Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Manual — part 14

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.

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 or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.

27. Airbag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while

driving, then have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.

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28. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.

29. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light

This light monitors the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is
not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

30. Transmission Temperature Warning Light

This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high

torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

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221

WARNING!

Continued operation with the Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light illuminated could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components causing a fire that may result in
personal injury.

For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this warn-
ing light will display in the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further
information.

31. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for five to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if

the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat

belt remains unbuckled, the seat belt reminder light will
flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.

32. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the

ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information.

33. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is off.

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.

NOTE:

• The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating, elimi-

nating the need to manually calibrate the compass.

• The EVIC main menu will display Radio Off, AM/FM

and SAT radio stations, and AUX/HDD sources at the
top of the main menu above Fuel Economy.

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)

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223

This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:

• System Status display
• Vehicle information warning message displays
• Customer-Programmable Features (System Setup)
• Compass display
• Outside temperature display
• Trip computer functions
• Fuel Economy display
• Average Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver Mode display
• Audio Modes display

Steering wheel EVIC control button, as
it appears on the left side of the steer-
ing wheel.

Press and release the UP button to scroll up-
ward through the main menus (Fuel Economy,
Vehicle Info, Tire PSI, Cruise, Messages, Units,
System Setup) and sub menus.

Press and release the DOWN button to scroll
downward through the main menus and sub
menus.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Steering wheel EVIC control button, as
it appears on the right side of the
steering wheel.

Press and release the SELECT button for access
to main menus, sub menus or to select a
personal setting in the system setup menu.

Press the BACK button to scroll back to a
previous menu or sub menu.

EVIC Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:

• Left front turn signal lamp out

• Right front turn signal lamp out
• Left rear turn signal lamp out
• Right rear turn signal lamp out
• Service air filter
• Check Tire Pressure
• Perform service
• ESP Off
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Coolant Low
• Check Trailer Brake Wiring
• Service Trailer Brake System
• Trailer Brake Connected
• Trailer Brake Disconnected

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225

• Lights On
• Keyfob Battery Low
• ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
• Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in

motion)

• Wrong Key
• Damaged Key
• Key not programmed
• Key In Ignition
• Turn Signal On
• RKE Battery Low
• LOW WASHER FLUID
• Oil Change Due > Dealer Info

• Park Assist On
• Park Assist Off
• Warning Object Detected
• Left Front Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out
• Right Front Turn Signal Light Out
• Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out
• Service Park Assist System
• Park Assist System Blinded
• Trailer Brake Disconnected — If Equipped
• Personal Settings Not Available — Vehicle Not in Park
• Remote start aborted — Door ajar
• Remote start aborted — Hood ajar

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Remote start aborted — Fuel low
• Remote start disabled — System fault
• Remote start disabled — Turn key
• Remote start active — Key to Run
• Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
• Remote Start Active — Insert Key and Turn to RUN
• Memory 1 Profile Set
• Memory 2 Profile Set
• Memory System Unavailable — Not in Park
• Memory System Unavailable — Seatbelt Buckled
• Memory 1 Profile Recall
• Memory 2 Profile Recall
• Adjustable Pedals Unavailable — Vehicle in Reverse

• Adjustable Pedals Unavailable — Cruise Engaged
• To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift Procedure in

Owners Manual

EVIC Warning Lights

• Door Ajar

This light will turn on to indicate that one or
more door may be ajar.

• Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine

is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

227

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

• Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the

ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

• Electronic Speed Control Light

This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON.

• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light

This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON 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.

If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle, will usually be drivable, however, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine 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.

• Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H, this indicator will illuminate and a

single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
pass H, the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.

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 ve-
hicle. 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 “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.

• SERV 4WD

The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or
comes on during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and

that service is required.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator

Light — If Equipped

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is off.

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229

• Transmission Temperature Light

This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high

torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Indicator illuminated will eventually cause se-
vere transmission damage or transmission failure.

WARNING!

In some circumstances a Transmission Temperature
Indicator, under continued operation, could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.

• Loose Gascap Indicator

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the telltale display area. Tighten

the fuel filler cap properly and press the SELECT button
to turn off the message. If the problem continues, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is started.

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The Oil Change Due message will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty-cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
RETURN button. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform
the following steps.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. (Do not
start the engine)

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps.

Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver Mode / Distance To
Empty (DTE) — If Equipped

Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read “0”
or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the history
information will be erased, and the averaging will con-
tinue from the last fuel average reading before the reset.

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231

Fuel Saver Mode
The FUEL SAVER MODE message will display above the
average fuel economy in the EVIC display. This message
will appear whenever MDS (if equipped) allows the
engine to operate on four cylinders, or if you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner.

This feature allows you to monitor when you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner, and it can be used to modify
driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.

Distance To Empty (DTE)
Distance To Empty (DTE) Shows the estimated distance
that can be traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank.
This estimated distance is determined by a weighted
average of the instantaneous and average fuel economy,
according to the current fuel tank level. DTE cannot be
reset through the RETURN button.

NOTE:

Significant changes in driving style or vehicle

loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.

When the DTE value is less than 10 miles (16 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of

⬙LOW FUEL.⬙ This display will

continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a

Fuel Saver Mode — On

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the

⬙LOW FUEL⬙ text and a new DTE value will display.

Trip Functions
Press and release the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER
button until one of the following Trip Functions displays
in the EVIC:

• Trip A
• Trip B
• Elapsed Time

Press the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button to
cycle through all the Trip Computer functions.

The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion.

• Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip A since the last
reset.

• Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip B since the last
reset.

• Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.

To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press (for approximately two seconds) and
release the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button once
to clear the resettable function being displayed. To reset
all

resettable

functions,

press

and

release

the

ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button a second time
within three seconds of resetting the currently-displayed
function. (Reset ALL will display during this three-
second window).

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233

Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.

• Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.

• Oil Temperature — If Equipped
Displays the actual oil temperature.

• Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.

• Trans Temperature — If Equipped
Displays the actual transmission temperature.

• Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.

• Trailer Brake — If Equipped
Displays trailer brake output power and trailer brake
status indicator.

Tire PSI
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Tire
PSI” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
This will display the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(shows the current pressure of all four road tires). For
additional information, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitor
System” in “Starting And Operating”.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:

• Tires heat up during normal driving conditions. Heat

will cause the tire pressure to increase from 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Refer

to “Tires-General Information/Tire Inflation Pres-
sures” in “Starting And Operating” for additional
information.

• Your system can be set to display pressure units in PSI,

kPa, or BAR.

Units
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Units”
displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button. The
EVIC, odometer, and navigation system (if equipped) can
be changed between English and Metric units of mea-
sure. To make your selection, scroll up or down until the
preferred setting is highlighted, then press and release
the SELECT button until a check-mark appears next to
the setting, showing that setting has been selected.

Tire Pressure Display

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235