coolant temperature DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION1. Check Gauges – Premium Cluster OnlyThis light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions
contained below for each indicated problem.
NOTE: When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
2. Voltmeter When the engine is running, the gauge indicates
the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If
the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys-
tem should be serviced. NOTE:
•
If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of the
gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
•
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at vari-
ous engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of
the cycling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system and volt-
meter needle will stabilize.
3. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about 1 mile (1.6 km) with the turn signals on, a
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

9. Oil Pressure Gauge — Premium Cluster OnlyThe pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE: If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
This display indicator shows the transfer case position
selection.
For additional information refer to “4-Wheel Drive Op-
eration” in section 5 of this manual. 11. TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of
the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate
when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is
pushed once.
12. OD/OFF
The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice.
13. Temperature Gauge The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see Section 7
of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cool-
ing System Pressure Cap paragraph.
14. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

Summer OperationAir conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. For proper coolant type,
refer to “Recommended Fluids and Genuine Parts” in
Section 7.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.NOTE:
On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter OperationWhen operating the system during the Winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
4

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling SystemTo reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
NOTE: Engine power may be temporarily reduced in
order to maintain oil and coolant temperatures under
extreme trailer tow operating conditions.
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOWSnowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory-
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE: Before installation of a snowplow, it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Dodge Body Builder’s Guide. See your authorized dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacturer for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety, and to prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and RefillIf the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.Selection Of CoolantUse only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):•
The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•
Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34°F
(-37°C) are anticipated.
•
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.
Cooling System Pressure CapThe cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•
Do 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 CoolantUsed ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 LevelThe coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

Towing............................. 422
Emission Control System Maintenance ......429,482
Engine ............................... 427
Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Block Heater ......................... 254
Break-In Recommendations ................ 73
Compartment Identification ............... 427
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 479
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,379
Flooded, Starting ...................... 252
Fuel Requirements ..................... 478
Oil ........................... 431,478,479
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 432
Oil Selection ....................... 432,478
Oil Synthetic ......................... 433
Temperature Gauge .................... 190
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 403
Event Data Recorder ...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............74,179,379,439Exhaust System
....................... 74,438
Exterior Lighting ........................ 134
Exterior Lights .......................... 76
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Engine Oil ........................ 433,479
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 433
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 76,136,188
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 408,418
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 252
Fluid, Brake ........................... 480
Fluid Capacities ......................... 478
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 450
Brake .............................. 447
Power Steering ........................ 328514 INDEX

Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 479
Fog Lights ....................... 135,193,468
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 260
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 406
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 421
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 448
Fuel ................................. 375
Adding ............................. 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 381
Gauge .............................. 200
Octane Rating ...................... 375,479
Requirements ...................... 375,478
Tank Capacity ........................ 478
Fuses ................................ 458
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 153
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............381,428
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 375 Gasoline, Reformulated
................... 375
Gauges ............................... 188
Coolant Temperature ................... 190
Fuel ............................... 200
Oil Pressure .......................... 190
Speedometer ......................... 189
Tachometer .......................... 189
Voltmeter ............................ 188
Gear Ranges ........................... 255
General Information ................. 18,114,374
Glass Cleaning .......................... 456
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 172
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 384
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 384
Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 381
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 86
INDEX 515
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