2001 DODGE RAM check engine

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VISCOUS
FAN/DRIVE1. Fan blades loose. 1. Replace fan blade assembly. (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
REMOVAL)
2. Fan blades striking a surrounding
object.2. Locate point of fan blade contact and
repair as necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or air
conditioning condenser.3. Remove obstructions and/or clean
debris or insects from radiator or A/C
condenser.
4. Thermal viscous fan drive has
defective bearing.4. Replace fan drive. Bearing is not
serviceable. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
- REMOVAL).
5. A certain amount of fan noise may be
evident on models equipped with a
thermal viscous fan drive. Some of this
noise is normal.5. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN
DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
DESCRIPTION) for an explanation of
normal fan noise.
INADEQUATE HEATER
PERFORMANCE.
THERMOSTAT FAILED
IN OPEN POSITION1. Has a Diagnostic trouble Code (DTC)
been set?1. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL -
DESCRIPTION) for correct procedures
and replace thermostat if necessary
2. Coolant level low 2. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
3. Obstructions in heater hose/fittings 3. Remove heater hoses at both ends and
check for obstructions
4. Heater hose kinked 4. Locate kinked area and repair as
necessary
5. Water pump is not pumping water
to/through the heater core. When the
engine is fully warmed up, both heater
hoses should be hot to the touch. If only
one of the hoses is hot, the water pump
may not be operating correctly or the
heater core may be plugged. Accessory
drive belt may be slipping causing poor
water pump operation.5. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
WATER PUMP - REMOVAL). If a slipping
belt is detected, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If heater
core obstruction is detected, (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/HEATER CORE -
REMOVAL).
STEAM IS COMING
FROM THE FRONT OF
VEHICLE NEAR THE
GRILL AREA WHEN
WEATHER IS WET,
ENGINE IS WARMED
UP AND RUNNING,
AND VEHICLE IS
STATIONARY.
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE IS IN NORMAL
RANGE1. During wet weather, moisture (snow,
ice or rain condensation) on the radiator
will evaporate when the thermostat
opens. This opening allows heated water
into the radiator. When the moisture
contacts the hot radiator, steam may be
emitted. This usually occurs in cold
weather with no fan or airflow to blow it
away.1. Occasional steam emitting from this
area is normal. No repair is necessary.
BR/BECOOLING 7 - 11
COOLING (Continued)

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)

