Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM x 1000).

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 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

189

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the 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 autho-
rized dealership 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).

190

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

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

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 simultane-
ously.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

191

9. SVC (Service) 4WD

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

tioning properly and that service is required.

10. TOW/HAUL

The TOW HAUL button is located on the
center stack switch bank. This light will illumi-
nate when TOW HAUL mode is selected

11. 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.

12. Oil Pressure Gauge — If Equipped
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.

13. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.

192

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

14. Odometer Display / Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display Area

Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven. 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:

noFUSE

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

CHANgE OIL

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

ESCOFF

. . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic Stability Control Off

gASCAP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gas Cap Loose

HOTOIL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil too Hot

LoCOOL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Engine Coolant

LoW tirE

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

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

193

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.

Some of the above warnings will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display
Area located in the instrument cluster. Refer to ”Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped”
for further information.

gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a

loose gascap indicator or the message “gASCAP” 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 gas cap indicator will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) for the premium
cluster (Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle InformationCenter
(EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information).

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

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”.

194

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.

15. Engine Temperature Warning Light

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

and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture 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,

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

195

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.

16. 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 a 4.7L or 5.7L engine, 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) feature is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift

lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

17. 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.

18. 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.

196

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

19. Voltmeter — If Equipped
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.

20. Cargo Light

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

21. 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.

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). In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

197

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.

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.

198

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

199

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

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

24. Air Bag 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, 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.

200

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

25. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

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

26. 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.

27. 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

201

WARNING!

If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.

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.

28. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four 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.

29. 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”.

202

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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,

eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

203

Dodge Chassis Cab (2012 year). Manual - part 12