engine coolant DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2006 3.G User Guide

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 “DO NOT OPEN HOT” 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 449
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U.S. Metric
Engine Oil (with filter) 3.7L Engine V-6, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 5.0 qts. 4.7L
4.7L Engine V-8, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 6.0 qts. 5.7L
5.7L Engine V-8, SAE 5W-20, API Certified 7.0 qts. 6.6L
Cooling System 3.7L (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) 17 qts. 16L
4.7L (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) 17 qts. 16L
5.7L (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) 18.7 qts. 17.7L
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
3.7/4.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar Engine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com- partment.
Fuel Selection (all except 5.7L) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method, Mid-Grade Preferred (87 Octane acceptable)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485
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•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
 Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule “B” of the Maintenance Schedules section of
this manual.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule B. Second is Schedule
“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule B.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
 Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule “B” of the Maintenance Schedules section of
this manual.
NOTE: If none of these apply to you, then change your
engine oil at every interval shown on schedule Aof the
 Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 491
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at interval
shown or 3 months, whichever comes first. X X XXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4). X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only. XXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or
102,000 miles (170 000 km) whichever comes first. X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Change 6-spd manual transmission fluid 2500/3500
models only. X
SCHEDULE “B” 495
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at interval shown
or 3 months, whichever comes first. XXXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4). X X X X
Rotate tires. X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct stowage. X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models only. X X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not replaced at 60
months. X
Inspect brake linings. X
SCHEDULE “B” 499
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (175 000) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. XX
Replace spark plugs. X
Inspect and replace ignition cables if neces-
sary. X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary. ** X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L). XX
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump and spin-on cooler
return filter (if equipped)*. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120
months if not replaced at 102,000 miles (170
000 km). X
SCHEDULE “B” 501
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Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (60 000) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. X X XXXX
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/
3500, 4X4). X X XXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4)
models only. X X XXXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, if not replaced at 102,000 miles (170
000 km). X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. X
504 SCHEDULE “A”
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