engine coolant Ram 2500 2018 Owner's Guide

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.
• 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 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 549

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.
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.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
bottle. Do not overfill.
Opening The Coolant Reservoir
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
550 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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). Ad-
vise 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.
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
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 551

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 the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly 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.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
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.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
(Continued)
552 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 32 Gallons121 Liters
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 31 Gallons117 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 32 Gallons121 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
6.4L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 0W-40 engine oil meeting
the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all
operating temperatures.) 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Mate-
rial 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 re-
quirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 Liters
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 603

U.S.Metric
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the re-
quirements 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 re-
quirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 16.6 Quarts
15.7 Liters
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Tech-
nology).
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine
Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA 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 Material
Standard MS-6395 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine
oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.
604 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is differ-
ent and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
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 (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
606 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............548
Adding Fuel ............................. .413
Additives, Fuel ............................597
Adjust Down ...............................47, 49
Forward ............................ .47, 48
Rearward ............................47, 48
Up .................................47, 49
Adjustable Pedals ...........................62
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ........................240
Air Bag Warning Light .....................237
Enhanced Accident Response .............250, 514
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................514
If A Deployment Occurs ....................249
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .241
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............251
Transporting Pets ........................278
Air Bag Light .......................189, 237, 279
Air Bag Maintenance ........................251
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......531
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................533
Air Conditioning ............................86
Air Conditioning Filter ...................105, 534
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............104Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............533, 534
Air Conditioning System ..................104, 533
Air Filter ............................... .531
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................569
Air Suspension ........................ .344, 350
Alarm, Panic ...............................23
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................35, 191
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................35
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................547, 603
Disposal ...............................549
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................204
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................196
Ashtray .................................137
Assist, Hill

Start.......................... .206
Audio Systems (Radio) .......................611
Auto Down Power Windows ..................107
Automatic Door Locks ........................42
Automatic Headlights ........................76
Automatic High Beams .......................75
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........104
Automatic Transmission ..................299, 556
Adding Fluid ........................554, 556
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................556
Fluid Change .......................... .556
682 INDEX

Fluid Level Check.....................553, 554
Fluid Type ..........................553, 607
Shifting ............................306, 315
Special Additives ........................ .553
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ........304
Axle Fluid ............................556, 607
Axle Lubrication .......................... .556
Back-Up .................................410
Back-Up Camera .......................... .410
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................361
Battery ...............................191, 526
Charging System Light ....................191
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................24
Belts, Seat ............................... .279
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................541
B-Pillar Location .......................... .564
Brake Assist System ........................ .206
Brake Control System, Electronic ................205
Brake Fluid .......................... .552, 607
Brake System ..........................552, 593
Fluid Check ............................552
Master Cylinder ........................ .552
Parking ...............................295 Warning Light
.......................... .190
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................299
Bulb Replacement ..........................452
Bulbs, Light .......................... .281, 452
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................458
Camera .................................410
Camera, Rear ............................ .410
Camper .................................152
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .603
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... .523, 529, 530
Power Steering ..........................394
Radiator (Coolant

Pressure).................549
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................279, 600
Cargo Light ...............................79
Car Washes ...............................585
Cellular Phone ............................654
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............457
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............123
Changing A Flat Tire ........................468
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .560
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .201
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............278
Checks, Safety ............................ .278
12
INDEX 683

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................549
Door Ajar ............................... .192
Door Ajar Light ............................192
Door Locks, Automatic .......................42
Door Opener, Garage ........................114
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................44
Driving Off-Pavement .......................... .362
Off-Road ............................. .362
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water .................................442
Dual Rear Wheels .......................582, 594
E-85 Fuel ............................... .600
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .133
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case . . . .327, 332, 336, 339
Electronic Brake Control System ................205
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................204
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................213
Traction Control System ....................209
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............305, 312, 321
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........395
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............209
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........191Emergency Brake
.......................... .295
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................509
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................447
Jacking ............................... .468
Jump Starting .......................... .502
Emission Control System Maintenance ............201
Engine .......................... .523, 524, 525
Air Cleaner ............................ .531
Block Heater ............................294
Break-In Recommendations .................295
Compartment .......................... .523
Compartment Identification ...........523, 524, 525
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .604
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................279, 600
Fails
To Start ............................293
Flooded, Starting ........................ .293
Fuel Requirements ....................596, 603
Jump Starting .......................... .502
Oil ............................528, 603, 604
Oil Filler Cap .....................523, 529, 530
Oil Filter ...............................530
Oil Selection ........................ .528, 603
Oil Synthetic ............................530
Overheating ............................505
12
INDEX 685