coolant temperature DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2004 3.G Owners Manual

12. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light 5.7L
Engines Only
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your 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. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ªHº mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on ªMaintain-
ing Your Vehicle.º
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the ªCheck Gagesº indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.16. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147
4

speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation isencountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
4

Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
²the transmission selector is in Drive;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the ªTOW/HAULº switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdriveand will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5

Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made every 12
months (prior to the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core.For 3.7L, 4.7L, and 5.7L engines, check the coolant bottle
hoses for condition and tightness of the connections at
both the coolant bottle and radiator.
For 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L engines, check the coolant pressure
cap and coolant reserve system for proper vacuum
sealing. With the engine at normal operating tempera-
ture, note the level of the coolant in the coolant bottle.
Without removing the pressure cap (with the engine off),
drain a small amount of coolant from the radiator drain-
cock. If the coolant level in the coolant bottle drops, the
system is sealing properly.
Coolant Level ( 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L Engines)
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method of determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
coolant bottle should be between the fluid level marks.
Check the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no longer a need to remove the coolant pressure cap
except for checking coolant freeze point or replacement
with new antifreeze coolant.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool an overheated engine! The coolant is under
pressure and severe scalding could result.
Drain, Flush And Refill
At intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to
your dealer or consult a service manual for proper
procedures.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50% solution
of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be
used. Higher concentrations (not to exceed 65%) are
required if temperatures below -34 FÉ (-37 CÉ) are antici-
pated. Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/antifreeze solu-
tion. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system. Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7

Climate Control......................... 185
Clock................................ 151
Clutch............................... 349
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 350
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 184
Compact Disc Player..................158,164
Compact Spare Tire...................... 247
Compass.............................. 117
Compass Calibration..................... 117
Compass Variance....................... 118
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 114
Console, Overhead....................... 113
Contract, Service........................ 406
Converter, Catalytic...................... 266
Cooling System......................... 344
Coolant Capacity...................... 379
Coolant Level......................... 344
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 347
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 345Inspection........................... 344
Radiator Cap......................344,347
Selection of Coolant...............346,379,381
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Cruise Control.......................... 109
Cup Holder............................ 128
Customer Assistance..................... 404
Daytime Running Lights................... 102
Dealer Service.......................... 326
Defroster, Rear Window..............78,191,195
Defroster, Windshield..................186,189
Delay Wipers........................... 105
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 228
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 352
Power Steering........................ 339
Disc Brakes............................ 348
416 INDEX

Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 347
Door Ajar............................. 145
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Opener, Garage..................... 120
Drive Belts............................ 333
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 341
Dual Rear Wheels.....................255,309
E-85 Fuel............................. 262
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........78,191,195
Electrical Power Outlets................... 126
Electronic Speed Control................... 109
Emergency Brake........................ 229
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 316
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 294
Jacking............................. 302
Jump Starting......................... 312Tow Hooks.......................... 316
Towing............................. 317
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 384
Emission Related Components.............. 336
Engine............................322,323
Air Cleaner.......................... 334
Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Compartment Identification............322,323
Coolant..........................346,381
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 262
Flooded, Starting...................... 206
Fuel Requirements..................... 379
Oil ...........................329,379,381
Oil Selection.......................331,379
Oil Synthetic......................... 332
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 292
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 346
Exhaust Gas Caution..............69,136,262,343
INDEX 417
10

Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 259
Fuses................................ 365
Garage Door Opener..................... 120
GasCap .............................. 260
Gasoline.............................. 256
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 257
Gauges............................... 147
Coolant Temperature.................... 146
Fuel................................ 150
Oil Pressure.......................... 145
Speedometer......................... 145
Tachometer.......................... 144
Voltmeter............................ 144
Gear Ranges......................208,214,216
Glass Cleaning.......................... 364
GVWR............................... 267Hands-Free Phone........................ 79
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 294
Head Restraints.......................... 93
Headlights..........................101,366
High Beam........................... 104
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 104
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
Passing............................. 104
Switch.............................. 101
Heated Mirrors....................78,191,195
Heated Seats............................ 96
Heater............................... 187
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 104
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 274
Hoisting.............................. 312
Homelink Transmitter.................... 120
Hood Release........................... 97
Hoses................................ 347
INDEX 419
10