radiator DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON 2008 3.G Owners Manual

muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can
recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe
crossing is the water depth, current and bottom con-
ditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in,
effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Be
sure to consider this when determining the depth and
the ability to safely cross.
²Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water± Puddles, pools, flooded or other
standing water areas normally contain murky or
muddy waters. These water types normally contain
hidden obstacles and make it difficult to determine an
accurate water depth, approach angle, and bottom
condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where
you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This
makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery.
If you are able to determine you can safely cross, than
proceed using the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effec-
tiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
²Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water± Flowing water can be extremely
dangerous. Never attempt to cross a fast running
stream or river even in shallow water. Fast moving
water can easily push your vehicle downstream
sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow water,
a high current can still wash the dirt out from around
your tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy.
There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle
damage with slower water currents in depths greater
than the vehicle's running ground clearance. You
should never attempt to cross flowing water which is
deeper than the vehicle's running ground clearance.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type
Hanger Ð If Equipped
Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for
rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. SLIGHT
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
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the 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. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant
is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, it should be replaced with the specified cool-
ant 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 Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
234ÉF (237ÉC ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording 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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
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.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Ball Joints............................. 422
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System................ 279
Battery............................... 419
Emergency Starting..................... 399
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 130
Bearings.............................. 439
Belts, Drive............................ 416
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 424
B-Pillar Location........................ 331
Brake Fluid............................ 466
Brake System........................322,432
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 323
Disc Brakes.......................... 432
Hoses.............................. 433
Master Cylinder....................... 432
Parking............................. 321
Warning Light........................ 185Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 453
Bulbs, Light............................ 453
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 461
Calibration, Compass..................... 147
Camper............................... 171
Capacities, Fluid........................ 464
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 414
Power Steering........................ 421
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 429
Car Washes............................ 443
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,361
Cargo Light............................ 132
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 237
Catalytic Converter...................... 417
CD (Compact Disc) Player............192,200,213
Cellular Phone.......................... 93
INDEX 487
10

Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 459
Center Lap Belts......................... 44
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 163
Certification Label....................... 364
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 328
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 184
Child Restraint........................61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............65,69
Child Seat............................62,68
Cigar Lighter........................... 161
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 445
Climate Control......................... 239
Clock.....................190,194,202,215,228
Clutch............................... 433
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 433
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 238
Compact Spare Tire...................... 339Compass.............................. 147
Compass Calibration..................... 147
Compass Variance....................... 148
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 143
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 478
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 429
Cooling System......................... 426
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 428
Coolant Capacity...................... 464
Coolant Level......................426,430
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 429
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 427
Inspection........................... 430
Points to Remember.................... 430
Pressure Cap......................... 429
Radiator Cap......................... 429
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......427,464,465
Temperature Gauge..................... 181
488 INDEX

Radial Ply Tires......................... 338
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......427,429
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio, Navigation....................... 227
Radio Operation...................192,200,213
Radio Remote Controls.................... 235
Radio, Satellite.......................228,231
Radio (Sound Systems)..............192,200,213
Ramp Travel Index....................... 282
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 434
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 439
Rear Window Features.................... 165
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 166
Reclining Front Seats..................... 122
Recorder, Event Data...................... 59
Recreational Towing...................... 384
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 384
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 386Reformulated Gasoline.................... 358
Refrigerant............................ 421
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 45
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 235
Remote Starting System.................... 25
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Tires....................... 342
Reporting Safety Defects................... 479
Resetting Oil Change Indicator.............. 183
Restraint, Head......................... 122
Restraints, Child.......................61,68
Restraints, Occupant...................... 34
Ride Height............................ 85
Rotation, Tires.......................... 346
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 77
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 78
INDEX 497
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