radiator Ram 2500 2011 User Guide

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
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 coolant 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.
536 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 disposalrules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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 for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 537

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.
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 recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
538 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•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 “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 539

REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS – Interior Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lamps............... TS212-2
Dome Lamp...........................7679
NOTE:For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS – Exterior Bulb No.
Backup................................ 921
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL)..... 921
Fog Lamp.............................9145
Dual Headlamp......................... H13
Quad Headlamp – Low Beam............... H11
Quad Headlamp – High Beam..............9005
Side Marker (Dual Headlamp).............3157KSide Marker (Quad Headlamp)............3157NA
Rear License Plate Lamp................... 194
Rear Cargo Lamp........................ 921
Rear Tail/Turn and Stop..................3157K
Cab Roof Marker Lamps.................194NA
Rear Lamp Bar ID Marker Lamp.............. 194
Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels)........ 194
BULB REPLACEMENT
Dual or Quad Headlamp/Front Park and Turn
Signal — If Equipped
1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the four plastic push-in fasteners that secure
the upper radiator seal to the grille support and both
fender ledges.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 559

4. Remove the two plastic push-in rivets that secure the
upper radiator seal to the radiator.
5. Remove the upper radiator seal from the vehicle.
6. Remove the two headlamp assembly attachment
screws.7. Reach into the front wheel house ahead of the front
wheel, remove the fastener, and lift the cover over the
access hole in the front of the wheel house splash shield.
Access to the rear of the lamp can be gained through this
access hole.
8. Reach through the access hole of the wheel house
splash shield and lift the slide lock upward far enough to
disengage it from the lock post on the back of the front
lamp unit housing.
560 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Steering........................ 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 536
Car Washes............................ 547
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,440
Cargo Light............................ 126
Cellular Phone.......................100,285
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 564
Center Lap Belts......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 171
Certification Label....................... 446
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 403
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............219,520
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint........................68,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............73,76
Child Seat............................69,75
Cigar Lighter........................... 163Cleaning
Wheels............................. 548
Climate Control......................... 285
Clock.............................246,256
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 285
Compass.............................. 236
Compass Calibration..................... 237
Compass Variance....................... 237
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 233
Connector
UCI .............................270,276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......270,276
Conserving Fuel......................231,233
Console, Overhead....................... 149
Contract, Service........................ 595
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 536
Cooling System......................... 534
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 535
Coolant Capacity...................... 569
604 INDEX

Coolant Level......................534,537
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 537
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 534
Inspection........................... 537
Points to Remember.................... 538
Pressure Cap......................... 536
Radiator Cap......................... 536
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......535,569,571
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 135
Cupholders............................ 166
Customer Assistance..................... 593
Data Recorder, Event...................... 67
Daytime Running Lights................... 127
Dealer Service.......................... 522
Defroster, Rear Window................... 176
Defroster, Windshield................84,288,294
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 130
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 360Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Power Steering........................ 386
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 508
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 537
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 151
Driving
Off-Pavement......................... 343
Off-Road............................ 343
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 362
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy.... 231
Dual Rear Wheels.....................423,498
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 282
E-85 Fuel............................. 440
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 176
10
INDEX 605

Phone, Cellular......................... 100
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™)............. 100
Pickup Box............................ 180
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 407
Power
Door Locks........................... 30
Mirrors.............................. 96
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......160,164
Seats............................... 101
Sliding Rear Window................... 177
Steering..........................385,386
Sunroof............................. 157
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 572
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 53
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 51
Programmable Electronic Features............ 238Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Radial Ply Tires......................... 414
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......534,536
Radio Operation........................ 285
Ramp Travel Index....................... 343
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 541
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails............... 191
Rear Park Sense System................... 138
Rear Seat, Folding..................... 110,111
Rear Window Features.................... 176
Rear Window, Sliding..................... 177
Reclining Front Seats..................... 108
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 110
Recorder, Event Data...................... 67
Recreational Towing...................... 471
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....474,476
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . 475,479
614 INDEX