2017 Ram 2500 check engine light

Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle’s OBD II system isready, you must do the follow-
ing:
1. Cycle the ignition to the ON mode, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition to the ON mode, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” symbol
come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return
to being fully illuminated until you cycle the ignition
OFF or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station. •
The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off posi-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is readyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
638 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD region
of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid
level after a transmission service or fluid change. Re-check
the fluid level, and adjust as required, once the transmis-
sion reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50 °F (10 °C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal
for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully
seated position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life
of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
672 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Maintenance Chart
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages
for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only). 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 705

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............663
Adding Fuel ............................. .548
Additives, Fuel ........................... .544
Adjust Down .................................119
Forward ............................119,120
Rearward ...........................119,120
Up ...................................119
Adjustable Pedals ......................... .152
Air Bag Air Bag Operation .........................60
Enhanced Accident Response ..............66, 630
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................630
If A Deployment Occurs ....................65
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................60
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............67
Side Air Bags ............................61
Air Bag Light .......................... .96, 241
Air Bag Maintenance .........................67
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......643
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................649
Air Conditioning .......................... .330
Air Conditioning Controls ....................330
Air Conditioning Filter ...................347, 650
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............346, 348Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............649, 650
Air Conditioning System ...............330, 345, 649
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .519
Air Suspension ........................ .438, 444
Alarm, Panic ...............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................19, 244
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................662, 697
Disposal .............................. .664
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................495
Appearance Care .......................... .672
Ashtray ................................ .189
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .498
Auto Down Power Windows ...................40
Automatic Door Locks ........................
34
Automatic Headlights ...................... .139
Automatic High Beams ..................... .141
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........345
Automatic Transmission ..................388, 672
Adding Fluid ....................... .671, 672
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................672
Fluid Change .......................... .672
Fluid Level Check .................669, 670, 671
Fluid Type ......................... .669, 701
716 INDEX

Shifting........................... .395, 405
Special Additives ........................ .670
Axle Fluid ........................... .668, 701
Axle Lubrication .......................... .668
Back-Up Camera .......................... .171
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................455
Battery .............................. .245, 648
Charging System Light ....................245
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................25
Belts, Seat .................................95
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................656
B-Pillar Location .......................... .513
Brake Assist System ........................ .497
Brake Control System, Electronic ................495
Brake Fluid .......................... .667, 701
Brake System ......................... .494, 667
Fluid Check ........................... .667
Master Cylinder ........................ .667
Parking .............................. .492
Warning Light .......................... .242
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................387
Bulb Replacement ...................... .688, 690Bulbs, Light
........................... .98, 688
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................694
Camera, Rear ............................ .171
Camper ................................ .220
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .697
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .642
Power Steering ......................... .492
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................664
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................95, 545
Cargo Light ............................. .146
Car Washes .............................. .673
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............693
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............195
Certification Label ......................... .549
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .509
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .637
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................94
Checks, Safety .............................94
Child Restraint .............................69
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................73
Child Restraints ..........................69
Child Seat Installation ...................82, 85
10
INDEX 717

Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........66, 630
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ............................. .542, 545
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................95, 545
Exhaust System ........................ .95, 660
Exterior Lighting .......................... .139
Exterior Lights .............................98
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .643
Air Conditioning .....................347, 650
Engine Oil ......................... .642, 698
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .642
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .98, 146, 263
Flat Tire Stowage ...................... .596, 613
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .547
Engine Oil ............................ .546
Fuel Requirements ....................545, 546
Maintenance ........................... .547
Replacement Parts ....................... .547
Starting .............................. .547
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .384
Fluid, Brake ............................. .701Fluid Capacities
........................... .697
Fluid Leaks ...............................98
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .667
Power Steering ......................... .492
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............698
Fog Lights ........................ .142, 256, 691
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .202
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................580
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .414
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .621
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Fuel ................................... .541
Adding .............................. .548
Additives ............................. .544
Clean

Air ............................. .542
Ethanol ........................... .542, 545
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .549
Gasoline .............................. .541
Light ................................ .254
Materials Added ........................ .544
Methanol ............................. .542
Octane Rating ....................... .541, 698
Requirements ....................... .541, 697
Tank Capacity .......................... .697
720 INDEX

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