2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS engine coolant

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, add the recommended concentration of
antifreeze and water to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
NOTE:Failure to follow the antifreeze concentration
and replacement recommendations, or failure to use
antifreeze formulated to prevent corrosion of all cooling
system metals, may result in radiator plugging, overheat-
ing, or cooling system leaks such as in core hole plugs.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool an overheated engine. The coolant is under
pressure and severe scalding could result.
Recommended Engine Coolant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-HOAT),
may result in engine damage that may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty, and decreased cor-
rosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant is intro-
duced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the specified coolant as soon
as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base anti-
freeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors
or antirust products, as they may not be compatible
with the radiator coolant and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent the loss of coolant and to insure that the coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant bottle. The
pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is
any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
radiator pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
7

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395. Refer to
oil viscosity chart for alternative grade.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (all except 5.7L) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method, Mid-Grade Preferred (87 Octane acceptable)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XX
Flush and replace engine coolant.X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X
394 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (58 000) (67 000) (77 000) (84 000) (96 000) (106 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4)
models only.X X XXXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Replace ignition cables.X
398 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Miles 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not done at 60 mos. X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models only. X X X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L).X³X³
Replace ignition cables.X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV Valve, replace as necessary X*
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner, but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
400 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Adding Fuel........................259,295
Air Cleaner, Engine...................334,357
Air Conditioner Maintenance............327,338
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.......327,328,338,339
Air Conditioning System.............187,327,338
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 191
Air Pressure, Tires....................244,251
Airbag..............................45,50
Airbag Light.........................70,144
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 50
Airbag, Side............................ 53
Alarm..............................29,147
Alignment and Balance................... 250
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............346,379
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 231
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............148,232
Anti-Theft System.....................29,147
Appearance Care........................ 361Ashtray............................... 127
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 353
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 355
Fluid Level Check...................... 352
Fluid Type........................354,382
Shift Indicator........................ 147
Shifting............................. 208
Special Additives...................... 355
Axle Fluid.......................272,350,382
Axle Lubrication.....................272,350
Ball Joints............................. 340
Battery............................... 337
Emergency Starting..................... 312
Bearings.............................. 355
Belts, Drive............................ 333
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 341
414 INDEX