2023 RAM 1500 check engine light

312SAFETY
(Continued)
(Continued)
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only use
a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so
it cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe
operation of your vehicle in other ways.
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the lug nut/bolt torque for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control.
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
 ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat
using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat fasteners on a
regular basis.
 ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before installing
any other floor mat. NEVER install or stack
an additional floor mat on top of an
existing floor mat.
 ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.
NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.
 ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s
side floor area. To check for interference, with the
vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of any pedal,
or is not secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
 ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the
passenger’s side floor area.
 ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into
the driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under acceler -
ator, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss
of vehicle control.
 NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING!
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
 It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING!

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 312

SAFETY313
(Continued)
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel or brake fluid leaks are
suspected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have an authorized dealer inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
 If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle
is stopped in an open area with the engine running
for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation
system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
 Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte -
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every
time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal condi -
tions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all
side windows fully open.
6

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333
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).An authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
an authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under Instrument Cluster
Display
Úpage 98.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.
The 350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only
a concern for fleet customers.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:

Check engine oil level.
 Check windshield washer fluid level.
 Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system
turns on.
 Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and fill as needed.
 Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8

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352SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilometers
of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating
on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter
the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
 Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant needs
to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
 If frequent engine coolant additions are required, the
cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
 Maintain engine coolant concentration at a minimum
of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
 Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed. 
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
 Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically
Úpage 334.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the brake master cylinder should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately
if the Brake System Warning Light is on. If necessary, add
fluid to bring level within the designated marks on the side
of the reservoir of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to
clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. If the brake fluid is abnormally
low, check the system for leaks
Úpage 397.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the
brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid Úpage 397. Using the wrong type of brake fluid can
severely damage your brake system and/or impair its
performance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
 To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in an open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause
it to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 352

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS393
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated against
the wheel.

Four, Five, And Six Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Patterns

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
While operating on gasoline with the required octane
number, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is
not a cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard
making a heavy knocking sound, see a dealer
immediately. Use of gasoline with a lower than
recommended octane number can cause engine failure
and may void or not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before
considering service for the vehicle.
3.6L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than
15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all emissions
regulations and provide optimum fuel economy
and performance when using high quality
unleaded regular gasoline having a posted
octane number of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method.
The use of higher octane premium gasoline is not
required, as it will not provide any benefit over regular
gasoline in these engines.
5.7L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than
15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all emissions
regulations and provide satisfactory fuel
economy and performance when using
high-quality unleaded gasoline having an
octane range of 87 to 89 as specified by the (R+M)/
2 method. The use of 89 octane plus gasoline is
recommended for optimum performance and fuel
economy.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner-burning gasoline referred to as “reformulated
gasoline”. Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates
and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions
and improve air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended.
Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide
improved performance and durability of engine and fuel
system components.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines that
have these additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle performance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
contains a higher level of detergents to further
aide in minimizing engine and fuel system
deposits. When available, the usage of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is recommended. Visit
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should
be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum and
varnish removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket and
diaphragm materials.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result
in personal injury.
9

