2020 Ram 2500 maintenance

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the gauge indicates the electrical system
voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is
charged. If the pointer moves to either
extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. 7. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
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 service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located. Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
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 service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage 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.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL125
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to addi-
tional maintenance required on your vehicle or
engine. The following messages may display in
your instrument cluster display:
Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval. To
help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the
“Perform Service” message is displayed in
the instrument cluster display it is necessary
to have the emissions maintenance
performed. Emissions maintenance may
include replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element. The proce -
dure for clearing and resetting the "Perform
Service" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at
Highway Speeds to Remedy" will be displayed
in the instrument cluster display if the
exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of its
maximum storage capacity. Under conditions
of exclusive short duration and low speed
driving cycles, your Cummins diesel engine
and exhaust after-treatment system may
never reach the conditions required to
remove the trapped Particulate Matter (PM).
If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy”
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition
By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your Cummins diesel
engine and exhaust after-treatment system
to remove the trapped Particulate Matter
(PM) and restore the system to normal oper -
ating condition.Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-cleaning.
Maintain your current driving condition until
regeneration is completed.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is
completed. If this message is displayed, you
will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of
this condition.
Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This message indicates regeneration has
been disabled due to a system malfunction.
At this point the engine Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) will register a fault code, the
instrument panel will display a MIL light.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything
that can burn.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL135
Service LaneSense Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when
the LaneSense system is not oper-
ating and requires service. Please see
an authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the windshield washer fluid is low.
Refer to “Engine Compartment” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for
further information.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approxi -
mately 3.2 gal (12 L) this light will turn
on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with
Low Fuel Warning.
Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the
vehicle coolant level is low.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when
the fuel filler cap is loose. Properly
close the filler cap to disengage the
light. If the light does not turn off,
please see an authorized dealer.
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.
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
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases,
optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the indi -
cations corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres
-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres -
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and
steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair
immediately using the dedicated tire repair
kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
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136GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi -
mately one minute and then remain continu -
ously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement 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 igni
-
tion 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.
Refer to “Axle Locker System — Power
Wagon Models Only (If Equipped)” in “Starting
And Operating” 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 an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOCK
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information
on four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOW
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Low range provides a greater gear
reduction ratio to provide increased torque at
the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information on four-wheel drive opera -
tion and proper use.
4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive HIGH
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
4WD power transfer case is in the
NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear
driveshafts are disengaged from the
powertrain.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Indicator will illuminate if the vehicle
is low on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position.
Its duration may be longer based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed.
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.
Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate when there is water
detected in the fuel filter. If this light
remains on, DO NOT start the vehicle
before you drain the water from the fuel filter to
prevent engine damage.
Refer to the “Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter” section in “Dealer Service” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for further information.
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142GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 diag-
nosis and service of your vehicle and emissions
system. For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity”
in “Multimedia”.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement
to pass an inspection of your vehicle's emis
-sions control system. Failure to pass could
prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle
was recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined not ready for the
I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
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
is ready, you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
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 acci -
dent involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.

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SAFETY147
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation,
the ESC system may have multiple operating
modes. ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used
for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
when a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed. This mode
may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the “ESC OFF” switch and the “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the “ESC OFF”
switch and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will
turn off.
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, a
momentary button push will toggle the ESC
mode. Multiple momentary button pushes may
be required to return to ESC On.
Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC
features are turned off. To enter the “Full Off”
mode, push and hold the “ESC OFF” switch for
five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with
the engine running. After five seconds, a chime
will sound, the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will illu
-
minate, and the “ESC OFF” message will display
in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC on again,
momentarily push the “ESC OFF” switch.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING! (Continued)WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
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