check engine Ram Cargo Van 2012 Owner's Guide

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that 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 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 pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 565

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 for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to 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 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 recovery bottle.
•Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents
of the 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.
566 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 prolonged 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 contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
The six–speed transmission is equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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 other
than 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” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve
the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only
when the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 595

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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and the power steering 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.
•Open the left and right door (slowly) and inspect for
excessive dirt. If noise exist wipe clean and apply
krytox lube to the door rollers.
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
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S596 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 490
Oil (Engine) ........................ 552
Power Steering ...................... 438
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 565
Car Washes ............................ 572
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............100,486
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 260
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 271
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 51
Cellular Phone ....................... 125,392
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 588
Chains, Tire ............................ 470
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 514
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 453
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............291,547
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 99Checks, Safety
........................... 99
Child Restraint ...................... 85,86,87
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 90
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 89
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 482
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 573
Climate Control ......................... 393
Clock ............................. 323,332
Coat Hook ............................ 260
Coin Holder ........................... 261
Cold Weather Operation ................... 420
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 392
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 465
Compass .............................. 313
Compass Calibration ..................... 314
Compass Variance ....................... 314
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 311
622 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
624 INDEX

Replacement Parts.................... 490
Starting ........................... 489
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 420
Floor Console .......................... 261
Fluid Capacities ......................... 589
Fluid Leaks ............................ 103
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 571
Brake ............................. 568
Power Steering ...................... 438
Fluids ................................ 590
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 590
Fog Light Service ........................ 587
Fog Lights ....................... 200,286,587
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 172
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 536
Fuel ................................. 482
Adding ........................... 490
Additives .......................... 484 Clean Air
.......................... 482
Conserving ......................... 310
Economy Mode ...................... 425
Ethanol ........................... 483
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............293,490
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 293
Gasoline ........................... 482
Gauge ............................ 293
Light .......................... 297,306
Materials Added ..................... 484
Methanol .......................... 483
Octane Rating ....................... 590
Requirements .................... 482,589
Saver Mode ........................ 310
Tank Capacity ....................... 589
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 310
Fuel Saver ............................. 310
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 486
Fueling ............................... 490
626 INDEX

LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 90
Latches ............................... 103
Hood ............................. 196
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 482
Leaks, Fluid ........................... 103
Life of Tires ............................ 468
Liftgate ................................ 48
Light Bulbs ............................ 103
Lights ............................. 103,198
Airbag ..................... 77,83,101,293
Alarm ............................ 294
Anti-Lock .......................... 289
Automatic Headlights ................. 199
Back-Up ........................... 588
Battery Saver ....................... 204
Brake Assist Warning .................. 448
Brake Warning ...................... 294
Bulb Replacement ................. 585,586Center Mounted Stop
.................. 588
Daytime Running .................... 200
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 201
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 448
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 298
Exterior ........................... 103
Fog ......................... 200,286,587
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Headlights ......................... 586
Headlights On Reminder ............... 200
High Beam Indicator .................. 286
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 204
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Interior ............................ 201
License ............................ 589
Lights On Reminder .................. 200
Low Fuel ....................... 297,306
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 291
Oil Pressure ........................ 297
10
INDEX 629

Park.............................. 587
Passing ............................ 204
Reading ........................... 228
Rear Servicing ....................... 588
Rear Tail ........................... 588
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 296
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 294
Service ......................... 585,586
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 291
Side Marker ........................ 588
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 294
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 289
Traction Control ..................... 448
Turn Signal ................... 103,587,588
Voltage ............................ 297
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 286
Load Leveling System .................... 270 Loading Vehicle
................... 260,492,494
Capacities .......................... 494
Tires .............................. 457
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 35
Door .............................. 32
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 90
Lubrication, Body ....................... 560
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 271
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 556
Maintenance Procedures ................... 549
Maintenance Schedule .................... 594
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 244
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 291,547
Manual, Service ......................... 615
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 228
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 192
630 INDEX