2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB service indicator

6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 273
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 273
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...274
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 281
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................281 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ..........................................284
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 292
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....292
Important Safety Precautions ...................293Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 293Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...302Child Restraints..........................................312
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 330
Transporting Passengers ..........................330
Transporting Pets ......................................330
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................330 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................332 Exhaust Gas ...............................................333Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................333
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .......................334
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................339
4500/5500 Models .................................. 339Preparations For Jacking........................... 339
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 340 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 343 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 343
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 344
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 344Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 345
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................346
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 347
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 348
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................349
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................350 Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 351
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 351Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 352
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 352
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................352
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 353
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 354
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 357
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel.......................................................... 357 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ......................................................... 358 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ....................................................... 359
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 364
6.4L Engine ............................................... 364
6.7L Engine ................................................ 365
Checking Oil Level ..................................... 366
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 366Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 366Pressure Washing...................................... 367
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 367
Engine Oil .................................................. 368
Engine Oil Filter.......................................... 369
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 369
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 371
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 374Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter....... 375Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement.............................................. 376

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12
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 110
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Ú page 110
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 111
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 111
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 111
Low Fuel Warning Light Úpage 111
Low Coolant Level Warning Light Úpage 111Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If
Equipped
Ú page 111
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 111
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 113
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
Úpage 113
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 113
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light Úpage 113
Yellow Warning Lights

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL87
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.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 6. 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 compliance. If
something is wrong with the gauge, a DEF
Warning Message or Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) will be displayed. More informa
-
tion is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of DEF
Warning Messages.

7. 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. NOTE:
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 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
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.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL89
DIESEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

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 90.

Premium Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. 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. More information is available
in the instrument cluster display section
under the heading of Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages.
5. 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. 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 200 miles (321 kilome
-
ters) 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 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
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.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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102GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional 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 instru -
ment cluster display it is necessary to have the
emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter
element. The procedure for clearing and reset -
ting 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 exclu -
sive 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 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 PM and restore the
system to normal operating condition.Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
DPF is self-cleaning. Maintain your current
driving condition until regeneration 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 message indicates regeneration
has been disabled due to a system malfunc -
tion. 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 PANEL103
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.Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated
to protect the engine during start up in cold
ambient temperatures.
Engine Power Reduced During Warm up —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10°F (-12°C) and -10°F (-23°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec
(Seconds) During Warm up — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10°F (-23°C) and
-25°F (-32°C).
Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min
(Minutes) During Warm up — This message
will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is -25°F (-32°C) and below.
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine
warm up protection feature that may limit
engine performance after cold starting at low
ambient temperatures. The length of time
engine speed is limited is dependent upon
engine coolant temperature. Engine speed
may be briefly limited to 1,000 RPM after
starting with coolant temperature below freezing conditions, and may be limited to
1,000 RPM for up to approximately two
minutes under more severe cold conditions.
Coolant Low
— This telltale will turn on to indi -
cate the vehicle coolant level is low. Refer to
“Dealer Service” in “Servicing And Mainte -
nance” for more information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages
There are four 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. The vehicle
may be limited to a maximum speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 200 miles (322 km) of the fault
being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the
following warnings will display:

DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will
display when the low level is reached, during
vehicle start up, and with increased frequency
during vehicle operation. It will be accompa -
nied by a single chime. Approximately
5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is required to

CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL107
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. 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 292.

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 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
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light
will remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 107

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.

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