2021 RAM 1500 service indicator

13
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Door Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 129
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Ú page 130
Electronic Park Brake Warning Light Úpage 130
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 130
Red Warning Lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 131
Service LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Fuel Warning Light Úpage 131
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
Ú page 131
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 132
Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Yellow Warning Lights
1

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14
Service Stop/Start System Warning Light Úpage 133
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 133
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light Úpage 133
Yellow Indicator Lights
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light —
If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 133
Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light Úpage 133
Yellow Warning Lights
Cargo Light On Indicator Light
Úpage 133
Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Normal Height Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 134
Air Suspension Aerodynamic Height Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 134
Entry/Exit Indicator Light — If Equipped Úpage 134
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 134
Yellow Indicator Lights

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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.
3

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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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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

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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126GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On”
or “Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if
possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exte-
rior).
Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB
ports.
Check HVAC settings (blower, tempera -
ture).
Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and
review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecu -tive trips and the evaluation of the vehicle
and driving pattern did not help to identify the
cause.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate 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 information 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 indication.
All active telltales will display first if applicable.
The system check menu may appear different
based upon equipment options and current
vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and
may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the
driver or passenger seat belt is
unbuckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will
turn on. When driving, if the driver or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound
Ú
page 334.
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and
will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position. This light will illuminate with a single
chime when a fault with the air bag has been
detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared.
If the light is either not on during startup, stays
on, or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application. If
the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

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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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