Ram 1500 Dashboard Warning Lights

There are two different types of lights on your Ram 1500's dashboard. The first are warning lights. These include the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), battery light, engine temperature, transmission temperature, oil pressure, oil temperature, brake. Meanwhile, indicator lights, including the high beam light, ABS light, TPMS, fog lights, and cruise control, simply illuminate to let you know that the feature is active. These are the two main types of dashboard lights and a few examples of each type. Next, we'd like to get into the specifics of what a few of the most common lights mean.

Possibly a vehicle's most feared warning light is the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). This is also referred to as the check engine light and indicates that there is a malfunction with the engine or emissions system. One of the most common causes for a car's MIL to come on is an evaporative leak. In most cases, this is caused by a loose gas cap but can also be triggered by a bigger issue. Since there are dozens of things that can trigger a MIL, you should have the code read using an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) code reader. This plugs into the car's OBD II port and the engine's computer will report with a code and a brief description of the problem. It's important to note that the cause of this problem is not given by the code reader, and many codes will require further diagnosis by a professional. If the MIL is illuminated on your Ram 1500's dashboard, bring it to the service center here at Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to have it diagnosed.

Clearly, there are many other lights beyond the MIL, so what do you do if one of those comes on? That's a good question. If an indicator light comes on, there is no need to worry, in fact, these let you know that everything is working as it should. Meanwhile, if the brake light comes on and the parking brake is not engaged, it can mean a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid. Meanwhile, if a temperature light comes on, whether the engine, oil, or transmission, it means that these components are above the normal operating temperature and need to cool down. If this comes on, safely pull over and power down the engine to allow it to cool down. This is often something that requires further diagnostics, so if you do experience overheating, bring it to a certified Ram service center, like ours, to have it diagnosed in case there is an underlying cause. Meanwhile, the ABS light comes on when the antilock brake system is active, pumping and releasing the brakes to prevent skidding. However, if this light stays on when the ABS is not engaged, it is generally because of a malfunction in the system. Other lights that should be professionally diagnosed include the battery light and airbag light.

While there are many lights that can come on on your Ram 1500's dashboard, there are even more possible causes. If you'd like to learn more about your Ram 1500's dashboard lights or schedule an appointment for diagnosis, please refer to the contact form below this page to reach our knowledgeable team. We look forward to serving you!