radiator cap Ram 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on
the c-clip.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 311

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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, do not 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.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden
hose vertically down the face of the condenser.
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

Power Steering........................ 345
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 461
Car Washes ............................ 470
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............83,390
Cargo Light ............................ 150
Cellular Phone .......................... 99
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 485
Center Lap Belts ......................... 49
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 194
Certification Label ....................... 396
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 364
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............239,445
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint .......................... 69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,76
Child Seat ............................ 69,74
Cigar Lighter ........................... 187 Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 471
Climate Control ......................... 293
Clock ........................ 261,262,265,274
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 292
Compass .............................. 253
Compass Calibration ..................... 254
Compass Variance ....................... 254
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 252
Conserving Fuel ...................... 251,252
Console, Overhead ....................... 171
Contract, Service ........................ 515
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 461
Cooling System ......................... 458
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 460
Coolant Capacity ...................... 488
Coolant Level ...................... 458,462
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 462
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 459
524 INDEX

Inspection........................... 462
Points to Remember .................... 462
Pressure Cap ......................... 461
Radiator Cap ......................... 461
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......459,488,489
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 160
Cupholders ............................ 189
Customer Assistance ..................... 513
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 67
Daytime Running Lights ................... 151
Dealer Service .......................... 447
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 199
Defroster, Windshield ................84,295,301
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 154
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 339
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 467
Power Steering ........................ 345 Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 462
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 174
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 341
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 251
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 290
E-85 Fuel ............................. 390
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 199
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 183
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 350
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 350
Brake Assist System .................... 351
Electronic Stability Program ............... 356
Traction Control System ................. 351
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............... 320
10
INDEX 525

Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 94
Overdrive .......................... 317,324
Overdrive OFF Switch .................317,324
Overhead Console ....................... 171
Overheating, Engine ...................... 228
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,517
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 163
Parking Brake .......................... 346
Passing Light ........................... 153
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 158
Personal Settings ........................ 255
Pets .................................. 81
Pets, Transporting ........................ 81
Phone, Cellular .......................... 99
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect) ............... 99
Pickup Box ............................ 203 Placard, Tire and Loading Information
......... 367
Power Door Locks ........................... 30
Mirrors .............................. 96
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......183,188
Seats ............................... 136
Sliding Rear Window ................... 200
Steering .......................... 343,345
Sunroof ............................. 180
Windows ............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 490
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 255
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 374
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......459,461
Radio, Satellite (uconnect studios)........... 285
10
INDEX 533