coolant level Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM x 1000).
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/RUN 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.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 coolant 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.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Checking Coolant Level – 5.7L Engine
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be between the MIN and MAX range on
the dipstick.To check the coolant level:
1. Open the coolant reservoir.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the reservoir
neck.
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 en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendantof 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.
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.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•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.
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.
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S460 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid....................... 433
Fluid and Filter Changes............... 434
Fluid Level Check.................432,433
FluidType ......................432,455
Shifting ........................... 284
Special Additives..................... 432
AxleFluid .......................430,431,455
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............430,431
B-Pillar Location........................ 320
Battery............................... 414
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 25
Saving Feature (Protection).............. 152
Belts, Seat............................ 40,80
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 417
Brake Fluid.........................428,455Brake System........................312,427
Anti-Lock (ABS)..................... 313
Fluid Check........................ 428
Master Cylinder..................... 428
Parking........................... 310
Warning Light....................... 198
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 284
Bulb Replacement....................... 447
Bulbs,Light .......................... 82,446
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 451
Calibration, Compass..................... 216
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 453
Capacities, Fluid........................ 453
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)........................ 412
Power Steering...................... 309
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............. 424
Car Washes............................ 435
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INDEX 487

Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 79,345
CargoLight ............................ 152
Cellular Phone........................ 93,262
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 449
Center Lap Belts......................... 49
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 176
Certification Label....................... 347
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 316
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............200,407
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 78
Checks, Safety........................... 78
Child Restraint.......................... 65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 69,74
Child Seat............................ 65,71
Cigar Lighter........................... 169
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 437
Climate Control......................... 262Clock .............................225,234
Cold Weather Operation................... 280
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 262
Compact Spare Tire...................... 331
Compass.............................. 215
Compass Calibration..................... 216
Compass Variance....................... 217
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 213
Connector
UCI .............................. 249
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 249
Console, Overhead....................... 163
Contract, Service........................ 479
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 424
Cooling System......................... 421
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 423
Coolant Capacity..................... 453
Coolant Level....................421,425
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 425
488 INDEX

Fluid Leaks............................. 82
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 433
Brake............................. 428
Power Steering...................... 309
Fluid, Brake........................... 455
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 454
Fog Lights.......................150,202,449
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 380
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 396
Front Axle (Differential)................... 430
Fuel................................. 341
Adding........................... 346
Diesel............................. 454
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................. 347
Filter ............................. 454
Gauge............................ 190
Light ............................. 197Octane Rating....................... 341
Requirements....................... 341
Tank Capacity....................... 453
Fuses................................ 440
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............347,406
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 341
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 342
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 190
Fuel.............................. 190
Oil Pressure........................ 193
Speedometer........................ 191
Tachometer......................... 190
Voltmeter.......................... 198
Gear Ranges........................... 285
Gear Select Lever Override................. 398
General Information.................. 18,25,124
Glass Cleaning.......................... 439
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INDEX 491