(3) Fill coolant reserve/overflow tank to the FULL
mark.
(4) Start and operate engine until thermostat
opens. Upper radiator hose should be warm to touch.
(5) If necessary, add 50/50 water and antifreeze
mixture to the coolant reserve/overflow tank to main-
tain coolant level. This level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks. The level in the reserve/over-
flow tank may drop below the ADD mark after three
or four warm-up and cool-down cycles.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
Do not remove radiator cap to add coolant to
system.When adding coolant to maintain correct
level, do so at coolant reserve/overflow tank. Use a
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze containing
Alugard 340-2yand low mineral content water.
Remove radiator cap only for testing or when refill-
ing system after service. Removing cap unnecessarily
can cause loss of coolant and allow air to enter sys-
tem, which produces corrosion.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCOOLANT LEVEL
CHECK
NOTE: Do not remove radiator cap for routine cool-
ant level inspections. The coolant level can be
checked at coolant recovery bottle .
The coolant reserve/overflow system provides a
quick method for determining coolant level without
removing radiator pressure cap. With engine not run-
ning, open the coolant recovery bottle cap and
remove coolant level indicator dipstick to observe
coolant level in coolant recovery bottle. The coolant
level should be between ADD and FULL marks. If
the coolant level is at or below the ADD mark, fill
the recovery bottle with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze
and water ONE QUART AT A TIME. Repeat this pro-
cedure until the coolant level is at the FULL mark
(Fig. 8).
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCOOLING SYSTEM
CLEANING/REVERSE FLUSHING
CLEANING
Drain cooling system and refill with water. Run
engine with radiator cap installed until upper radia-
tor hose is hot. Stop engine and drain water from
system. If water is dirty, fill system with water, run
engine and drain system. Repeat until water drains
clean.
REVERSE FLUSHING
Reverse flushing of cooling system is the forcing of
water through the cooling system. This is done using
air pressure in the opposite direction of normal cool-
ant flow. It is usually only necessary with very dirty
systems with evidence of partial plugging.
REVERSE FLUSHING RADIATOR
Disconnect radiator hoses from radiator inlet and
outlet. Attach a section of radiator hose to radiator
bottom outlet fitting and insert flushing gun. Con-
nect a water supply hose and air supply hose to
flushing gun.
CAUTION: Internal radiator pressure must not
exceed 138 kPa (20 psi) as damage to radiator may
result.
Allow radiator to fill with water. When radiator is
filled, apply air in short blasts. Allow radiator to
refill between blasts. Continue this reverse flushing
until clean water flows out through rear of radiator
cooling tube passages. Have radiator cleaned more
extensively by a radiator repair shop.
Fig. 8 COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANKÐALL
EXCEPT 8.0L V-10 ENGINE
1 - T-SLOTS
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
7 - 16 COOLINGBR/BE
COOLING (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY (EXCEPT FOR PULLEY).
(1) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect wiring and secondary cable from
ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts). Do not remove coil mounting
bracket from cylinder head.
(4) Remove tensioner assembly from mounting
bracket (one nut) (Fig. 2).(5) Remove pulley bolt. Remove pulley from ten-
sioner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pulley and pulley bolt to tensioner.
Tighten bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install tensioner assembly to mounting
bracket. An indexing tab is located on back of ten-
sioner. Align this tab to slot in mounting bracket.
Tighten nut to 67 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect all wiring to ignition coil.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to coil case, coil
mounting bolts must be torqued.
(4) Install coil to coil bracket. If nuts and bolts are
used to secure coil to coil bracket, tighten to 11 N´m
(100 in. lbs.) torque. If coil mounting bracket has
been tapped for coil mounting bolts, tighten bolts to 5
N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install drive belt. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(6) Check belt indexing marks (Fig. 2).
BELT TENSIONERS - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner.
Drive belts on 8.0L engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 3). This
belt tensioner will be used with all belt configura-
tions, such as with or without power steering or air
conditioning.
The tensioner is equipped with an indexing arrow
(Fig. 4) on back of tensioner and an indexing mark
on tensioner housing.
OPERATION
WARNING: THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
ASSEMBLY IS SPRING LOADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DISASSEMBLE THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY.
The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt
tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner
housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner
arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the
belt.Fig. 2 Tensioner Indexing Marks and Mounting Nut
1 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
2 - TENSIONER MOUNTING NUT
3 - INDEXING ARROW
4 - INDEXING MARK
7 - 20 ACCESSORY DRIVEBR/BE
BELT TENSIONERS - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L (Continued)

If a new belt is being installed, the arrow must be
within approximately 3 mm (1/8 in.) of indexing
mark (point B-) (Fig. 5). Belt is considered new if it
has been used 15 minutes or less. If this specification
cannot be met, check for:
²The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/
width)
²Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C com-
pressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pul-
ley or generator)
²A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
²Misalignment of an engine accessory
²Belt incorrectly routed.
A used belt should be replaced if tensioner index-
ing arrow has moved to point-A (Fig. 5). Tensioner
travel stops at point-A.
REMOVAL
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY (EXCEPT FOR PULLEY).
CAUTION: If the pulley is to be removed from the
tensioner, its mounting bolt has left-hand threads.
Fig. 3 Belt TensionerÐ8.0L V-10 Engines
1 - PULLEY BOLT
2 - IDLER PULLEY
3 - TENSIONER PULLEY
4 - TENSIONER
5 - TENSIONER MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 4 Indexing MarksÐ8.0L Engines Typical
1 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
2 - TENSIONER MOUNTING NUT
3 - INDEXING ARROW
4 - INDEXING MARK
BR/BEACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 21
BELT TENSIONERS - 8.0L (Continued)