engine coolant Ram 1500 2015 Owner's Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
11 8 T H I N G S TO K N O W B E F O R E S TA R T I N G Y O U R V E H I C L E

NOTE:
•The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on
momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned
to ON/RUN.
•Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the
ESC system will be ON, even if it was turned off
previously.
•The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC activation.
24. 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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the 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 autho-
rized dealer for service.
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling
System Pressure Cap” paragraph.
25. Stop/Start – If Equipped
Press and release the UP or DOWN arrow
button until the Stop/Start icon is highlighted
in the EVIC. Press and release the RIGHT
arrow button to display the Stop/Start status.
26.Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light —
If Equipped
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
27. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 299

•Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
•Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 315

EVIC Selectable Menu Items
Push and release the UP or DOWN arrow buttons until the
desired Selectable Menu item is highlighted in the EVIC.
Speedometer
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button until
the speedometer menu item is highlighted in the EVIC.
Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to cycle the
display between mph and km/h.
Vehicle Info
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button(s) until
the Vehicle Info menu item is highlighted in the EVIC.
Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to enter the
sub-menus items of Vehicle Info. follow the directional
prompts to access or reset any of the following Vehicle
Info sub-menu items:
•Tire Pressure
•Coolant Temp
•Transmission Temp (Automatic only)
•Oil Temp
•Oil Pressure
•Oil Life
•Battery Voltage
•Gauge Summary
•Engine Hours
Fuel Economy
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button until
the Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted. Push and
Hold theRIGHTarrow button to reset Average Fuel
Economy.
•Current Fuel
•Economy gauge
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 317

•Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
•Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
344 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•If the Tire Pressure system requires service, “Service
Tire Pressure System” is displayed.
•Tire PSI is an information only function and cannot be
reset.
•Refer to the#Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
under#Starting and Operating#for further informa-
tion.
•Air Suspension – If Equipped
•Transmission Temperature – Automatic Transmis-
sion Only
•Oil Temperature
•Oil Life
•Battery Voltage — If Equipped
•Gauge Summary:
•Coolant Temp.
•Transmission Temp. (automatic only)
•Oil Temperature
•Oil Pressure
•Engine Hours
Fuel Economy
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow
button until the Fuel Economy Menu icon/title
is highlighted. Push and hold theRIGHT
arrow button to reset feature.
•Range
•Current MPG or L/100 km
•Average MPG or L/100 km
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 347

To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation control.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
NOTE:Each of these features operates independently
from each other. If any feature is controlled manually,
temperature control will continue to operate automati-
cally.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 419

Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in
fresh air with the blower setting in high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging and Frosting
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the glass in
mild, rainy and/or humid weather. Windows may frost on
the inside of the glass in very cold weather. To clear the
windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front
blower speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without
A/C for long periods, as fogging may occur.
NOTE:Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will au-
tomatically adjust the climate control settings to reduce
or eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, can cause
odor, and if they enter the plenum they could plug the
water drains. In winter months, ensure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush and snow.
420 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
shift lever to the left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-) switch
down (column shift). The transmission will shift to the
range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the
engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature,
•the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached an ad-
equate temperature,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
480 STARTING AND OPERATING