2021 RAM 1500 warning

110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — DIESEL

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature. The gauge pointer will likely
show higher temperatures when driving
in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in
heavy stop and go traffic. If the red
Warning Light turns on while driving,
safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and
turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Úpage 114.
Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
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.
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 Ú page 423.
WARNING!
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.1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The gauge 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 door
is located. 7. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli
-
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid to the DEF tank. If you
have a fault related to the DEF system, the
gauge may not update to the new level. See
an authorized dealer for service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 12°F (-11°C). 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — DIESEL

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 Ú page 114.

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 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. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli -
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
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 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 an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 12°F (-11°C). 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.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle will be equipped with an
instrument cluster display, which offers useful
information to the driver. With the ignition in the
OFF mode, opening/closing of a door will
activate the display for viewing, and display the
total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your
instrument cluster display is designed to display
important information about your vehicle’s
systems and features. Using a driver interactive
display located on the instrument panel, your
instrument cluster display can show you how
systems are working and give you warnings
when they are not. The steering wheel mounted
controls allow you to scroll through the main
menus and submenus. You can access the
specific information you want and make
selections and adjustments.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
C
ONTROLS
The instrument cluster display features a driver
interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The instrument cluster display menu items may
consist of the following:
Speedometer
Vehicle Info
Off-Road — If Equipped
Driver Assist (show/hide) — If Equipped
Fuel Economy (show/hide)
Stop/Start — If Equipped
Trip Info (show/hide)
Trailer Tow (show/hide) — If Equipped
Audio (show/hide)
Messages
Screen Set Up
The system allows the driver to select
information by pushing the following instrument
cluster display control buttons located on the
left side of the steering wheel.

Instrument Cluster Display Control Buttons

1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL117
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Feature
The instrument cluster display displays the
current Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system
settings. The information displayed depends on
ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button (located on the steering wheel) until one
of the following displays in the instrument
cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Push the SET + or the SET- button (located on
the steering wheel) and the following will display
in the instrument cluster display:
ACC SET
When ACC is set, the set speed will display in
the instrument cluster Úpage 179.The ACC screen may display once again if any
ACC activity occurs, which may include any of
the following:
Distance Setting Change
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
LaneSense — If Equipped
The instrument cluster display displays the
current LaneSense system settings. The
information displayed depends on LaneSense
system status and the conditions that need to
be met Ú page 137.
Fuel Economy
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Fuel Economy menu item is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and hold the OK button to reset Average
Fuel Economy.
Current Fuel Economy
Average Fuel Economy
Range To Empty
Trip Info
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Trip menu item is highlighted in
the instrument cluster display. Push and
release the right or left arrow button to
enter the submenus of Trip A and Trip B. The
Trip A or Trip B information will display the
following:
Distance
Average Fuel Economy
Elapsed Time
Push and hold OK button to reset all
information.
Stop/Start — If Equipped
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Stop/Start icon/title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
The screen will display the Stop/Start status.
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118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Trailer Tow
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Trailer Tow menu item is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and release the right or left arrow
button to cycle through the following trailer tow
information:
Trip (trailer specific) Distance: Push and hold
the OK button to reset the distance.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM):
Braking Output
Trailer Type
ITBM Gain
Trailer Light Check: Push and hold the OK
button to begin the Trailer Light Test
sequence Ú page 225.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: The Instru-
ment Cluster Display will display the Trailer
Tire Pressure for a connected trailer with
sensors that match the active trailer profile.
When a low tire is present, the low tire value
will be displayed in red, and the affected low
tire will have a red glow. “Trailer Tire Low“ will
be displayed on the center bottom of the
Instrument Cluster Display screen.
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Audio Menu icon/title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
This menu will display the audio source
information, including the Song name, Artist
name, and audio source with an accompanying
graphic.
Phone Call Status
When a call is incoming, a Phone Call Status
pop-up will display on the screen. The pop-up
will remain until the phone is answered or
ignored.
NOTE:
The call status will temporarily replace the
previous media source information displayed
on the screen. When the pop-up is no longer
displayed, the display will return to the last used
screen.
Stored Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Messages Menu item is
highlighted. This feature shows the number of
stored warning messages. Push and release the
right or left arrow button to cycle through
stored messages.
Settings
Head-Up Display (HUD)
NOTE:
The HUD feature Settings are available at any
vehicle speed.
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Settings Menu icon/title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and release the left or right arrow
button until the HUD Menu icon/title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster
display.Push and release the OK button to enter
HUD. Use the up or down arrow button to
select a setting, then push and release the OK
button to adjust the setting.
ON/OFF
Content and Layout
Simple : Speed, Speed Limit
Standard : Speed, Speed Limit, Naviga-
tion
Advanced : Speed, Speed Limit, Naviga-
tion, Driver Assist (ACC/Cruise, Lane -
Sense, Highway Assist/Highway Assist+),
Gear

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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.
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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.
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