coolant Ram 1500 2013 Owner's Guide

To check the coolant level:
1. Open the coolant reservoir.
2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the reservoirneck. 3. Check the coolant level on the dipstick.
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
652 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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. •
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-
12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 653

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do 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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately
if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
654 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F69 15 Amp
Blue Mod SCR 12V – If
Equipped
F70 30 Amp
Green Fuel Pump Motor
F71 25 Amp
Natural Amplifier
F72 10 Amp
Red Voltage Stabilizer
Modules – IfEquippedCavity Car- tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F74 20 Amp
Yellow (Gas
Engine) /10
Amp Red
(Diesel
Engine) Brake Vacuum
Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped
F75 10 Amp
Red Coolant Tempera-
ture Valve Actuator
F76 10 Amp
Red Antilock Brakes/
Electronic Stability Control
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 675

U.S.Metric
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 14 Quarts
13 Liters
4.7L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 14 Quarts
13 Liters
5.7L Engine – 1500 Models (We recommend you use MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 16 Quarts
15 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use
MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models w/Heavy Duty (We recommend
you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile For-
mula.) 19.2 Quarts
18.2 Liters
690 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology).
Engine Oil We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine For 2500/3500 trucks operating
under a gross combined weight rating greaterthan
14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.) We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR® brand Engine Oil
Filters.
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap
0.043 in [1.1 mm])
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 691

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S696 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Replace spark plugs
(5.7L engine).** XX X X X
Replace the ignition cables
(4.7L Engine). X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s), if using your
vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
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S700 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............649
Adding Fuel ............................ .530
Additives, Fuel .......................... .524
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .179
Airbag ..................................66
Airbag Deployment ........................80
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................82
Airbag, Side ..............................69
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................70
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .640
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................642
Air Conditioning ......................... .315
Air Conditioning Controls ...................315
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................642
Air Conditioning System ....................315
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .494
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .262Alarm, Panic
.............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................648
Disposal ............................. .651
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................470
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .661
Ashtray ............................... .212
Auto Down Power Windows ..................45
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .162
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........325
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .660
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................661
714 INDEX

Fluid Level Check...................... .658
Fluid Type ........................... .658
Shifting ............................. .364
Special Additives ...................... .659
Axle Fluid ............................. .656
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................656
Back-Up Camera ......................... .193
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................419
Battery ................................ .641
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........30
Belts, Seat ...............................51
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................643
B-Pillar Location ......................... .488
Brake Assist System ...................... .471
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............470
Brake Fluid ............................ .654Brake System
........................... .469
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .470
Fluid Check .......................... .654
Master Cylinder ....................... .654
Parking ............................. .467
Warning Light ........................ .259
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................354
Bulb Replacement ........................ .678
Bulbs, Light ............................ .124
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................686
Camera, Rear ........................... .193
Camper ............................... .245
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .689
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .639
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................650
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................121
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INDEX 715