overheating RAM CHASSIS CAB 2017 User Guide

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Next, shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or 2nd gear and
REVERSE (with manual transmission) while gently press-
ing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator
pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
CAUTION!Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of clutch or transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle. NOTE: Push the  ESC Off  switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in  Partial Off  mode, before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the  ESC Off 
switch again to restore  ESC On  mode.
WARNING!Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
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 vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed. 6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 439

CAUTION!• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE/SECOND GEAR and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train 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 transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow hooks.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of damage
to the vehicle. WARNING!• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains
may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious
injury.
CAUTION!Tow hooks are for emergency use only to rescue a
vehicle stranded off-road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.440 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems 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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• 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. Cooling System
WARNING!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.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation
of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water
from a garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks. 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471

Door Locks
Door Locks ..............................31
KeyFob................................31
Remote ................................31
Remote Keyless Entry ......................31
Door Locks, Automatic .......................33
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .161
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .348
Dual Rear Wheels ................... .388, 427, 434
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .168
Electric Rear Window Defrost ................. .182
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ............. .342
Electronic Brake Control System ............... .353
Anti-Lock Brake System ................... .353
Electronic Roll Mitigation .................. .362
Traction Control System ................... .358
Electronic Range Select (ERS )................. .332
Electronic Speed Control
(Cruise Control) ......................... .139
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. .358
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........ .201
Emergency Brake .......................... .350 Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................ .439
Hazard Warning Flasher .................. .426
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Tow Hooks ............................ .440
Emission Control System Maintenance ........... .449
Engine ................................. .447
Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Break-In Recommendations ..................90
Compartment Identification ................ .447
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .501
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. .91, 400
Flooded, Starting ........................ .323
Fuel Requirements ....................... .397
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Oil .............................. .451, 501
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .453
Oil Filter .............................. .453
Oil Selection ........................... .452
Oil Synthetic ........................... .453
Overheating ........................... .426
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .453
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ......... .64, 444
Entry System, Illuminated .....................22
Ethanol ................................. .39710 INDEX 521

Multi-Function Control Lever ................. .132
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ............. .156
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................90
Occupant Restraints .........................41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................ .397
Oil, Engine ........................... .451, 501
Capacity .............................. .500
Change Interval ........................ .452
Dipstick .............................. .451
Disposal .............................. .453
Filter ............................. .453, 501
Filter Disposal .......................... .453
Identification Logo ...................... .452
Pressure Warning Light ................... .201
Recommendation ........................ .452
Synthetic ............................. .453
Viscosity .............................. .453
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .453
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .201
Onboard Diagnostic System .................. .448
Operating Precautions ...................... .448
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ................... .105 Overdrive ............................... .333
Overdrive OFF Switch ...................... .333
Overhead Console ......................... .159
Overheating, Engine ....................... .426
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,516
Paint Care ............................... .480
Panic Alarm ...............................25
Parking Brake ............................ .350
ParkSense System, Rear .................. .142, 150
Passing Light ............................ .132
Passive Entry ..............................35
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .137
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .293
Personal Settings .......................... .226
Pets ..................................... 89
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ....... .371, 372
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................. .487
Door Locks ..............................32
Mirrors ............................... .106
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ .168, 173
Seats .................................110
Sliding Rear Window ..................... .183
Steering ........................... .349, 350526 INDEX