Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in Revolutions
Per Minute (RPM).

CAUTION!

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.

2. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.

NOTE:

• A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven

more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.

• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either

indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at a
rapid rate.

3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position.

4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.

5. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/km/h).

6. 4 LOW

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to

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207

rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels.

For further information on four-wheel drive operation
and proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation —
If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating”.

7. 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 to ON/RUN 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.

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.

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.

8. 4WD Indicator

This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels
to receive torque from the engine simulta-
neously.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

9. 4WD Auto Indicator

The 4WD auto indicator will be illuminated
whenever the four-wheel drive mode is auto-
matically engaged.

10. SERV (Service) 4WD

The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift
four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD
light stays on or comes on during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not

functioning properly and that service is required.

11. TOW/HAUL

The TOW HAUL button is located on the
center stack upper switch bank. This light will
illuminate when TOW HAUL mode is selected.

12. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the

engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.

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209

NOTE:

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

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to
ON/RUN.

• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC

system will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds

when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.

13. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped

This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.

14. 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. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.

15. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button/ECO (Fuel Saver
Indicator) Button — If Equipped
Press this button to toggle between the odometer display,
trip odometer display or the “ECO” display. Holding the
button in resets the trip odometer reading when in trip
mode.

If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) the “ECO” message will be displayed in the EVIC
display in the instrument cluster. Refer to ”Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for
further information.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

16. Odometer Display / Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display Area — If Equipped

Odometer Display
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. Federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. If your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced,
the repair technician should leave the odometer reading
the same as it was before the repair or service. If s/he
cannot do so, then the odometer must be set at zero, and
a sticker must be placed in the door jamb stating what the
mileage was before the repair or service. It is a good idea
for you to make a record of the odometer reading before
the repair/service, so that you can be sure that it is
properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker is accurate if
the odometer must be reset at zero.

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the TRIP ODOMETER button.

To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button for
approximately two seconds until the display resets.

Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
messages will display in the odometer:

ECO

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Saver Indicator Off

ECO-ON

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Saver Indicator On

Lo tirE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Tire Pressure

noFUSE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse Fault

CHAngE OIL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Change Required

LoWASH

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Washer Fluid

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211

NOTE:

There is also an engine hour function. This

indicates the total number of hours the engine has been
running. To display the engine hours on the base cluster,
perform the following: Place the ignition in the ON/
RUN, but do not start the engine. With the odometer
value displayed, hold the TRIP button down for a period
of six seconds. The odometer will change to trip value
first, then it will display the engine hour value. The
engine hours will be displayed for a period of 30 seconds
until the ignition is turned OFF or the engine is started.

If equipped, some of the above warnings will be dis-
played in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) in the instrument cluster. Refer to ”Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for
further information.

ECO / ECO-ON (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
The ECO-ON indicator will illuminate when you are
driving in a fuel efficient manner and can be used to

modify driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
The ECO display will toggle between ECO and ECO-ON
depending on driving habits and vehicle usage. Press the
Odometer / Trip Odometer / ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator)
button to change the display from odometer to either of
the two trip odometer settings or the “ECO” display.

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 odometer display area.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the TRIP 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).

Loose

Gascap

Indicator

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Lo tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between Lo and tirE for three cycles.

noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and
fuse locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.

CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The CHAngE OIL message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 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/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN 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/LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.

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213

17. 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 further information.

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.

18. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.

NOTE:

In vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, the highest

available transmission gear is displayed in the lower
right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select (ERS) fea-
ture is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift lever to
activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.

19. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. High Beam Indicator

This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam. Push the multifunction lever forward to

switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.

21. Voltmeter
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the
electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is charged. If the pointer
moves to either extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical system should be
serviced.

NOTE:

The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at

various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is

caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of the
cycling operation is controlled by the engine control
module. Post-heat operation can run for several minutes,
and then the electrical system and voltmeter needle will
stabilize.

22. Cargo Light

The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pressing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.

23. Brake Warning Light

This 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.

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215

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 Program (ESP) sys-
tem. 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 capac-
ity 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 condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.

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.

Vehicles equipped with the 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.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 ap-
proximately 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 posi-
tion.

NOTE:

This light shows only that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

24. 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.

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.

25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
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

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217

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 illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, 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. 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 pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction 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 subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem 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

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.

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 opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

NOTE:

The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a

“Low Tire” message in the odometer (Base Cluster), or in

the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen
indicating “Low Tire” for EVIC enabled clusters.

26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system which
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-

tem. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light
will come on when the ignition is first turned on and
remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If
the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing the light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain
on until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come
on during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly.

If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.

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Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction - part 13