coolant temperature Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
2. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at a
rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating 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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227

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 imme-
diately, and call an authorized dealership 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 dealership 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 Cooling System Pressure Cap para-
graph.
5. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/km/h).
6. 4 LOWThis light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels.
For more information on four-wheel drive operation and
proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in section 5 of this manual.
228 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

System (Customer Information Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “SYS-
TEM” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.
Compass Display
The compass readings indicate the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight com-
pass readings and the outside temperature.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually reset the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will
display CAL until the compass is calibrated. You may
also calibrate the compass by completing one or more
360–degree turns (in an area free from large metal or
metallic objects) until the CAL indicator displayed in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
NOTE: A good calibration requires a level surface and
an environment free from large metallic objects such as
buildings, bridges, underground cables, railroad tracks,
etc.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (OVERDRIVE).
The transmission will automatically shift from third gear
to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 317

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal
operating temperature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 Refill
If 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 old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use 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.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the engine coolant
(antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to 5 Years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before replace-
ment. To prevent reducing this extended maintenance
period, it is important that you use the same engine
coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your vehicle.Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze).
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.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the 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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461

Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules 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 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 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 forengine 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 need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................... 394
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 158
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 450
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 452
Air Conditioning ........................ 293
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 293
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 304
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............452,453
Air Conditioning System .............293,297,452
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 372,377
Airbag .............................. 53,63
Airbag Deployment ....................... 64
Airbag Light ................... 54,61,66,84,240
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 65
Airbag, Side ...................... 56,60,62,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........56,60,63
Alarm Light ........................... 230
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 286
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........459,460,488
Disposal ............................ 462
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 350
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............241,349
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 469
Ashtray ............................... 187
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Headlights .................... 147
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 297
Automatic Transmission ................... 315
Adding Fluid ......................... 468
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 469
522 INDEX