RAM 3500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 11

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

173

Upper Left
• None
• Compass (Default Setting) — If Equipped
• Outside Temp — If Equipped
• Time
• Range To Empty
• Average MPG
• Current MPG
• Trip A Distance
• Trip B Distance
• Trailer Trip — If Equipped
• Trailer Brake — If Equipped
• Oil Pressure — If Equipped
• Coolant Temperature — If Equipped
• Oil Temperature — If Equipped
• Battery Voltage — If Equipped
• Transmission Temperature — If Equipped
• Oil Life — If Equipped

• Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
• Turbo Boost — If Equipped
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Upper Center
• None
• Compass
• Outside Temp
• Time
• Range To Empty
• Average MPG
• Current MPG
• Trip A Distance
• Trip B Distance
• Trailer Trip
• Audio
• Speedometer (Default Setting)
• Menu Title

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174 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Upper Right
• None
• Compass — If Equipped
• Outside Temp (Default Setting) — If Equipped
• Time
• Range To Empty
• Average MPG
• Current MPG
• Trip A Distance
• Trip B Distance
• Trailer Trip — If Equipped
• Trailer Brake — If Equipped
• Oil Pressure — If Equipped
• Coolant Temperature — If Equipped
• Oil Temperature — If Equipped
• Battery Voltage — If Equipped

• Transmission Temperature — If Equipped
• Oil Life — If Equipped
• Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
• Turbo Boost — If Equipped
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Left Side — If Equipped
• None
• Range
• Average MPG
• Menu Icon (Default Setting)
• Coolant Temperature
• Oil Temperature
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Life
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

175

Right Side — If Equipped
• None
• Range (Default Setting)
• Average MPG
• Menu Icon
• Coolant Temperature
• Oil Temperature
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Life
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Lower Left — If Equipped
• None
• Compass
• Outside Temp
• Time
• Range To Empty

• Average MPG
• Current MPG
• Trip A Distance
• Trip B Distance
• Trailer Trip
• Trailer Brake
• Oil Pressure
• Coolant Temperature
• Oil Temperature
• Battery Voltage (Default Setting)
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Life
• Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
• Turbo Boost — If Equipped
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped

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176 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Lower Right — If Equipped
• None
• Compass
• Outside Temp
• Time
• Range To Empty
• Average MPG
• Current MPG
• Trip A Distance
• Trip B Distance
• Trailer Trip
• Trailer Brake
• Oil Pressure (Default Setting)

• Coolant Temperature
• Oil Temperature
• Battery Voltage
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Life
• Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
• Turbo Boost — If Equipped
• Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Restore Defaults
• Cancel (Default Setting)
• Ok

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

177

Commercial Settings — If Equipped

Commercial Settings allows the driver to set and recall addi-

tional features when the transmission is in PARK.
Push and release the up and down button until Commercial

Settings displays in the instrument cluster display.
Follow the prompts to enter the required PIN and enter the

Commercial Settings submenu.
Commercial Settings allows you to access the following

features:
• PTO — If Equipped
• Remote Ignition
• Idle Control
• Backup Alarm
• Commercial ParkSense — If Equipped
• Aux Switches
• PIN Setup
NOTE:

If the vehicle’s PIN is forgotten or not known, see an autho-

rized dealer to have the PIN reset.

Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode Message —
Electrical Load Reduction Actions — If Equipped

This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor

(IBS) to perform additional monitoring of the electrical

system and status of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system failure, or the

vehicle battery conditions are deteriorating, electrical load

reduction actions will take place to extend the driving time

and distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing power

to or turning off non-essential electrical loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is running. It

will display a message if there is a risk of battery depletion to

the point where the vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical

supply, or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message “Battery

Saver On Some Systems May Have Reduced Power” will

appear in the instrument cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery has a low state of

charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that

the charging system cannot sustain.

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178 GETTING 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. Refer to “Battery

Charge Warning Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-

ment Panel” for further information.

