2020 Ram 1500 warning

184 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Electronic Park Brake Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Electronic
Park Brake is not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer. — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the Electronic Stability
Control system is Active. The “ESC Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC
is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilome -
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Indicator Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when
ESC becomes inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control
system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off
previously.
— LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense system provides the driver with visual and
steering torque warnings when the vehicle starts to drift out
of its lane unintentionally without the use of a turn signal.
• When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift situation, the LaneSense indicator changes from solid green to solid
yellow.
• When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been approached and is in a lane departure situation, the Lane -
Sense indicator changes from solid white/green to
flashing yellow.
• Refer to “LaneSense – If Equipped” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information. — Service LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the LaneSense
system is not operating and requires service. Please see an
authorized dealer.
— Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
— Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 1.5 gal (5.5 L) this
light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning
Light
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to
indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recom -
mended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In
these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on
for as long as four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning
and service is required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
— Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear
axle locker fault has been detected.
— Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Refer to “Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With Mitiga -
tion” in “Safety” for further information.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to your
authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
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188 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Service Stop/Start System Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the Stop/Start
system is not functioning properly and service is required.
Contact an authorized dealer for service.
— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD
system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means
that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.

— Speed Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Speed
Control System is not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward
Collision Warning is off. — Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded or load leveling
cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection
Mode will automatically be selected to “protect” the air
suspension system, air suspension adjustment is limited due
to payload.
— Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate when Trailer
Merge Assist has been activated.
Refer to “Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)” in “Safety” for
further information.
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode
is selected.
— Cargo Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the cargo light is
activated by pushing the cargo light button on the headlight
switch.
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192 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Refer to “Starting The Engine” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if the intake
manifold temperature is warm enough.
Green Indicator Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With Target
Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a target vehicle is
detected.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No Target
Detected Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is
SET and there is no target vehicle detected.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information. — ECO Mode Indicator Light
This light will turn on when ECO Mode is active.
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the park lights or
headlights are turned on.
— LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid green when
both lane markings have been detected and the system is
“armed” and ready to provide visual and torque warnings if
an unintentional lane departure occurs.
Refer to “LaneSense — If Equipped” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.
— Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog lights
are on.
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194 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is
ready, but not set. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light — If Equipped
With 3.5 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the speed control is set.
Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in
the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then
20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off. — LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
When the LaneSense system is ON, but not armed, the Lane -
Sense indicator light illuminates solid white. This occurs
when only left, right, or neither lane line has been detected.
If a single lane line is detected, the system is ready to provide
only visual warnings if an unintentional lane departure
occurs on the detected lane line.
Refer to “LaneSense — If Equipped” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push
the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the
vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, “flash to pass” scenario.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access
this information to assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system.

For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in “Multi-
media”.

CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also
affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can be
performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to
read the VIN, diagnose, or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information stored in your vehicle systems, including personal infor -
mation.
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198
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically prevents wheel lock,
and enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the ABS
is working properly each time the vehicle is started and
driven. During this self-check, you may hear a slight clicking
sound as well as some related motor noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the system detects one
or more wheels begin to lock. Road conditions such as ice,
snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops may increase the likelihood of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following when ABS activates:
• The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a shorttime after the stop)
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves • Brake pedal pulsations
• A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
• The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio transmitting
equipment. This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such equip -
ment should be performed by qualified professionals.
• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
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