2017 Ram 3500 check engine

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is a
regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
68 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned in front of the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air rap-
idly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through another
hose to the intake manifold of the engine. This cooling
process enables more efficient burning of fuel resulting in
fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and radiator
clean and free of debris. Periodically check the hoses
leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or loose
clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced engine
performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immediately
if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 69

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
78 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XX X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace
if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid. If gear oil leak-
age is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your
vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing change the axle fluid. XX X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake function. X X X X X X X
Inspect the transfer case fluid. XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter X X X X X X X
Drain water from fuel filter assembly. X X X X X X X X X X
Replace fuel filter and drain water from the fuel filter
assembly. XX X X X
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
80 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Vehicle Security Alarm System (if equipped). Then, prior to
the end of the 15-minute cycle, place the ignition to the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN
position in order to drive the vehicle.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering wheel,
and driver heated seat features will automatically turn on
in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver vented seat
feature will automatically turn on when the remote start is
activated. These features will stay on through the duration
of remote start or until the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the Instrument Cluster Display. For
more information on Remote Start Comfort System opera-
tion refer to your Owners Manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine does not require
a break-in period due to its construction. Normal operation
is allowed, providing the following recommendations are
followed: •
Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine
lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying
or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or
no load operation will extend the time before the engine is
at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” of the Own-
ers Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
IMPORTANT: The warning / indicator lights switch on in
the instrument panel together with a dedicated message
and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the infor-
mation contained in the Owner ’s Manual, which you are
advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this chapter in the event of a failure indica-
tion.
All active telltales will display first if applicable. The
system check menu may appear different based upon
equipment options and current vehicle status. Some tell-
tales are optional and may not appear.
Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights
Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for approximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer based on colder operating conditions.
Vehicle will not initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed. Refer to “Starting Procedures”
in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if the intake manifold temperature is
warm enough.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107

3. Push and release therightarrow button to access the
“Oil Life” screen.
4. Push and hold the right
arrow button to select the
Oil Life Reset.
5. Push and release the appropriate arrow button to select “YES” to reset the Oil Life.
6. Push and release the up
arrow button to exit the
instrument cluster display screen.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start
the vehicle, the Oil Life indicator system did not reset. If
necessary, repeat this procedure.
Fuel Filter Life Reset
The cluster will display the “Service Fuel Filter” message
when the fuel filter maintenance life is less than 5%. To
check the remaining fuel filter life, go to the “Fuel Filter
Life” screen in the “Vehicle Info” menu. When this message
appears, dealers should replace the fuel filter.
NOTE: Use the steering wheel button controls for the
following procedure(s) Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/
RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Push and release the DOWN
arrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Push and release the RIGHT
arrow button to access
the ”Fuel Filter Life” screen.
4. Push and release the appropriate arrow button to access the “Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the appropriate arrow to select the reset of the Fuel Filter Life.
6. Push and release the UP
arrow button to exit the
Instrument Cluster Display screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Push and release the DOWN
arrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
112 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oilpressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger at
low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
• The engine may not automatically crank after the engine
Wait To Start telltale goes off if a door or the hood is
ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start Light”
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of “Keyless
Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and op-
eration:
• The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed in
the water jacket of the engine just above and behind the
oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE: The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine start-
ing and reduces the amount of white smoke generated
by a warming engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 125