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403
INDEX
AAccessory Drive Belt Inspection .................................. 346
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control) ................................................... 143
, 145
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............................ 350
Adding Fuel................................................................... 171
Additives, Fuel .............................................................. 393
Adjust Down...........................................................................32
Forward ...................................................................... 32
Rearward ....................................................................32
Up................................................................................ 32
Adjustable Pedals ...........................................................38
Advance Phone Connectivity ....................................... 235
Air Bag Air Bag Operation.................................................... 290
Air Bag Warning Light .................................... 288
, 291
Enhanced Accident Response ...................... 297, 332
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................................... 332 Front Air Bag ........................................................... 291
If Deployment Occurs ............................................. 297
Knee Impact Bolsters ............................................. 294
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .......................... 298
Maintenance ........................................................... 298
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light ......................... 289
Transporting Pets.................................................... 311
Air Bag Light ...............................................108
, 288, 311
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ........... 342
Air Conditioner Maintenance ...................................... 344
Air Conditioner Refrigerant .......................................... 344
Air Conditioner System ................................................ 344 Air Conditioning........................................................ 54
, 56
Air Conditioning Filter ............................................59, 344
Air Conditioning System ................................................. 59
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .................................... 59
Air Filter ............................................................... 342
, 344
Air Pressure Tires.......................................................................... 377
Air Suspension .................................................... 134
, 137
Alarm Panic........................................................................... 17
Security Alarm...................................................23
, 110
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle........................................................................ 11
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............................... 350
, 395
Disposal ...................................................................351
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 262
Anti-Lock Warning Light................................................ 110
Assist, Hill Start ............................................................. 266
Audio Settings ............................................................... 224
Audio Systems (Radio) ................................................. 191
Auto Down Power Windows............................................ 70
Automatic Door Locks .................................................... 27 Automatic Headlights ..................................................... 48Automatic High Beams ................................................... 47
Automatic Tailgate Release ........................................... 75
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) .......................... 59
Automatic Transmission ..................................... 125
, 353
Adding Fluid ............................................................. 353
Fluid And Filter Change ...........................................353
Fluid Change ............................................................353 Fluid Level Check ....................................................353 Fluid Type .......................................................353
, 397
Special Additives ..................................................... 353
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ............... 128
AutoPark ....................................................................... 119
AUX Camera .................................................................. 168
Auxiliary Driving Systems ............................................. 269
Axle Fluid.............................................................. 353
, 397
Axle Locker System ...................................................... 140
Axle Lubrication ............................................................ 353
BBack-Up Camera........................................................... 163
Battery..................................................................108, 340
Charging System Light ............................................ 108
Keyless Key Fob Replacement................................. 17
Battery Saver Feature .................................................... 50
Bed Divider ..................................................................... 84 Bed Extender .................................................................. 84
Bed Step ......................................................................... 78
Bedliner......................................................................... 389
Belts, Seat..................................................................... 311
Blind Spot Monitoring .................................................. 269
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing ................................. 231
Body Builders Guide..........................................................9
Body Mechanism Lubrication ...................................... 347
Bodywork ...................................................................... 388
B-Pillar Location ........................................................... 374
Brake Assist System..................................................... 263
Brake Control System .................................................. 263
11

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404
Brake Fluid .......................................................... 352, 397
Brake System ...................................................... 352, 392
Fluid Check.............................................................. 352
Master Cylinder ....................................................... 352
Parking .................................................................... 122
Warning Light .......................................................... 108
Brake/Transmission Interlock..................................... 125
Bulb Replacement ....................................................... 365
Bulbs, Light.......................................................... 313
, 365
CCamera ......................................................................... 163
Camera, AUX................................................................. 168
Camera, Rear ............................................................... 163
Camera, Surround View ............................................... 165
Camera, Trailer 360..................................................... 168
Capacities, Fuel............................................................ 395
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .............................................................. 337
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................................... 350
Car Washes .................................................................. 388
Carbon Monoxide Warning .......................................... 313
Care And Maintenance ................................................ 388
Cargo Light ...................................................................... 49
CD.................................................................................. 226
Cellular Phone .............................................................. 252
Center High Mounted Stop Light................................. 369
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............................60
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................................................... 371
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ...... 117
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............................... 311
Checks, Safety.............................................................. 311
Child Restraint.............................................................. 298 Child Restraints
Booster Seats .......................................................... 301
Child Seat Installation ................................... 306
, 308
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt .................305 Infant And Child Restraints ..................................... 300
Locating The LATCH Anchorages............................ 304
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children............... 302
Older Children And Child Restraints....................... 300
Seating Positions ..................................................... 301
Clean Air Gasoline ........................................................ 393
Cleaning Wheels .....................................................................383
Climate Control ............................................................... 54 Automatic ................................................................... 54
Manual ....................................................................... 56
Compact Spare Tire ...................................................... 381
Connected Services ................ 236
, 237, 238, 239, 248
Contract, Service .......................................................... 400
Controls ......................................................................... 218
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ..........................350
Cooling System ............................................................. 349 Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ....................................350
Coolant Level ................................................. 349
, 351
Cooling Capacity ...................................................... 395
Disposal Of Used Coolant ....................................... 351 Drain, Flush, And Refill............................................349
Inspection ................................................................ 351
Points To Remember............................................... 352
Pressure Cap ...........................................................350
Radiator Cap ............................................................350Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........ 350
, 395, 396
Corrosion Protection ..................................................... 388
Cruise Control Accel/Decel.............................................................. 144 Cancel ...................................................................... 145
Resume.................................................................... 144
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ........................... 143
, 145
Cruise Light ..........................................................115, 116
Customer Assistance ................................................... 398
Cybersecurity ................................................................ 191
DDaytime Running Lights ................................................. 47 Dealer Service .............................................................. 341
Defroster, Windshield .................................... 54
, 56, 311
Deleting A Phone .......................................................... 231
Diagnostic System, Onboard ....................................... 116
Differential, Limited Slip .............................................. 140
Dimmer Control Switch .................................................. 51
Disable Vehicle Towing ................................................ 330
Disc Drive ...................................................................... 226
Disconnecting ............................................................... 231
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................................... 351
Disturb........................................................................... 234
Door Ajar .............................................................. 108
, 110
Door Ajar Light ..................................................... 108, 110
Door Locks Automatic .................................................................. 27
Doors ............................................................................... 24
Driver Memory Presets ................................................ 224
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................................................... 30
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water .................................................. 189
Driving Tips ................................................................... 189
Dual Rear Wheels......................................................... 392

