coolant level Ram 1500 2019 Owner's Manual

charged. If the pointer moves to either extreme left or
right and remains there during normal driving, the
electrical system should be serviced.
NOTE: In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, a reduced
voltage may be present during an Autostop.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge •The pointer should always indicate the oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE: In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, an oil pres-
sure indication of zero is normal during an Autostop. 5. Speedometer
•Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
7. Temperature Gauge
•The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.
The pointer positioned within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature 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
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163

3. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
•The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.
The pointer positioned within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature 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.
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 “Servicing And Mainte-
nance.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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,” turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
166 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SCHEDULED SERVICING
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 service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions 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 than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE: Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350
hours of engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off road environment or is operated predomi-
nantly at idle, or only very low engine RPM’s. 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, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 489

•Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows
extended maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (anti-
freeze) can be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you use
the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic
Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS.90032. •
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C)
are anticipated. Please contact an authorized dealer for
assistance.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system, please contact a local autho-
rized dealer.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 515

•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open contain-
ers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Checking Coolant Level — 3.6L 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). Ad-
vise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle
516 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 — 5.7L Engines
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be between the ADD and SAFE range on
the dipstick.
To check the coolant level:
1. Open the coolant reservoir.2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the reservoir
neck.
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 engine
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.
Opening The Coolant Reservoir
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 517

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 normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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 (antifreeze)
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.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• 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 emissions.
518 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Automatic Headlights........................71
Automatic High Beams .......................70
Automatic Tailgate Release ....................108
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............93
Automatic Transmission ..................306, 521
Adding Fluid .......................... .521
Fluid And Filter Change ...................521
Fluid Change .......................... .521
Fluid Level Check .....................520, 521
Fluid Type ......................... .520, 566
Special Additives ........................ .520
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ........311
Axle Fluid ........................... .521, 566
Axle Lubrication .......................... .521
Back-Up ................................ .396
Back-Up Camera .......................... .396
Battery .............................. .181, 497
Charging System Light ....................181
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................23
Belts, Seat ............................... .285
Blind Spot Monitoring ...................... .210
Body Builders Guide ..........................5
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................509
B-Pillar Location .......................... .528Brake Assist System
........................ .200
Brake Control System ....................... .199
Brake Fluid .......................... .519, 566
Brake System ......................... .519, 556
Fluid Check ........................... .519
Master Cylinder ........................ .519
Parking .............................. .300
Warning Light .......................... .180
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................306
Bulb Replacement ......................... .441
Bulbs, Light .......................... .287, 441
Camera ................................ .396
Camera,

Rear ......................... .396, 398
Camper ................................ .147
Capacities, Fuel ........................... .563
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .494, 500
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................516
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................285, 562
Cargo Light ...............................73
Car Washes .............................. .548
Cellular Phone ........................... .646
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............448
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............117
12
INDEX 681

Chart, Tire Sizing.......................... .524
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .195
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............284
Checks, Safety ............................ .284
Child Restraint ........................... .263
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .267
Child Seat Installation ..................277, 278
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt ........276
Infant And Child Restraints .................265
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............273
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......269
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........266
Seating Positions ........................ .268
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .559
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .542
Climate Control ............................80
Automatic ..............................84
Manual ................................80
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .299
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................671
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .540
Contract, Service .......................... .676
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............516Cooling System
........................... .513
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................515
Coolant Level ....................513, 516, 517
Cooling Capacity ........................ .563
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................516
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................514
Inspection ......................... .516, 517
Points To Remember ..................... .518
Pressure Cap ........................... .516
Radiator Cap .......................... .516
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......514, 563, 564
Corrosion Protection ....................... .547
Cr

uise Control (Speed Control) .................343
Cruise Light .......................... .192, 193
Cupholders .............................. .125
Customer Assistance ....................... .674
Cybersecurity ............................ .570
Daytime Running Lights ......................69
Dealer Service ............................ .498
Defroster, Rear Window .......................80
Defroster, Windshield .....................80, 286
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ....................77
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................194
Differential, Limited Slip .....................335
682 INDEX