RAM Truck Warning Lights Explained for Tulsa Area Drivers

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Those lights on your Ram truck dashboard aren’t random — they’re messages about potential problems that could turn into costly repairs or unsafe situations if you ignore them. Around Tulsa and Broken Arrow, knowing what these signals mean might save you from being stuck on I-44 during a wild Oklahoma storm. In this guide, we explain Ram truck warning lights for Tulsa, Oklahoma, area drivers.

Brake Warning Lights

One of the most important Dodge RAM dashboard symbols to heed is the brake warning, which usually looks like an exclamation point in parentheses or the word “BRAKE.” If you see one of these symbols, pull over safely. This light illuminates when your parking brake is engaged, so first, check to make sure it’s off. If you’ve ruled out the parking brake and the warning light is still on, it could mean you have:

• Low brake fluid
• Worn brake pads
• Hydraulic issues
• Brake system failure

These can be serious issues that prevent your truck from stopping safely, so have your truck towed and checked immediately. Don’t gamble with unpredictable braking or an inability to stop when you’re driving around Broken Arrow.

ABS Light

If you see the letters “ABS” in a circle on your dashboard, it indicates an issue specifically with your antilock braking system. The ABS prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, providing better steering control and preventing skidding. This means it’s important to pay attention to the ABS light sooner rather than later, especially if there’s a chance of inclement weather — you definitely don’t want to drive on slick, rainy roads when the ABS isn’t functioning properly.

The ABS light may come on for a few reasons, including:

• Low brake fluid
• Incorrect tire pressure (which affects the wheel speed sensors)
• Damaged wiring
• Malfunctioning ABS control module

Since your regular brakes still work, you can drive with this light on, but

do so carefully, and keep extra distance from other cars. Take your truck to get checked out as soon as possible. This ensures you’ve got full braking protection for Oklahoma’s unpredictable driving conditions.

Battery Warning Light

A lit-up battery symbol warns you about any issues with your truck’s charging system, including the battery. Common causes include:

• Failing alternator: This is what powers the electrical system, so you’ll likely also notice dim lights, slow cranking, or other electrical issues.
• Corroded battery cables or faulty wiring: Damaged, loose, or corroded wires can disrupt the flow of electricity from the alternator to the battery, resulting in power loss.
• Weak batteries: These typically last three to five years, though extreme temperatures can accelerate their aging.

When this light appears, get your truck serviced quickly. Even if you can continue driving, you risk complete electrical failure or further damaging other electrical system components.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is one of the most common Dodge RAM warning symbols owners encounter. Depending on your model, you may see either a symbol with the outline of an engine or text that says “Check Engine.” It could mean anything from simply a loose gas cap (if you tighten it and continue driving, the light should turn off) to serious engine trouble.

If the light is steadily illuminated, it’s not an emergency, but you should have your truck checked out soon. If the check engine light is flashing, stop immediately, or you risk unsafe emissions levels, misfires that can destroy catalytic converters, and more severe engine damage.

Electronic Throttle Control Light

If you see a lightning bolt symbol near a throttle outline, your electronic throttle system has problems. Modern trucks use this instead of cable throttles, so faulty throttle or pedal sensors or any other issue with the system can cause this warning to appear.

You’ll probably also notice that your truck goes into “limp mode,” with limited power, unresponsive gas pedals, or the engine revving by itself. Since the electronic throttle system controls acceleration, your truck could fail without warning. Pull over safely, shut off the engine, and have your RAM towed to a qualified shop.

Temperature Warning Light

An illuminated thermometer icon is another warning you should take very seriously, as it indicates that your engine or transmission is overheating. This is one of the worst problems possible because when cooling systems fail, internal parts can be wrecked in minutes. This light might come on due to:

• Low coolant
• Broken thermostat
• Damaged radiator
• Water pump failure
• Internal engine problem
• Faulty cooling fan

RAM owners who tow or haul heavy loads face higher overheating odds. To help prevent this, check that your coolant is topped off and that the load is within your truck’s tow capacity before you start driving. Experts recommend not exceeding 80% of your vehicle’s towing limit. This not only gives you a cushion in case your cabin is packed full of passengers and cargo, but it also reduces the strain on your engine and transmission.

If your temperature light is on, stop immediately and shut off your engine. Let it cool down completely before checking under the hood, or simply call for professional help. Don’t be tempted to drive even a bit further — the cost of towing your truck and fixing the issue that led to the light will likely be much less expensive than dealing with complete engine failure.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light

Modern RAM trucks are all equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). As its name implies, TPMS monitors your tire pressure and warns you with a dash symbol (an exclamation point inside a tire) when you’ve lost a dangerous amount of air. This is especially helpful for Tulsa-area drivers since wild temperature swings can significantly affect tire pressure. Plus, proper pressure keeps you safe, saves fuel, and extends tire life, while underinflated tires risk blowouts.

If this light comes on, check each of your tires with a gauge, and add air to any that are low (check your door jamb for the proper psi). If one tire is significantly deflated, or your light repeatedly comes on, have your tires checked for punctures or other damage that could be causing leaks. If your tires are fine, it might just mean your TPMS sensors are faulty, in which case a shop can reprogram the system.

Keep Your RAM Truck Running Safely With Expert Service

Taking Dodge RAM warning lights seriously protects your safety and your wallet. To keep your truck in the best shape possible and help prevent unnecessary warning lights from coming on, follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for your specific model. And if a warning light does appear, schedule a service or visit us at Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Fiat. Our technicians understand RAM systems and Tulsa driving conditions, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.

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