battery DODGE RAM 2001 Service User Guide

(6) Working from under vehicle, install pump
assembly lower attaching bolt. Then tighten upper
and lower bolt to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.).
(7) Position bracket on steering pump inboard
stud. Then install remaining adapter attaching nut
on stud. Tighten nut to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(8) Connect oil feed line to vacuum pump connec-
tor and tighten line fitting.
(9) Connect steering pump pressure and return
lines to pump. Tighten pressure line fitting to 30
N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(10) Connect vacuum hose to vacuum pump.
(11) Connect battery cables, if removed.
(12) Fill power steering pump reservoir and Purge
air from steering pump lines (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 30 Installing Pump Assembly On Engine
1 - PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - PUMP GASKET
3 - DRIVE GEAR
7 - 38 ACCESSORY DRIVEBR/BE
VACUUM PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
On the 8.0L V-10 engine the tank is mounted to
right inner fender (Fig. 4), and is made of high tem-
perature plastic.
OPERATION
The coolant reserve/overflow system works in con-
junction with the radiator pressure cap. It utilizes
thermal expansion and contraction of coolant to keep
coolant free of trapped air. It provides a volume for
expansion and contraction of coolant. It also provides
a convenient and safe method for checking coolant
level and adjusting level at atmospheric pressure.
This is done without removing the radiator pressure
cap. The system also provides some reserve coolant
to the radiator to cover minor leaks and evaporation
or boiling losses.
As the engine cools, a vacuum is formed in the
cooling system of both the radiator and engine. Cool-
ant will then be drawn from the coolant tank and
returned to a proper level in the radiator.
RADIATOR FAN - 3.9L/5.2L/
5.9L/8.0L
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Remove throttle cable at top of fan shroud.
(3) All Except 8.0L V-10 Engine: Unsnap coolant
reserve/overflow tank from fan shroud and lay aside.
The tank is held to shroud with T- shaped slots. Do
not disconnect hose or drain coolant from tank.
(4) The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assem-
bly is attached (threaded) to water pump hub shaft
(Fig. 6). Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly
from water pump by turning mounting nut counter-
clockwise as viewed from front. Threads on viscous
fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.A Snap-On 36 MM Fan
Wrench (number SP346 from Snap-On Cummins Die-
sel Tool Set number 2017DSP), Special Tool 6958
Spanner Wrench and Adapter Pins 8346 should be
used to prevent pulley from rotating (Fig. 5).
(5) Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous fan drive
assembly from vehicle at this time.
Fig. 3 COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANKÐALL
EXCEPT 8.0L V-10 ENGINE
1 - T-SLOTS
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
Fig. 4 Coolant Reserve/Overflow TankÐ8.0L V-10
Engine
1 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
2 - TANK MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
3 - ICM MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
4 - IGNITION CONTROL MODULE (ICM)
7 - 42 ENGINEBR/BE
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(4) Install fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly to
water pump shaft (Fig. 6).
(5) Except 8.0L V-10 Engine: Install coolant
reserve/overflow tank to fan shroud. Snaps into posi-
tion.
(6) Install throttle cable to fan shroud.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
NOTE: Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment: After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the fan shroud mounting bolts. Posi-
tion fan shroud towards engine.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fan pulley bolts. This
pulley is under spring tension.
(3) The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assem-
bly is attached (threaded) to the fan hub shaft (Fig.
7). Remove the fan blade/fan drive assembly from fan
pulley by turning the mounting nut clockwise (as
viewed from front). Threads on the viscous fan drive
areLEFT-HAND.A Snap-On 36 MM Fan Wrench
(number SP346 from Snap-On Cummins Diesel Tool
Set number 2017DSP) can be used. Place a bar or
screwdriver between the fan pulley bolts to prevent
pulley from rotating.
(4) Remove the fan shroud and the fan blade/vis-
cous drive as an assembly from vehicle.
(5) Remove fan blade-to-viscous fan drive mount-
ing bolts.
(6) Inspect the fan for cracks, loose rivets, loose or
bent fan blades.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the wordREVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan
drive unit (four bolts).
(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge fac-
ing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface,
replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and
surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking
motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm
(.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
Fig. 7 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive
1 - THREADED SHAFT
2 - BOLT (4)
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - THREADED NUT
5 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
7 - 44 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR FAN - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/8.0L (Continued)

