radiator DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2004 3.G Owners Manual

2. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.
3. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
4. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver's side door
opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, add the recommended concentration of
antifreeze and water to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
NOTE:Failure to follow the antifreeze concentration
and replacement recommendations, or failure to use
antifreeze formulated to prevent corrosion of all cooling
system metals, may result in radiator plugging, overheat-
ing, or cooling system leaks such as in core hole plugs.
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.
Recommended Engine Coolant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-HOAT),
may result in engine damage that may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty, and decreased cor-
rosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant is intro-
duced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the specified coolant as soon
as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base anti-
freeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors
or antirust products, as they may not be compatible
with the radiator coolant and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent the loss of coolant and to insure that the coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant bottle. The
pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is
any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
radiator pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
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

Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 42
Programmable Electronic Features.........121,125
Programming Transmitters..............121,125
Radial Ply Tires......................... 247
Radiator Cap........................344,347
Radio........................151,158,168,175
Radio Operation......................151,168
Radio Remote Controls.................... 181
Rear Axle............................. 350
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 355
Reclining Front Seats...................... 93
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 381
Recreational Towing...................... 284
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....285,287
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 286,289
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 257Refrigerant.........................328,339
Relays and Flashers...................... 365
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 43
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 22
Remote Sound System Controls.............. 181
Replacement Tires....................... 249
Reporting Safety Defects................... 409
Restraint, Head.......................... 93
Restraints, Child.......................55,62
Rotation, Tires.......................253,386
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 70
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 70
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 409
Safety Information, Tire................... 234
Safety Tips............................. 68
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 384
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 364
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 43
424 INDEX