2021 RAM 1500 engine

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL121
Lower Right – If Equipped
None
Compass
Outside Temp
Time
Range To Empty
Average Econ
Current Econ
Trip A Distance
Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip
Trailer Brake
Oil Pressure
Coolant Temperature
Oil Temperature
Battery Voltage
Transmission Temperature
Oil LifeFavorite Menus
Speedometer
Vehicle Info
Driver Assist (show/hide) – If Equipped
Fuel Economy (show/hide)
Trip Info (show/hide)
Stop/Start
Trailer Tow (show/hide)
Audio (show/hide)
(Stored) Messages
Screen Setup
Current Gear
Off
On
Odometer
No Decimal Point
Decimal Point Defaults (Restores All Settings To Default
Settings)
Cancel
Restore
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
M
ESSAGES
This engine meets all required diesel engine
emissions standards. To achieve these
emissions standards, your vehicle is equipped
with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM
manages engine combustion to allow the
exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input
or interaction on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn, such as
grass or leaves, and those items that come
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.
3

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122GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your
vehicle or engine. Refer to the following
messages that may be displayed on your
instrument cluster:
Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at
Highway Speeds to Remedy — This message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
the exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of
its maximum storage capacity. Under condi -
tions of exclusive short duration and low
speed driving cycles, your diesel engine and
exhaust after-treatment system may never
reach the conditions required to cleanse the
filter to remove the trapped 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 up to
20 minutes, you can remedy the condition in
the particulate filter system and allow your
diesel engine and exhaust after-treatment
system to cleanse the filter to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal
operating condition.
Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — This message indi-
cates that the DPF is self-cleaning. Maintain
your current driving condition until regenera -
tion is completed.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the 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 messages 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.
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likelihood
of permanent damage to the after-treatment
system. If this condition is not corrected and
a dealer service is not performed, extensive
exhaust after-treatment damage can occur.
To correct this condition it will be necessary
to have your vehicle serviced by an autho -
rized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent the
diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and reduced
engine power. Only an authorized dealer will be
able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL123
DISPLAYS
When the appropriate conditions exist, the
instrument cluster display displays the following
messages:
System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle Not in
Park
System Setup Unavailable – Vehicle in
Motion
Exhaust Filter Full Safely Drive at Highway
Speeds To Remedy
Exhaust Filter XX% Full – Power Reduced See
Dealer
Exhaust Service Required – See Dealer Now
Exhaust System – Filter XX% Full Service
Required See Dealer
Exhaust System – Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi DEF Low
Refill Soon
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi Refill DEF
Engine Will Not Restart Refill DEF
Service DEF System See Dealer
Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer
Engine Will Not Restart in XXX mi Service DEF
See Dealer
Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System
See Dealer
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)
W
ARNING MESSAGES
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning
messages when the DEF level reaches a driving
range of approximately 500 miles (800 km). If
the following warning message sequence is
ignored, your vehicle may not restart unless DEF
is added with in the displayed mileage shown in
the cluster message.
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi DEF Low
Refill Soon — This message will display when
DEF driving range is less than 500 miles, DEF
fluid top off is required within the displayed
mileage. The message will be displayed in the
cluster during vehicle start up with the
current allowed mileage and accompanied by
a single chime. The remaining mileage can
be pulled up anytime in the “Messages” list
within the instrument cluster display.
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will display when DEF driving
range is less than 200 miles. It is also
displayed at 150 miles and 100 miles. DEF
fluid top off is required within the displayed
mileage. The message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display during vehicle
start up with an updated distance mileage,
and it will be accompanied by a single chime.
Starting at 100 miles, remaining range will
be continuously displayed while operating
the vehicle. Chimes will also accompany the
75, 50 and 25 mile remaining distances. The
DEF Low telltale will be on continuously until
DEF fluid is topped off.
Engine Will Not Restart Refill DEF — This
message will display when the DEF driving
range is less than one mile, DEF fluid top off
is required or the engine will not restart. The
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display during vehicle start up, and it
will be accompanied by a single chime. The
DEF Low telltale will be illuminated continu -
ously until DEF fluid tank is filled with a
minimum of two gallons of DEF.
3

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124GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) FAULT
W
ARNING 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 the
nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced immediately. If not corrected
in 50 miles, vehicle will enter the “Engine Will
not restart in XXX mi 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 intro -
duced to the DEF tank. The message will be
accompanied by a single chime. We recom -
mend you drive to your nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced imme
-
diately. 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 accompanied
by a single chime. Starting at 100 miles,
remaining range will be continuously
displayed while operating the vehicle.
Chimes will also accompany the 75, 50 and
25 mile remaining distances. We recom -
mend you drive to the nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced imme -
diately.
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 an
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
chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will
be continuously illumined. We highly recom-
mend you drive to the 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 an autho-
rized dealer. The message will be accompa
-
nied 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 having
your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized
dealer immediately.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL125
BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system
failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
running. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message
“Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have
Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument
cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
has a low state of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain.
NOTE:The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system Ú
page 128.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
equipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
more of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system
because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical
loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and
interior lights, overloaded power outlets
+12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving,
towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights,
upfitter electrical accessories, audio
systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appli
-
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices.
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128GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/
C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service Ú page 389.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC
system. If a problem is detected while
the vehicle is running, the light will
either stay on or flash depending on the nature
of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and
the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on
with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL129
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 174.
Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been
disconnected.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact an authorized dealer for
service Ú page 179.
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is
detected with the air suspension
system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
3

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130GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The MIL is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
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 ESC 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 (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi -
cator 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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