engine overheat Ram Cargo Van 2015 User Guide

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 567

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 585

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
586 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) 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.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
596 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

DipsticksAutomatic Transmission ..................601
Oil (Engine) .......................... .580
Power Steering ........................ .459
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................569
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................596
Door Locks Door Locks ............................35
KeyFob...............................35
Remote ...............................35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................35
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .232
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .456
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......314
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) ......362E-85 Fuel
.............................. .516
Economy (Fuel) Mode ..................... .445
Electrical Power Outlets .....................244
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................119
Electronic Brake Control System ...............463
Brake Assist System .....................466
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........212
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............467
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......303
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................540
Jacking .............................. .543
Jump Starting ......................... .562
Overheating .......................... .540
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........577
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Block Heater ......................... .442
Break-In Recommendations ................105
652 INDEX

Checking Oil Level..................... .580
Compartment ......................... .575
Compartment Identification ................575
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................592
Cooling ............................. .592
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................106
Flooded, Starting ...................... .440
Fuel Requirements ......................511
Oil................................. .580
Oil Selection .......................... .581
Oil Synthetic ......................... .583
Overheating .......................... .540
Starting ............................. .439
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .582
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................582
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............89
Entry System, Illuminated ....................20
Ethanol ............................... .512
Event Data Recorder ........................92 Exhaust Gas Caution
...................... .106
Exhaust System .......................... .106
Exterior Lights ...........................110
Fabric Care ............................. .606
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .289
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Air Conditioning ...................... .432
Engine Oil ........................... .583
Engine Oil Disposal .....................583
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .540
Turn Signal ............................110
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .204
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .518
Engine Oil ........................... .517
Fuel Requirements ..................... .516
10
INDEX 653

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................502
MOPAR® Parts .......................... .579
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .512
Multi-Function Control Lever .................202
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................105
Occupant Restraints ........................61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................511
Odometer .............................. .289
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .289
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................289
Oil, Engine ............................. .580
Capacity ............................ .624
Change Interval ....................... .581
Checking ............................ .580
Disposal ............................. .583
Filter ............................... .583Filter Disposal
........................ .583
Identification Logo ..................... .582
Materials Added to ..................... .583
Recommendation ...................... .581
Synthetic ............................ .583
Viscosity ............................ .582
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .583
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................576
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............232
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................117
Overhead Console ........................ .228
Overhead Travel Information Center ............228
Overheating, Engine ...................... .540
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .602
Panic Alarm ..............................25
Parking Brake ........................... .460
10
INDEX 659