... .417
Turn Signal ................98, 146, 263, 690, 692
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .244, 263
Limited-Slip Differential ..................470, 669 Loading Vehicle
........................... .549
Tires................................. .513
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .282
Battery Saver On ........................ .282
Electrical Load Reduction ...................282
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................282
Locks ....................................32
Automatic Door ..........................34
Child Protection ..........................34
Door ..................................32
Power Door .............................33
Low Tire Pressure System .....................535
Lubrication, Body ......................... .656
Lug

Nuts ............................... .581
Maintenance Free Battery .....................648
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .639
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .704
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .249, 637
Manual, Service ........................... .714
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .669
Lubricant Selection ...................... .701
10
INDEX 723