coolant level Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high RPM for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
2. Turn Signal Indicators The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
3. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

DRIVE
This range provides all forward gears, including third
gear direct and fourth and fifth gear overdrive (Refer to
Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and
highway driving.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal
operating temperature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399

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 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.
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 forengine 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.
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.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•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 the proper mainte-
nance intervals.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401

•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
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S432 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check................ 405,406,407
Fluid Type ........................ 405,428
Shifting ............................. 270
Special Additives ...................... 408
Axle Fluid ....................... 404,405,428
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............404,405
Battery ............................... 389
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 143
Belts, Seat ............................ 38,74
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 392
B-Pillar Location ........................ 303
Brake Fluid ......................... 402,428
Brake System ........................ 295,401
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 295
Fluid Check .......................... 402
Master Cylinder ....................... 402 Parking
............................. 292
Warning Light ........................ 188
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Bulb Replacement ....................... 420
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,420
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 424
Calibration, Compass ..................... 204
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 426
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 426
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 387
Power Steering ........................ 292
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 399
Car Washes ............................ 409
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............74,325
Cargo Light ............................ 142
Cellular Phone .......................... 87
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 423
10
INDEX 459

Center Lap Belts......................... 47
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 166
Certification Label ....................... 328
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 299
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............190,383
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 73
Checks, Safety ........................... 73
Child Restraint ........................ 61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,68
Child Seat ............................ 62,66
Cigar Lighter ........................... 159
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 411
Climate Control ......................... 248
Clock ........................ 21 1,212,216,225
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 247
Compass .............................. 202
Compass Calibration ..................... 204 Compass Variance
....................... 204
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 201
Connector UCI ................................ 236
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 236
Console, Overhead ....................... 154
Contract, Service ........................ 451
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 399
Cooling System ......................... 396
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 398
Coolant Capacity ...................... 426
Coolant Level ...................... 396,400
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 400
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 397
Inspection ........................... 400
Points to Remember .................... 400
Pressure Cap ......................... 399
Radiator Cap ......................... 399
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........397,427
460 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment Identification ............... 381
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 427
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,325
Flooded, Starting ...................... 266
Jump Starting ......................... 370
Oil .............................. 386,427
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 387
Oil Selection .......................... 387
Oil Synthetic ......................... 388
Temperature Gauge .................... 180
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................74,325,394
Exhaust System ....................... 74,394
Exterior Lighting ........................ 139
Exterior Lights .......................... 75
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 388 Engine Fuel
.......................... 427
Engine Oil ........................ 388,427
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 388
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 75,144,180
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 369
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 266
Fluid, Brake ........................... 428
Fluid Capacities ......................... 426
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 407
Brake .............................. 402
Power Steering ........................ 292
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 427
Fog Lights ....................... 140,191,422
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 277
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 358
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 374
462 INDEX