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
• 115V 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 capability 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 +12V, 115V AC, USB ports) during certain

driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stop-

ping).

• 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, +12V

portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles

and similar devices.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

179

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 +12V,

115V AC, USB ports.

•Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).

•Check the audio settings (volume).

After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (addi-

tional 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.

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instru-

ment panel together with a dedicated message and/or

acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indic-

ative 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.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for

further information.

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180 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— 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 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 spec-

ified 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.

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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

181

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 tempera-

ture 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 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.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emer-

gency” for further information.

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182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— 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 autho-

rized 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 Electronic Throttle Control (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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

183

— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the

EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power

Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-

tion.

— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has

been disconnected.

— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If

Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis-

sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage

such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle

and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans-

mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.

Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.

— Door Open Warning Light

This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and

not fully closed.
NOTE:

If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single chime.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a

safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be

obtained as soon as possible.

WARNING!

If you continue operating the vehicle when the

Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated

you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact

with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature

Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe

transmission damage or transmission failure.

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184 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Yellow Warning Lights

— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light

— If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the

ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control

(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”

— Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped

This light will illuminate when a fault is detected with the air

suspension system.

— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light

(MIL)

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a

part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that

monitors engine and automatic transmission control

systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition

is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb

does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF

to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor

quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.

The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through

several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle

will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert

serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of

power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle

should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as

possible if this occurs.

WARNING!

A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced

above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal

operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive

slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry

plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death

or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

185

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning

Light — If Equipped

This warning light will indicate when the Electronic Stability

Control system is Active. The “ESC Indicator Light” in the

instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed

in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC

is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the

“ESC Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the

engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC

system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition

cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilome-

ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an autho-

rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem

diagnosed and corrected.

• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Indicator

Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition is

placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.

• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds

when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when

ESC becomes inactive.

• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning

Light — If Equipped

This warning light indicates the Electronic Stability Control

(ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/

RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off

previously.

— Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate when the windshield

washer fluid is low.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light

(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control

system. It also could affect fuel economy and

driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic

converter damage and power loss will soon occur.

Immediate service is required.

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186 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— Low Fuel Warning Light

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.2 gal (12 L) this

light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.
A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.

— Low Coolant Level Warning Light

This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level

is low.

— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning

Light

The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to

indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recom-

mended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In

these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may

not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned

above, the display will show the indications corresponding

to each tire.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked

monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-

mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or

tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a

different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or

tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper

tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped

with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi-

nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your

tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the

low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and

check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the

proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated

tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

CAUTION!

Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as

handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,

avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture

occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire

repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as

possible.

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187

Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread

life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping

ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire

maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain

correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached

the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-

sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc-

tion indicator to indicate when the system is not operating

properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with

the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a

malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one

minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This

sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as

long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-

cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or

signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions

may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation

of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that

prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check

the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more

tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-

ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to

continue to function properly.

— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light

This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System

(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in

the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on

for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then

the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning

and service is required as soon as possible. However, the

conventional brake system will continue to operate

normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.

CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original

equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and

warning have been established for the tire size equipped

on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor

damage may result when using replacement equipment

that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.

Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using

aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become

inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is

recommended that you take your vehicle to your

authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.

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188 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed

in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake

system inspected by an authorized dealer.

— Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If

Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear

axle locker fault has been detected.

— Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light —

If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the

Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized

dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision Warning (FCW)" in "Safety" for

further information.

— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD

system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means

that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that

service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest

service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.

— Speed Control Fault Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Speed

Control System is not functioning properly and service is

required. Contact an authorized dealer.

— Sway Bar Fault Warning Light

This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar

disconnect system.

Yellow Indicator Lights

— Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light — If

Equipped

This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward

Collision Warning is off.

— Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light —

If Equipped

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the

maximum payload may have been exceeded or load leveling

cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection

Mode will automatically be selected in order to “protect” the

air suspension system, air suspension adjustment is limited

due to payload.