2001 DODGE RAM coolant temperature

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
COOLANT COLOR 1. Coolant color is not necessarily an
indication of adequate corrosion or
temperature protection. Do not rely on
coolant color for determining condition of
coolant.1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION). Adjust coolant mixture
as necessary.
COOLANT LEVEL
CHANGES IN
COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK.
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE IS IN NORMAL
RANGE1. Level changes are to be expected as
coolant volume fluctuates with engine
temperature. If the level in the tank was
between the FULL and ADD marks at
normal operating temperature, the level
should return to within that range after
operation at elevated temperatures.1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
DIESEL ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSISÐDIESEL ENGINE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATUREGAUGE READS
LOW1. Vehicle is equipped with a heavy
duty cooling system.1. None. System operating normaly.
2. Temperature gauge not
connected2. Connect gauge.
3. Temperature gauge connected
but not operating.3. Check gauge. Refer (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
4. Coolant level low. 4. Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH. COOLANT MAY OR MAY
NOT BE LEAKING FROM SYSTEM1. Vehicle overloaded, high ambient
(outside) temperatures with A/C
turned on, stop and go driving or
prolonged operation at idle speeds.1. Temporary condition, repair not
required. Notify customer of vehicle
operation instructions located in
Owners Manual.
2. Temperature gauge not
functioning correctly.2. Check gauge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3. Air traped in cooling 3. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) and refill (Refer to 7
- COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
4. Radiator cap faulty. 4. Replace radiator cap.
5. Plugged A/C or radiator cooling
fins.5. Clean all debre away from A/C
and radiator cooling fins.
7 - 12 COOLINGBR/BE
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Coolant mixture incorrect. 6. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) refill with correct
mixture (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
7. Thermostat stuck shut. 7. Replace thermostat.
8. Bug screen or winter front being
used.8. Remove bug screen or winter
front.
9. Viscous fan drive not operating
properly.9. Check viscous fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
10. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 10. Check for leaking head gaskets
(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
11. Heater core leaking. 11. Replace heater core.
12. cooling system hoses leaking. 12. Tighten clamps or Replace
hoses.
13. Brakes dragging. 13. Check brakes. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
INCONSISTENT ( ERRATIC,
CYCLES OR FLUCTUATES)1. Heavy duty cooling system,
extream cold ambient (outside)
temperature or heater blower motor
in high position.1. None. System operating normaly.
2. Temperature gauge or gauge
sensor defective.2. Check gauge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3. Temporary heavy usage or load. 3. None. Normal condition.
4. Air traped in cooling system. 4. Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
5. Water pump 5. Replace water pump.
6. Air leak on suction side of water
pump.6. Check for leak. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
RADIATOR CAP LEAKING STEAM
AND /OR COOLANT INTO
RESERVOIR BOTTLE.
(TEMPERATURE GAUGE MAY
READ HIGH)1. Radiator cap defective. 1. Replace radiator cap.
2. Radiator neck surface damaged. 2. Replace radiator.
BR/BECOOLING 7 - 13
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE
WHEN ENGINE IS COOLING.1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
reservior/overflow system.1. Replace radiator cap, check vent
hose between radiator and reservoir
bottle for blockage also check
reservoir bottle vent for blockage.
NOISY FAN 1. Fan blade(s) loose, damaged. 1. Replace fan blade assembly.
2. Thermal viscous fan drive. 2. None. Normal condition.
3. Fan blades striking surrounding
objects.3. Locate contact point and repair
as necessary.
4. Thermal viscous fan drive
bearing.4. Replace viscous fan drive
assembly.
5. Obstructed air flow through
radiator.5. Remove obstruction.
INADEQUATE AIR CONDITIONER
PERFORMANCE (COOLING
SYSTEM SUSPECTED)1. Radiator and/or A/C condenser
air flow obstructed.1. Remove obstruction and/or clean.
2. Thermal viscous fan drive not
working.2. Check fan drive. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
3. Air seals around radiator
damaged or missing.3. Inspect air seals, repair or
replace as necessary.
INADEQUATE HEATER
PERFORMANCE. GUAGE MAY OR
MAY NOT READ LOW.1. Heavy duty cooling system, and
cooler ambient temperatures.1. None. Normal condition.
2. Obstruction in heater hoses. 2. Remove hoses, remove
obstruction.
