When you see your Dodge Ram’s instrument cluster for the first time, there’s nothing quite as alarming as a red “check gauges” indicator.
The check gauges light comes on for a variety of reasons over the years, so I’ve seen it in a lot of situations.
Throughout this article, I will discuss some of the most common reasons for this alert and provide you with information on how to resolve them.
The Dodge Ram’s “Check Gauges” means what?
When your Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard illuminates with the “check gauges” alert, it is informing you of a potential problem.
Symptoms of this include readings that are out of range on one or more gauges on your truck.
Your car may have this problem due to a number of reasons, including electrical problems or low or dry fluid levels.
Dodge Ram 1500 Gauges You Need to Know
We’ll look at the important gauges after a brief explanation of the warning message.
On the Ram Pickup, you’ll see the same gauges as on the Dodge Ram 1500:
- Thermometer for measuring the temperature of the coolant
- Gauge for measuring engine oil pressure
- Gauge for measuring battery voltage
- An indication of fuel level
Check Gauges Messages Causes in Dodge Rams
After learning what your Dodge’s “check gauges” mean in addition to what your Ram Pickup’s main gauges are, you are now prepared to proceed.
This warning message has the following most common causes, ordered from most common to least common (Ordered From Most Common to Least Common).
1. Faulty ECM/PCM
ECM/PCM (Electronic Control Modules) malfunctions are most commonly responsible for the “check gauges” warning message.
Your engine’s ECM controls more than just the voltage regulator; it also determines how well your engine performs, how efficient it is, and how clean it is.
Dodge trucks often have problems with this component, so if it fails, it will cause the truck to fail.
Since the voltage regulator is integrated into the ECM, the check gauges alert may be triggered.
2. Bad Battery
In addition to a bad battery, this error message can also be caused by software errors.
When your Dodge Ram 1500’s “check gauges” light comes on, it may be caused by a weak or failing battery.
Sensors and gauges on the truck are powered by the battery.
This can trigger the “check gauges” warning light if it doesn’t supply enough voltage.
It is possible for gauges to display incorrect readings when the battery no longer holds an adequate charge or is overdrained.
Battery replacement for Dodge Rams usually takes between three and five years.
A device that has been in use for more than three years probably needs to be replaced
Messages like this can also be caused by battery-related problems, such as:
- The terminals of batteries are corroded
- Terminals on batteries that are loose
- Problem with battery wiring
3. Low Engine Oil
When oil pressure drops too low, the “check gauges” message may appear. Low engine oil can cause low oil pressure.
Consequently, your engine and other components may suffer damage, as oil will be depleted.
Besides leaks, not topping off the oil, and running the engine low on oil, there can be other factors that contribute to low motor oil on your vehicle.
This light can also be caused by a bad oil pressure sensor, which is prone to failure on Ram trucks.
4. Insufficient coolant
Additionally, too little engine coolant can result in abnormal temperature readings on the coolant gauge if the level is low.
The Dodge Ram’s coolant temperature will reach a high level if the coolant level is low.
The “check gauges” light will illuminate as a result. It may be necessary to top off the coolant if the level is low due to leaks in the cooling system.
5. Faulty Alternator
Several electric components in your truck are powered by the alternator, including charging the battery.
In the event that the alternator malfunctions, the battery won’t be charged correctly.
You’ll get the “check gauges” alert and the battery voltage drops dramatically.
6. Failing Fuel Pump
Lastly, a bad fuel pump is the most common cause of your Dodge Ram’s check gauges warning.
Fuel gauges on trucks are mechanical devices that change their level in response to changing fuel levels.
A malfunctioning fuel pump will cause the check gauges light to illuminate because it will not move when necessary.
The Dodge Ram “Check Gauges” Alert can be fixed and reset by following the steps below
Is there anything you can do? Observe all of the gauges on the dashboard while the engine is running.
Take note of any data that does not appear to be in line with their usual readings. Depending on what the warning is about, you may be able to pinpoint its cause.
Depending on the malfunctioning gauge, here are some things to consider:
Out of range battery gauge:
- Make sure your ECM is up to date
- In case a battery replacement is necessary, check the voltage of the battery
- Make sure the terminals of your battery are clean and free of corrosion.
- A reading of less than 12.5 volts indicates that your alternator needs to be replaced.
Out of range oil gauge:
- Refill the oil if necessary and check the level
- The oil pump needs to be checked to ensure it is functioning properly
- The oil pressure sensor in the engine should be checked
- Be on the lookout for oil leaks and fix them as soon as possible
Out of range cooling gauge:
- Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and add if necessary
- Make sure there are no coolant leaks anywhere. Otherwise, everything should be fine.
Out-of-range fuel gauge:
The fuel pump needs to be checked if your Dodge Ram 1500’s fuel gauge is outside of the normal range.
The battery voltage is probably too low, or you have a bad ECM if all your gauges are fine but you’re still getting the “check gages” warning.
