check engine Ram 3500 2015 Owner's Guide

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

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. This inspection should be made with the vehicle in
a level position.
780 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 783

CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid can-
not be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can
read the transmission sump temperature in the EVIC/
DID screen (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center [EVIC]” or “Driver Information Display (DID)”
for further information).Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the
EVIC/DID screen, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the
transmission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5.
Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear position
(allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
784 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it untilseated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use
ONLY the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for fluid specifications). After adding
any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a
minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level. NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 785

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

Camera, Rear........................... .207
Camper ............................... .264
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .815
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ....................... .753, 754
Power Steering ........................ .571
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................774
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............114,632
Cargo Light ............................ .174
Car Washes ............................ .787
Cellular Phone .......................... .393
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............810
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............237
Certification Label ........................ .639
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .592
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ............285, 748
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............114
Checks, Safety ............................114 Child Restraint
............................82
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................87
Child Restraints .........................82
Child Seat Installation .................100, 102
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........98
Infants And Child Restraints ................85
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....97
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................99
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ............94
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......89
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........85
Seating Positions ........................88
Cigar Lighter ........................... .229
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .629
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .789
Climate Control ...................... .395, 405
844 INDEX

Flooded Engine Starting....................445
Fluid, Brake ............................ .820
Fluid Capacities ......................... .815
Fluid Leaks .............................118
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .779
Power Steering ........................ .571
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........817
Fog Lights ....................... .170, 285, 808
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .244
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................679
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .487
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................730
Front Axle (Differential) .....................780
Fuel .................................. .627
Adding ............................. .636
Clean Air ............................ .629
Ethanol ............................. .629
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................638 Gasoline
............................. .627
Methanol ............................ .629
Octane Rating ..................... .627, 817
Requirements ...................... .627, 815
Tank Capacity ......................... .815
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .633
Fuses ................................. .794
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) .........211,218
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................638, 747
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .629
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .627
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................629
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .285
Tachometer ........................... .285
Gear Ranges ........................ .465, 477
Gear Select Lever Override ..................733
General

Information ...................... .627
848 INDEX

Airbag........................ .78, 116, 285
Alarm .............................. .285
Anti-Lock ............................ .285
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... .577
Automatic Headlights ....................166
Brake Assist Warning ....................585
Brake Warning ........................ .285
Bulb Replacement ...................... .805
Cap Top Clearance ......................811
Cargo .............................. .174
Center Mounted Stop ....................810
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........285
Courtesy/Reading ................172, 174, 209
Daytime Running ...................... .167
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....585
Exterior ..............................117
Fog ......................... .170, 285, 808
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................491
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................679 Headlights
........................... .165
High Beam ....................... .176, 285
High Beam Indicator .....................285
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............176
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............587
Illuminated Entry ........................24
Instrument Cluster ..................... .285
Interior ....................171, 172, 174, 209
Oil Pressure .......................... .285
Passing ............................. .176
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .285
Security Alarm ........................ .285
Service .......................... .804, 805
Side Marker .......................... .814
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .........285, 619
Traction Control ....................... .585
Transfer Case ......................... .491
T

urn Signal ..................117, 175, 806, 808
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......28510
INDEX 851