(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose
rivets or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is
found.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to viscous fan drive.
Tighten mounting bolts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous
fan drive to the vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install viscous fan drive assembly on fan hub
shaft (Fig. 7). Tighten mounting nut to 57 N´m (42 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Install fan shroud bolts into position and
tighten the mounting bolts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE: Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment: After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER -
3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a core hole of the engine
cylinder block (in place of a freeze plug) with the
heating element immersed in engine coolant. The
cord is attached to an engine compartment compo-
nent with tie-straps.
The 3.9L and 5.9L gas powered engine has the
block heater located on the right side of engine next
to the oil filter (Fig. 8).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element..
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove power cord from heater by unplugging
(Fig. 9).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove block heater by carefully prying from
side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil
(up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly
to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline
engines.
(3) Insert block heater into cylinder block.
(4) With heater fully seated, tighten center screw
to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
Fig. 8 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 45
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a core hole of the engine
cylinder block (in place of a freeze plug) with the
heating element immersed in engine coolant. The
cord is attached to an engine compartment compo-
nent with tie-straps.
The 8.0L V-10 engine has the block heater located
on the right side of engine next to the engine oil dip-
stick tube (Fig. 10).
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to agrounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element..
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Remove power cord from heater by unplugging
(Fig. 11).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove block heater by carefully prying from
side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil
(up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly
to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline
engines.
(3) Insert block heater into cylinder block.
(4) With heater fully seated, tighten center screw
to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
Fig. 9 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 10 Engine Block HeaterÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - SCREW
3 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
4 - BLOCK HEATER
5 - HEATING COIL
7 - 46 ENGINEBR/BE
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L (Continued)

(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a core hole of the engine
cylinder block (in place of a freeze plug) with the
heating element immersed in engine coolant. The
cord is attached to an engine compartment compo-
nent with tie-straps.The 5.9L diesel engine has the block heater located
on the right side of the engine below the exhaust
manifold next to the oil cooler (Fig. 12).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element..
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Unscrew the power cord retaining cap and dis-
connect cord from heater element.
(4) Using a suitable size socket, loosen and remove
the block heater element (Fig. 13).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the threads in the cylinder
block.
(2) Coat heater element threads with Mopart
Thread Sealer with Teflon.
(3) Screw block heater into cylinder block and
tighten to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect block heater cord and tighten retain-
ing cap.
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
Fig. 11 Block HeaterÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - SCREW
3 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
4 - BLOCK HEATER
5 - HEATING COIL
Fig. 12 Engine Block HeaterÐ5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 47
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 8.0L (Continued)

ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gas
powered engines is located beneath the thermostat
housing at the front of the intake manifold (Fig. 15).
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse pop-
pet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes. For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
The DTC can also be accessed through the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures information for diagnostic informa-
tion and operation of the DRB scan tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
If thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
replacement is specified thermostat for vehicle model
and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 3.9L,
5.2L and 5.9L engines are installed on a gasket with
an anti-stick coating. This will aid in gasket removal
and clean-up.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Drain cooling system until coolant level is
below thermostat (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Air Conditioned vehicles: Remove support
bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake mani-
fold) located near rear of generator (Fig. 16).
NOTE: On air conditioning equipped vehicles, the
generator must be partially removed.
Fig. 15 ThermostatÐ5.2L and 5.9L Gas Powered
Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVE
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 49

