check engine Ram 1500 2014 Owner's Guide

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.
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant bottle
should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” range on the
bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the cap unless checking for coolant
freeze point or replacing engine coolant (antifreeze).
Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolantbottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 715

•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 freez-
ing.
• 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 compo-
nents. •
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• 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 emis-
sions.
716 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the EVICdisplay, and operate the vehicle as required to reach
the normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi- tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK. 6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use
ONLY the recommended fluid (see Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts for fluid specifications).
After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick
tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 723

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake. NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
724 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•2500 – 3500 Models
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or twelve months on
2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty All Models
• Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environ-
ment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 765

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............711
Adding Fuel ............................ .586
Additives, Fuel .......................... .580
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .187
Airbag ..................................68
Airbag Deployment ........................79
Airbag Light .............................76
Airbag Maintenance ........................81
Airbag, Side ..............................72
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................72
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .701
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................702
Air Conditioning ......................... .361
Air Conditioning Controls ...................361
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................702
Air Conditioning System ....................361
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .552
Air Suspension .......................... .459
Alarm Light ............................ .289Alarm, Panic
.............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................22
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................710
Disposal ............................. .713
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................527
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................284
Appearance Care ........................ .725
Ashtray ............................... .231
Auto Down Power Windows ..................47
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ..................... .170
Automatic High Beams .....................173
Automatic Transmission ....................403
Adding Fluid ......................... .723
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................724
Fluid Change ......................... .724
Fluid Level Check ...................... .721
784 INDEX

Fluid Type........................... .721
Shifting ............................. .412
Special Additives ...................... .721
Axle Fluid ............................. .719
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................719
Back-Up Camera ......................... .210
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................472
Battery ................................ .701
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........30
Belts, Seat ...............................54
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................704
B-Pillar Location ......................... .545
Brake Assist System ...................... .528
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............526
Brake Fluid ............................ .717
Brake System ........................... .524
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .524Fluid Check
.......................... .717
Master Cylinder ....................... .717
Parking ............................. .521
Warning Light ........................ .286
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................403
Bulb Replacement ........................ .743
Bulbs, Light ............................ .124
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................752
Camera, Rear ........................... .210
Camper ............................... .264
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .755
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .699
Power Steering ........................ .520
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................712
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................121
Cargo Light ............................ .178
Car Washes ............................ .726
10
INDEX 785

Cellular Phone.......................... .360
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............750
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............239
Certification Label ........................ .588
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .540
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .284
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............120
Checks, Safety .......................... .120
Child Restraint ............................83
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation ....................108
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .102
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ................................ .104
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......92
Cigar Lighter ........................... .231
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .578
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .727Climate Control
......................... .360
Cold Weather Operation ....................393
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............359
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .556
Console, Overhead ....................... .212
Contract, Service ......................... .777
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........712
Cooling System .......................... .709
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............711
Coolant Capacity ...................... .755
Coolant Level ......................... .709
Disposal of Used Coolant .................713
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................710
Inspection ........................... .713
Points to Remember .....................715
Pressure Cap ......................... .712
Radiator Cap ......................... .712
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............710
Corrosion Protection ...................... .725
786 INDEX

Exhaust System.......................... .121
Exterior Lighting ......................... .170
Exterior Lights .......................... .124
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .701
Engine Oil ........................... .700
Engine Oil Disposal .....................700
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .124
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ .646
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .585
Engine Oil ........................... .585
Fuel Requirements ..................... .582
Maintenance .......................... .586
Replacement Parts ...................... .586
Starting ............................. .585
Flooded Engine Starting ....................393 Fluid, Brake
............................ .760
Fluid Capacities ......................... .755
Fluid Leaks ............................ .124
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .717
Power Steering ........................ .520
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........758
Fog Lights ............................. .174
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .246
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................629
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .436
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................675
Front Axle (Differential) .....................719
Fuel .................................. .577
Adding ............................. .586
Additives ............................ .580
Clean Air ............................ .578
Ethanol ............................. .578
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................588
10
INDEX 789

Key-In Reminder..........................19
Keyless Enter-N-Go ........................42
Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Lock The Vehicle’s Doors ..................348
Passive Entry Programming .................42
Keyless Enter-N-Go™™ Keyless Enter-N-Go™™ ...................42
Passive Entry ...........................42
Keyless Entry System .......................24
Key, Replacement ..........................20
Keys ...................................12
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ....................19
Lane Change and Turn Signals ................179
Lane Change Assist ....................... .180
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................54
Latches ............................... .124
Lead Free Gasoline ....................... .577
Leaks, Fluid ............................ .124Life of Tires
............................ .559
Light Bulbs ............................. .124
Lights ................................ .124
Airbag ................................76
Alarm .............................. .289
Anti-Lock ............................ .284
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... .525
Automatic Headlights ....................170
Brake Assist Warning ....................536
Brake Warning ........................ .286
Bulb Replacement ...................... .745
Cap Top Clearance ..................... .752
Cargo .............................. .178
Center Mounted Stop ....................750
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........284
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .176
Daytime Running ...................... .172
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....536
Exterior ............................. .124
792 INDEX