radiator DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2006 3.G Owners Manual

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
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Methods For Removing Snow
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator
should be familiar with the area and surface to be
cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when
plowing unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
5

CRACKING DUE TO WEATHERING DOES NOT AD-
VERSELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE. If, however, exces-
sively deep localized cracks are present, or any part of the
exhaust system abnormally contacts the underbody hard-
ware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced.
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
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before 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.
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.
446 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 the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34°F (
37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE: 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 447
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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage. If a non-
HOAT coolant is introduced into the cooling sys-
tem in an emergency, it should be replaced with
the specified coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
448 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 “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
7

Child Restraint Tether Anchors........60,63,97,101
Child Seat ....................... 56,62,94,100
Cigar Lighter ........................... 194
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ..................... 227,230,238,252,265
Clutch ............................... 451
Clutch Linkage Maintenance ................ 452
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 347
Compass .............................. 180
Compass Calibration ..................... 180
Compass Variance ....................... 182
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 176
Console, Overhead ....................... 175
Contract, Service ........................ 512
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 365
Cooling System ......................... 446
Coolant Capacity ...................... 483
Coolant Level ......................... 446 Disposal of Used Coolant
................ 449
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 447
Inspection ........................... 446
Radiator Cap ...................... 446,449
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......448,483,485
Temperature Gauge ..................... 221
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 172
Cup Holder ............................ 195
Customer Assistance ..................... 510
Data Recorder, Event .................... 54,91
Daytime Running Lights ................... 164
Dealer Service .......................... 430
Defroster, Rear Window .............. 119,280,283
Defroster, Windshield .................. 275,278
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 168
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 327
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 454
520 INDEX

Parking Brake.......................... 328
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ...........50,86
Passing Light ........................... 166
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 170
Phone, Cellular ......................... 121
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 121
Pickup Box ............................ 207
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 339
Positive Crankcase Valve .................. 439
Power Distribution Center ..................... 466
Door Locks ........................... 18
Mirrors ............................. 118
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 192
Seats ............................ 149,151
Sliding Rear Window .................... 29
Steering .......................... 333,441
Sunroof ............................. 189
Windows ............................. 28 Power Steering Fluid
..................... 486
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ............42,79
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 40,78
Programmable Electronic Features .........185,188
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................185,188
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 346
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......446,449
Radio Operation ................... 228,236,250
Radio Remote Controls .................... 270
Radio, Satellite ....................... 265,266
Radio (Sound Systems) ..............228,236,250
Rear Axle (Differential) .................... 452
Rear Seat, Folding .................... 153,155
Rear Wheel Bearings ..................... 457
Reclining Front Seats .................. 146,147
Reclining Rear Seats ...................... 153
528 INDEX