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405
E
Electric Brake Control System..................................... 263 Anti-Lock Brake System ......................................... 262
Electronic Roll Mitigation .............................. 264
, 268
Electric Parking Brake ................................................. 122
Electric Power Steering................................................ 141
Electrical Power Outlets..................................................66 Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................................... 128
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................................ 264
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light................... 109
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .................. 130
, 132
Emergency Braking ...................................................... 276
Emergency Gas Can Refueling .................................... 326
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................................. 329
Hazard Warning Flasher ......................................... 314
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Emission Control System Maintenance...................... 117
Engine ........................................................................... 337 Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342Block Heater ........................................................... 121
Break-In Recommendations .................................. 122
Compartment ........................................337
, 338, 339
Compartment Identification .................337, 338, 339
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................................................ 396
Exhaust Gas Caution .............................................. 313
Fails To Start ........................................................... 121
Flooded, Starting .................................................... 121
Fuel Requirements ........................................ 393
, 395
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Oil ...........................................................341
, 395, 396
Oil Filler Cap ............................................................ 337 Oil Filter ....................................................................342
Oil Selection ................................................... 341
, 395
Oil Synthetic ............................................................. 342
Overheating ............................................................. 327
Starting.....................................................................118
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............. 297
, 332
Entry System, Illuminated .............................................. 52 Ethanol .......................................................................... 394
Exhaust Gas Cautions ..................................................313
Exhaust System .................................................. 313
, 348
Exterior Lights ........................................................46, 313
FFamily Alerts .................................................................. 248
FAQ ................................................................................ 248
Features ........................................................................ 239
Filters Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342
Air Conditioning ................................................59
, 344
Engine Oil ................................................................. 342
Engine Oil Disposal..................................................342
Flashers Turn Signals ................................................... 115
, 313
Flash-To-Pass .................................................................. 48
Flat Tire Stowage .......................................................... 323
Fluid Capacities ............................................................395
Fluid Leaks ....................................................................313
Fluid Level Checks Brake ........................................................................ 352
Fluid, Brake ...................................................................397
Fog Lights ...............................................................48
, 368
Fold-Flat Seats ................................................................ 30 Forward Collision Warning ........................................... 274
Four Wheel Drive .......................................................... 130
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ............................................. 314
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ............................................... 329
Front Axle (Differential) ................................................ 353
Fuel................................................................................ 393
Adding ...................................................................... 171Additives .................................................................. 393
Clean Air .................................................................. 393
Ethanol..................................................................... 394Gasoline ................................................................... 393
Light ......................................................................... 111
Materials Added ...................................................... 393
Methanol ................................................................. 394
Octane Rating.................................................393
, 396
Requirements .................................................393, 395
Tank Capacity .......................................................... 395
Fuel Saver Technology ................................................. 141
Fuses ............................................................................. 354
GGarage Door Opener (HomeLink) .................................. 42 Gasoline, Clean Air ....................................................... 393
Gasoline, Reformulated ............................................... 393
Getting Started ............................................................. 238
Glass Cleaning .............................................................. 391
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................................................... 34
Gross Axle Weight Rating ............................................. 173
Gross Combination Weight Rating .............................. 173
Gross Trailer Weight ..................................................... 173
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ....................................... 173
Guide Body Builders ...............................................................9
GVWR ............................................................................ 172
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