2017 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab service indicator

3. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel filler door is located.
5. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling Sys-
tem Pressure Cap” paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
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.
NOTE:
• The gauge may take up to five seconds to update after
adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 15

6. Instrument Cluster Display•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
NOTE:
• The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed with a large
amount of full reserve. So the level sensor will indicate a
full reading even before the tank is completely full. To
put it another way, there’s additional storage capacity in
the tank above the Full mark that’s not represented in
the gauge. You may not see any movement in the
reading – even after driving up to 2,000 miles in some
cases. •
The gauge may take up to five seconds to update after
adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
• The DEF gauge may also not immediately update after a
refill if the temperature of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possibly warm up the
DEF fluid and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill level for
several drives.
• Outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In
cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF gauge
needle can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal function of
the system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
(Continued)
18 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 informa-
tion 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 19

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”.
24 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are different messages which are displayed if the
vehicle detects that the DEF system has been filled with a
fluid other than DEF, has experienced component failures,
or when tampering has been detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following
warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer — This message will
display when the fault is initially detected and each time
the vehicle is started. The message will be accompanied
by a single chime and the Malfunction Indicator Light.
We recommend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately. If
not corrected in 50 miles, vehicle will enter the “Engine
Will not restart in XXXmi Service DEF See dealer”
warning stage and message.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has detected the incorrect
fluid has been introduced to the DEF tank. The message
will be accompanied by a single chime. We recommend
you drive to your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced immediately. If not corrected in 30 miles, vehicle will enter the “Engine Will not restart in
XXX mi Service DEF See dealer” warning stage and
message.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXX mi Service DEF See
Dealer — This message is first displayed if the fault
detected is not serviced after 50 miles of operation. It is
also displayed at 150 miles 125 miles and 100 miles.
System service is required within the displayed mileage.
The message will be displayed during vehicle start up
with an updated distance mileage, and it will be accom-
panied by a single chime. Starting at 100 miles, remain-
ing range will be continuously displayed while operat-
ing the vehicle. Chimes will also accompany the 75, 50
and 25 mile remaining distances. We recommend you
drive to your nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced immediately.
• Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will display if DEF system issue
detected is not serviced during the allowed period. Your
engine will not restart unless your vehicle is serviced by
your authorized dealer. This message will be displayed
when under 1 mile until engine will not start and each
time the vehicle is started, and will be continuously
displayed. The message will be accompanied by a single
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 29

chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will be continu-
ously illumined. We highly recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer if the message appears
while engine is running.
• Engine Will Not Start Service DEF System See Dealer
— This message will display when the fault detected is
not serviced after the Engine will not restart Service DEF
System See Dealer message is displayed on the next
subsequent restart. Your engine will not start unless
your vehicle is serviced by your authorized dealer. The
message will be accompanied by a single chime. Your
Malfunction Indicator Light will be continuously illumi-
nated. If the message appears and you can not start the
engine, we recommend you have your vehicle towed to
your nearest authorized dealer immediately.
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

provide good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C), or is required to operate
at colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged periods,
use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel
fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel
filter.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent.
They can be unstable under certain conditions and
hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator drain
provided on the fuel filter housing. If you buy good quality
fuel and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel condi-
tioners should not be required in your vehicle. If available
in your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer
improved cold-starting and warm-up performance.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filter(s) to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fuel Specifications
This diesel engine has been developed to take advantage of
the high energy content and generally lower cost No. 2
Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur
climatized diesel fuels.
NOTE:
• If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gasoline on
your diesel vehicle, do not start the engine. Damage to
the engine and fuel system could occur. Please call your
authorized dealer for service.
• A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 may be used with your diesel engine
without any adjustments to regular service schedules.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 41

in the ON position, there may be a problem with your
water separator wiring or sensor. See your authorized
dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel filter, the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will remain illuminated for
approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained while
the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel Indicator
Light” may remain on for approximately three minutes.
NOTE:Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately discarded,
can present a problem to the environment. Contact an
authorized dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling programs and for where used fluids
and filters can be properly disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle
shutdown, turn the filter drain valve (located on the
bottom of the filter housing) counterclockwise to drain
fuel/water, then turn the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion, and allow any accumulated water to drain. Leave the
drain valve open until all water and contaminants have
been removed. When clean fuel is visible, close the drain
valve by turning it clockwise, and turn the ignition switch
to OFF. If more than two ounces or 60 milliliters of fuel have been
drained, follow the directions for “Priming If The Engine
Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufac-
turer’s filtration and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new
fuel filter. There is a possibility debris could be
introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is
best to install the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift
pump to prime the fuel system.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 61