engine coolant Ram 2500 2015 Owner's Guide

WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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 ADD and SAFE range on
the dipstick.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 775

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 777

•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.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• 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.
778 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F74 20 Amp Yellow
(Gas Engine & 1500 LD Diesel)
10 Amp Red (Cum-
mins 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 801

U.S.Metric
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the require-
ments of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 13.7 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 FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 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 FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 Liters
6.4 Liter Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use
MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 16.6 Quarts
15.7 Liters
816 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA US Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®,
Pennzoil®, and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct
SAE grade.
MOPAR® SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA US Material Standard
MS-6395 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not
available.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA US Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®,
Pennzoil®, and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct
SAE grade.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 817

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compat-
ible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an au-
thorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is not recommended.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 819

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)
and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only). 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 825

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
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
Adjust parking brake as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs.** X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 827

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............773
Adding Fuel ............................ .636
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .183
Airbag.............................. .67, 68
Air Bag Advance Front Air Bag ....................68
Air bag Operation .......................70
Air Bag Warning Light ....................78
Enhanced Accident Response ................78
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................81
FrontAirBag ........................67, 68
If A Deployment Occurs ...................76
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................71
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............80
Side Air Bags ...........................72
Air bag Deployment ........................67
Air bag Light ..................... .78, 116, 285
Air bag Maintenance ........................80
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .755 Air Conditioner Maintenance
.................761
Air Conditioning ..................... .395, 400
Air Conditioning Controls ................395, 400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...........414, 416
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..........761, 762, 763
Air Conditioning System ..........395, 400, 413, 761
Air Pressure, Tires .....................602, 613
Air Suspension .......................... .510
Alarm Light ............................ .285
Alarm, Panic .............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............772, 815
Disposal ............................. .775
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................576
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................285, 577
Appearance Care ........................ .786
Ashtray ............................... .229
842 INDEX