(4) Position thermostat housing to intake manifold.
Note the word FRONT stamped on housing (Fig. 20).
For adequate clearance, thismustbe placed towards
front of vehicle. The housing is slightly angled for-
ward after installation to intake manifold.
(5) Install two housing-to-intake manifold bolts.
Tighten bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install radiator upper hose to thermostat hous-
ing.
CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not,
engine may overheat due to water pump rotating in
wrong direction. Refer to (Fig. 21) for correct 3.9L,
5.2L and 5.9L engine belt routing. The correct belt
with correct length must be used.
(7) Air Conditioned vehicles; Install generator.
Tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install support bracket (generator mounting
bracket-to-intake manifold) (Fig. 16). Tighten bolts to
54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install accessory drive belt (Fig. 17)(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Connect battery negative cable.(12) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
Fig. 19 ThermostatÐ3.9L and 5.9L Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVEFig. 20 Thermostat PositionÐ5.2L and 5.9L Engines
Fig. 21 Belt RoutingÐ5.2L and 5.9L Engines
1 - IDLER PULLEY
2 - GENERATOR PULLEY
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR PULLEY
4 - IF W/OUT A/C
5 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
6 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
7 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
8 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 51
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L (Continued)

ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on all gas powered engines is
located beneath the thermostat housing at the front
of the intake manifold (Fig. 22).
The thermostat is a moveable sleeve type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes. For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
The DTC can also be accessed through the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures information for diagnostic informa-
tion and operation of the DRB scan tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRES-SURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
A rubber lip-type seal with a metal shoulder is
pressed into the intake manifold beneath the thermo-
stat (Fig. 23).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Drain cooling system until coolant level is
below thermostat (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 22 ThermostatÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
7 - 52 ENGINEBR/BE

cial Seal Tool number C-3995-A with handle tool
number C-4171.
(4) Install thermostat into recessed machined
groove on intake manifold (Fig. 25).
(5) Install thermostat housing (Fig. 25).
(6) Install housing-to-intake manifold bolts.
Tighten bolts to 25 N´m (220 in. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: Housing bolts should be tightened
evenly to prevent damage to housing and to pre-
vent leaks.
(7) Connect the wiring to both sensors.
(8) Install the upper radiator hose and hose clamp
to thermostat housing.
(9) Install support rod.
(10) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
(12) Start and warm engine. Check for leaks.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing. An engine
with the thermostat removed will operate in the
radiator bypass mode, causing an overheat condi-
tion.
The thermostat of the 5.9L diesel engine is located
in the front of the cylinder head, underneath the
water outlet connector (Fig. 26).
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
The cooling system used with the diesel engine
provides the extra coolant capacity and extra cooling
protection needed for higher GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) vehicles.This system capacity will not effect warm up or
cold weather operating characteristics if the thermo-
stat is operating properly. This is because coolant
will be held in the engine until it reaches the ther-
mostat ªsetº temperature.
Diesel engines, due to their inherent efficiency are
slower to warm up than gasoline powered engines,
and will operate at lower temperatures when the
vehicle is unloaded. Because of this, lower tempera-
ture gauge readings for diesel versus gasoline
engines may, at times be normal.
Typically, complaints of low engine coolant temper-
ature are observed as low heater output when com-
bined with cool or cold outside temperatures.
To help promote faster engine warm-up, the elec-
tric engine block heater must be used with cool or
cold outside temperatures. This will help keep the
engine coolant warm when the vehicle is parked. Use
the block heater if the outside temperature is below
4ÉC (40ÉF).Do not use the block heater if the
outside temperature is above 4ÉC (40ÉF).
A ªCold Weather Coverº is available from the parts
department through the Mopar Accessories product
line. This accessory cover is designed to block airflow
entering the radiator and engine compartment to
promote faster engine warm-up. It attaches to the
front of the vehicle at the grill opening.The cover is
Fig. 26 ThermostatÐ5.9L DieselÐTypical
1 - WATER OUTLET CONNECTOR
2 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
3 - THERMOSTAT
7 - 54 ENGINEBR/BE
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 8.0L (Continued)