check engine Ram C/V 2013 Owner's Guide

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
610 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 611

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR® All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
622 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) only by an
authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C condenser
for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Check
the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rubber,
cracking , tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 623

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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 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 OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 627

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 cool-
ant. 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, only OAT coolant that meets
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-
12106 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.
• 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.
628 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S660 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Carbon Monoxide Warning..................118
Cargo Area Features ...................... .294
Cargo Compartment ...................... .294
Luggage Carrier ....................... .298
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................285
Car Washes ............................ .634
Cellular Phone .......................... .145
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............654
Certification Label ........................ .548
Chains, Tire ............................ .525
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .571
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .504
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . .321
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............118
Checks, Safety ............................118
Child Restraint ............................91
Child Safety Locks .........................49
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .538
Climate Control ......................... .437Clock
................................. .355
Coat Hook ............................. .285
Coin Holder ............................ .286
Cold Weather Operation ....................466
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............436
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .520
Compass .............................. .344
Compass Calibration ...................... .345
Compass Variance ........................ .345
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .342
Connector UCI................................ .380
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........380
Conserving Fuel ......................... .340
Console ............................... .286
Console, Floor .......................... .286
Console, Overhead ....................... .251
Console, Removable ...................... .291
Contract, Service ......................... .671
680 INDEX

E-85 Fuel.............................. .542
Economy (Fuel) Mode ..................... .471
Electrical Power Outlets .....................269
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................133
Electronic Brake Control System ...............492
Brake Assist System .....................493
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........236
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............494
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......330
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................570
Jacking .............................. .571
Jump Starting ......................... .592
Overheating .......................... .570
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........607
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .614
Block Heater ......................... .468Break-In Recommendations
................117
Checking Oil Level ..................... .610
Compartment ......................... .605
Compartment Identification ................605
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................623
Cooling ............................. .623
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................118
Flooded, Starting ...................... .466
Fuel Requirements ..................... .537
Oil................................. .610
Oil Selection ...........................611
Oil Synthetic ......................... .612
Overheating .......................... .570
Starting ............................. .465
Temperature Gauge ..................... .326
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .612
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................612
682 INDEX

Enhanced Accident Response Feature............86
Entry System, Illuminated ....................20
Ethanol ............................... .538
Event Data Recorder ........................90
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................55
Exhaust System ...........................118
Exterior Lights .......................... .122
Fabric Care ............................. .637
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .323
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .614
Air Conditioning ...................... .459
Engine Oil ........................... .613
Engine Oil Disposal .....................613
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .570Turn Signal
.......................... .122
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .227
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .545
Engine Oil ........................... .545
Fuel Requirements ..................... .542
Maintenance .......................... .546
Replacement Parts ...................... .546
Starting ............................. .545
Flooded Engine Starting ....................466
Floor Console ........................... .286
Fluid Capacities ......................... .655
Fluid Leaks ............................ .122
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................633
Brake ............................... .630
Cooling System ........................ .623
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INDEX 683