3. Water pump damaged. 3. Replace water pump.
HEAT ODOR 1. Damaged or missing drive line
heat shields.1. Repair or replace damaged or
missing heat shields.
2. Thermal viscous fan drive
damaged.2. Check thermal viscous fan drive.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
7 - 14 COOLINGBR/BE
COOLING (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDUREÐDRAINING
COOLING SYSTEM 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/8.0L
ENGINES
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(1) Remove radiator pressure cap.
(2) Loosen radiator petcock.
(3) Remove cylinder block drain plugs. Refer to
(Fig. 7).
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐDRAINING COOLING
SYSTEM 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAIN PLUG WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution
is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
(1) Start the engine and place the heater control
temperature selector in the Full-On position. Vacuum
is needed to actuate the heater controls.
(2) Turn the ignition off.
(3) Do not remove radiator cap when draining cool-
ant from reserve/overflow tank. Open radiator drain
plug and when tank is empty, remove radiator cap. If
the coolant reserve/overflow tank does not drain,
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-ING). The coolant need not be removed from tank
unless the system is being refilled with fresh mix-
ture.
(4) Remove radiator pressure cap.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐREFILLING
COOLING SYSTEM 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/8.0L
ENGINES
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
Clean cooling system prior to refilling. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Install cylinder block drain plugs. Coat the
threads with MopartThread Sealant with Teflon.
(2) Close radiator petcock.
(3) Fill cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of
water and antifreeze.
(4) Fill coolant reserve/overflow tank to FULL
mark on indicator stick.
(5) Start and operate engine until thermostat
opens (upper radiator hose warm to touch).
(6) If necessary, add a 50/50 water and antifreeze
mixture to the coolant reserve/overflow tank. This is
done to maintain coolant level between the FULL
and ADD marks. The level in the reserve/overflow
tank may drop below the ADD mark after three or
four warm-up and cool-down cycles.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐREFILLING
COOLING SYSTEM 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
Clean cooling system prior to refilling (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Close radiator drain plug.
CAUTION: Due to the use of the one-way check
valve, the engine must not be operating when refill-
ing the cooling system.
NOTE: The diesel engine is equipped with a one-
way check valve (jiggle pin). The check valve is
used as a servicing feature and will vent air when
the system is being filled. Water pressure (or flow)
will hold the valve closed.
(2) Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of
water and antifreeze.
Fig. 7 Cylinder Block Drain PlugÐ3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
Engines
1 - BLOCK DRAIN PLUG
BR/BECOOLING 7 - 15
COOLING (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................63
RADIATOR COOLANT FLOW..............63
REMOVAL..............................63
CLEANING..............................65
INSPECTION............................65
INSTALLATION...........................65
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION...........................65
OPERATION.............................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................66
RADIATOR CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEAL.....66
RADIATOR CAP........................66
CLEANING..............................66
INSPECTION............................66
WATER PUMP - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION...........................67
OPERATION.............................67
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................67
WATER PUMP.........................67
REMOVAL..............................67
CLEANING..............................69INSPECTION............................69
INSTALLATION...........................70
WATER PUMP - 8.0L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................70
WATER PUMP.........................70
REMOVAL..............................70
CLEANING..............................72
INSPECTION............................72
INSTALLATION...........................72
WATER PUMP - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION...........................73
OPERATION.............................73
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................73
WATER PUMP.........................73
REMOVAL..............................73
CLEANING..............................73
INSPECTION............................73
INSTALLATION...........................74
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
REMOVAL..............................74
INSTALLATION...........................77
COOLANT
DESCRIPTION
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37 deg. C (-35 deg. F). The anti-
freeze concentrationmust alwaysbe a minimum of
44 percent, year-round in all climates.If percentage
is lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com-
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which
prevents freezing down to -67.7 deg. C (-90 deg. F). A
higher percentage will freeze at a warmer tempera-
ture. Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can
cause the engine to overheat because the specific
heat of antifreeze is lower than that of water.
Use of 100 percent ethylene-glycol will cause for-
mation of additive deposits in the system, as the cor-
rosion inhibitive additives in ethylene-glycol require
the presence of water to dissolve. The deposits act as
insulation, causing temperatures to rise to as high as
149 deg. C (300) deg. F). This temperature is hot
enough to melt plastic and soften solder. Theincreased temperature can result in engine detona-
tion. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes
at 22 deg. C (-8 deg. F ).
PROPYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
It's overall effective temperature range is smaller
than that of ethylene-glycol. The freeze point of 50/50
propylene-glycol and water is -32 deg. C (-26 deg. F).
5 deg. C higher than ethylene-glycol's freeze point.
The boiling point (protection against summer boil-
over) of propylene-glycol is 125 deg. C (257 deg. F )
at 96.5 kPa (14 psi), compared to 128 deg. C (263
deg. F) for ethylene-glycol. Use of propylene-glycol
can result in boil-over or freeze-up on a cooling sys-
tem designed for ethylene-glycol. Propylene glycol
also has poorer heat transfer characteristics than
ethylene glycol. This can increase cylinder head tem-
peratures under certain conditions.
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can cause
the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors,
causing damage to the various cooling system compo-
nents. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propylene-glycol
based coolants are mixed in the vehicle, conventional
methods of determining freeze point will not be accu-
rate. Both the refractive index and specific gravity dif-
fer between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
OPERATION
Coolant flows through the engine block absorbing the
heat from the engine, then flows to the radiator where
the cooling fins in the radiator transfers the heat from
the coolant to the atmosphere. During cold weather the
ethylene-glycol coolant prevents water present in the
cooling system from freezing within temperatures indi-
cated by mixture ratio of coolant to water.
7 - 40 ENGINEBR/BE

COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L/
5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The coolant reserve/overflow tank is mounted to
the side of the fan shroud (Fig. 1), and is made of
high temperature plastic.
OPERATION
The coolant reserve/overflow system works in con-
junction with the radiator pressure cap. It utilizes
thermal expansion and contraction of coolant to keep
coolant free of trapped air. It provides a volume for
expansion and contraction of coolant. It also provides
a convenient and safe method for checking coolant
level and adjusting level at atmospheric pressure.
This is done without removing the radiator pressurecap. The system also provides some reserve coolant
to the radiator to cover minor leaks and evaporation
or boiling losses.
As the engine cools, a vacuum is formed in the
cooling system of both the radiator and engine. Cool-
ant will then be drawn from the coolant tank and
returned to a proper level in the radiator.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove overflow hose from radiator.
(2) Unsnap the coolant reserve/overflow tank from
fan shroud. Lift straight up. The fan shroud is
equipped with T-shaped slots (Fig. 2) to attach the
tank. An alignment pin is located on the side of tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Snap the tank into the two T-slots and the
alignment pin on fan shroud (Fig. 3).
(2) Connect overflow hose to radiator.
Fig. 1 Coolant Reserve/Overflow Tank
1 - T-SLOTS
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
Fig. 2 COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANKÐALL
EXCEPT 8.0L V-10 ENGINE
1 - T-SLOTS
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 41

(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose
rivets or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is
found.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to viscous fan drive.
Tighten mounting bolts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous
fan drive to the vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install viscous fan drive assembly on fan hub
shaft (Fig. 7). Tighten mounting nut to 57 N´m (42 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Install fan shroud bolts into position and
tighten the mounting bolts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE: Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment: After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER -
3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a core hole of the engine
cylinder block (in place of a freeze plug) with the
heating element immersed in engine coolant. The
cord is attached to an engine compartment compo-
nent with tie-straps.
The 3.9L and 5.9L gas powered engine has the
block heater located on the right side of engine next
to the oil filter (Fig. 8).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element..
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove power cord from heater by unplugging
(Fig. 9).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove block heater by carefully prying from
side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil
(up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly
to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline
engines.
(3) Insert block heater into cylinder block.
(4) With heater fully seated, tighten center screw
to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
Fig. 8 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
BR/BEENGINE 7 - 45
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a core hole of the engine
cylinder block (in place of a freeze plug) with the
heating element immersed in engine coolant. The
cord is attached to an engine compartment compo-
nent with tie-straps.
The 8.0L V-10 engine has the block heater located
on the right side of engine next to the engine oil dip-
stick tube (Fig. 10).
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to agrounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element..
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Remove power cord from heater by unplugging
(Fig. 11).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove block heater by carefully prying from
side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil
(up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly
to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline
engines.
(3) Insert block heater into cylinder block.
(4) With heater fully seated, tighten center screw
to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
Fig. 9 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 10 Engine Block HeaterÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - SCREW
3 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
4 - BLOCK HEATER
5 - HEATING COIL
7 - 46 ENGINEBR/BE
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L (Continued)