cooling Ram Cargo Van 2014 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2014, Model line: Cargo Van, Model: Ram Cargo Van 2014Pages: 666, PDF Size: 5.09 MB
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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 rub-
ber, 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.
592 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Cooling System — Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS-
12106).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add cool-
ant properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compat-
ible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 593
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•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
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:
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer. •
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 595
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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.
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.
596 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 (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-
12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum compo-
nents.
• 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 597
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 20 Gallons76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certi-
fied). 6 Quarts
5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L Engine (MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000
Mile Formula or equivalent) meet-
ing the requirements of Chrysler
Material Standard MS-12106. 13.4 Quarts
12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater.
624 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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•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, and power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
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.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•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.
Maintenance Chart
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 629
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Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........595
Cooling System .......................... .592
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............594
Coolant Capacity ...................... .624
Coolant Level ......................... .592
Disposal of Used Coolant .................596
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................593
Inspection ........................... .596
Points to Remember .....................597
Pressure Cap ......................... .595
Radiator Cap ......................... .595
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............593
Corrosion Protection ...................... .602
Cupholders ............................ .258
Customer Assistance ...................... .635
Data Recorder, Event .......................85
Daytime Running Lights ....................206
Dealer Service ........................... .579Defroster, Windshield
..................... .103
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................212
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................576
Dimmer Control ......................... .206
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................601
Oil (Engine) .......................... .580
Power Steering ........................ .461
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................570
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................596
Door Locks ..............................34
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .239
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .458
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......319
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) ......365
10
INDEX 647
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E-85 Fuel.............................. .514
Economy (Fuel) Mode ..................... .447
Electrical Power Outlets .....................252
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................116
Electronic Brake Control System ...............466
Brake Assist System .....................468
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........219
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............468
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......309
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................541
Jacking .............................. .544
Jump Starting ......................... .564
Overheating .......................... .541
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........577
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Block Heater ......................... .443
Break-In Recommendations ................100 Checking Oil Level
..................... .580
Compartment ......................... .575
Compartment Identification ................575
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................592
Cooling ............................. .592
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................101
Flooded, Starting ...................... .442
Fuel Requirements ..................... .510
Oil................................. .580
Oil Selection .......................... .581
Oil Synthetic ......................... .582
Overheating .......................... .541
Starting ............................. .441
Temperature Gauge ..................... .305
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .582
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................582
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............81
Entry System, Illuminated ....................
19
Ethanol ................................511
648 INDEX
Page 651 of 666

Event Data Recorder........................85
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................54
Exhaust System .......................... .101
Exterior Lights .......................... .105
Fabric Care ............................. .605
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .302
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Air Conditioning ...................... .434
Engine Oil ........................... .583
Engine Oil Disposal .....................582
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .541
Turn Signal .......................... .105
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .210
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .517
Engine Oil ........................... .517Fuel Requirements
..................... .514
Maintenance .......................... .518
Replacement Parts ...................... .518
Starting ............................. .517
Flooded Engine Starting ....................442
Floor Console ........................... .269
Fluid Capacities ......................... .624
Fluid Leaks ............................ .105
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................601
Brake ............................... .598
Cooling System ........................ .592
Power Steering ........................ .461
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........625
Fog Lights ............................. .206
Fog Light Service ........................ .621
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating.............178
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................568
Fuel .................................. .510
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INDEX 649