2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB charging

106GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 Úpage 108.
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 Volt 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 capa -
bility 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 Volt 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. 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 exterior).

Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volt AC, USB ports.

Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).

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 consecutive trips
and the evaluation of the vehicle and driving
pattern did not help to identify the cause.

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108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds.
The light should then turn off unless the parking
brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.

The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position. NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
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 and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service Ú
page 346.
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.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 108

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY345
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the
battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake, and
make sure the ignition is OFF.JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
NOTE:
Make sure at all times that unused ends of
jumper cables are not contacting each other or
either vehicle while making connections.
Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Connect the positive
(+) end of the jumper
cable to the positive (+)
post of the
discharged vehicle.

NOTE:
Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off
positive post. 2. Connect the opposite end of the positive
(+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper
cable to the negative (-) post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable to a good engine ground.
A “ground” is an exposed metallic/
unpainted part of the engine, frame or
chassis, such as an accessory bracket or
large bolt. The ground must be away from
the battery and fuel injection system.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can
be injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact.
You could be seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as
this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure
could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause the
battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.7

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346IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
6. Once the engine is started, follow the
disconnecting procedure below.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the
jumper cable from the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the
negative (-) post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the
positive (+) post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the
fuses on the positive battery terminal. The
resulting electrical current will blow the fuse.
CAUTION!

Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices,
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough
without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 346

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
NOTE:
Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle's
charging system.
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water Úpage 345.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard
all parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service work
for which you have the knowledge and the
proper equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
8

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450
INDEX
 Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile
Phone............................................................ 260 WARRANTY INFORMATION...................... 447
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)
.................................... 164, 166Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 384Adding Fuel.................................................... 196Additives, Fuel............................................... 434Adjust Down........................................................... 35Forward....................................................... 35Rearward..................................................... 35Up................................................................ 35Adjustable Pedals............................................ 40Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 266Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 305Air Bag Warning Light................................ 303Enhanced Accident Response......... 310, 352Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 352If Deployment Occurs................................ 309Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 305Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 311Maintenance............................................. 311
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light............. 303Transporting Pets..................................... 330Air Bag Light................................ 107, 303, 331Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)................................................... 369, 391Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 371Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 371, 372Air Conditioner System................................. 371Air Conditioning................................................ 62Air Conditioning Filter....................................... 65Air Conditioning System................................... 64Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 65Air Filter........................................................ 369Air PressureTires......................................................... 415AlarmSecurity Alarm....................................23, 108Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 10Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................... 384Capacities................................................. 439Disposal................................................... 385Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 273Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 113Assist, Hill Start............................................. 280Audio Settings............................................... 253Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 220
Auto Down Power Windows..............................77Automatic Door Locks......................................28Automatic Headlights.......................................52Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............64Automatic Transmission....................... 141, 389Adding Fluid.............................................. 389Fluid And Filter Change............................. 389Fluid Change............................................. 389Fluid Level Check............................. 387, 388Fluid Type........................................ 390, 444Shifting..................................................... 146Special Additives...................................... 387Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 145AutoPark....................................................... 120AUX Camera......................................... 188, 194Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 281Axle Fluid.....................................390, 391, 444Axle Lubrication................................... 390, 391
B
Back-Up......................................................... 186Back-Up Camera........................................... 186Battery................................................. 108, 366Blanket..................................................... 130Charging System Light.............................. 108Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................16Battery Saver Feature......................................54

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459
V
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............... 431Vehicle Loading................................... 199, 411Vehicle Maintenance..................................... 367Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.................... 10Vehicle Storage...................................... 65, 427Ventilated Seats.............................................. 37Voice Command.............................................. 30Voice Recognition System (VR)........................ 30Voltmeter....................................................... 128
W
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster
Descriptions)
................................................. 111Warranty Information.................................... 447WARRANTY INFORMATION .................... 447Washers, Windshield..............................57, 366Washing Vehicle........................................... 428Water
Driving Through........................................ 218Water SeparatorDiesel Fuel................................................ 375Wheel And Wheel Tire Care.......................... 421Wheel And Wheel Tire Trim........................... 421Wheel Covers................................................ 343Wind Buffeting................................................. 78
Window Fogging...............................................65Windows..........................................................76Power...........................................................76Rear Sliding.................................................78Reset Auto-Up..............................................77Windshield Defroster.................................... 331Windshield Washers....................... 56, 57, 366Fluid................................................... 57, 366Windshield Wiper Blades.............................. 380Windshield Wipers....................................56, 57Wipers Blade Replacement........................... 380Wipers, Intermittent.........................................57Wipers, Rain Sensitive.....................................58Wireless Charging Pad.....................................76
11

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