coolant Ram 2500 2014 Owner's Guide

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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 Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules 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.
Checking Coolant Level — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be between the MIN and MAX range on
the dipstick.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 701

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.
Opening The Coolant Reservoir
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
702 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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 coolant
bottle 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.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 703

•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.
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
(Continued)
704 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F74 20 Amp Yellow
(Gas Engine &
1500 LD Diesel) / 10 Amp Red
(Cummins Diesel Engine) Brake Vacuum Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped
F75 10 Amp RedCoolant Temperature Valve Actuator
F76 10 Amp RedAntilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
F77 10 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module/Front Axle Disconnect
Module
F78 10 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Electric Power Steering
F79 15 Amp Blue Clearance Lights
F80 10 Amp RedUniversal Garage Door Opener / Compass
F81 20 Amp YellowTrailer Tow Right Turn/Stop Lights
F82 10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module/ Cruise Control
F84 15 Amp BlueSwitch Bank/Instrument Cluster
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 727

U.S. Metric
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000
Mile Formula that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.)14 Quarts 13 Liters
5.7L Engine – 1500 Models (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-12106.)16 Quarts 15 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of Chrysler
Material Standard MS-12106.)
18.7 Quarts17.7 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models w/Heavy Duty (We recommend you use
MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the re-
quirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.) 19.2 Quarts 18.2 Liters
6.4 Liter Engine – MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile For-
mula that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106. 18.7 Quarts 17.7 Liters
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 743

U.S. Metric
6.4 Liter Engine – 2500/3500 Models w/Heavy Duty ( We recommend yo use
MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.19.2 Quarts 18.2 Liters
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 – 5.7 We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Penn-
zoil®, and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
744 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 dam-
age. 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
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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 (6.4L en-
gine).** 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) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............699
Adding Fuel ............................ .577
Additives, Fuel .......................... .571
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .180
Airbag ..................................67
Airbag Deployment ........................78
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................79
Airbag, Side ..............................70
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................71
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .689
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................691
Air Conditioning ......................... .356
Air Conditioning Controls ...................356
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................691
Air Conditioning System ....................356
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .541
Air Suspension .......................... .451
Alarm Light ............................ .283Alarm, Panic
.............................27
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................698
Disposal ............................. .701
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................517
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................278
Appearance Care ........................ .712
Ashtray ............................... .224
Auto Down Power Windows ..................46
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ..................... .163
Automatic Transmission ....................397
Adding Fluid ..........................711
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................712
Fluid Change ......................... .712
Fluid Level Check ...................... .708
Fluid Type ........................... .708
770 INDEX