2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS coolant level

For 3.7L, 4.7L, and 5.7L engines, check the coolant bottle
hoses for condition and tightness of the connections at
both the coolant bottle and radiator.
Coolant Level ( 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L Engines)
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method of determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
coolant bottle should be between the fluid level marks.
Check the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no longer a need to remove the coolant pressure cap
except for checking coolant freeze point or replacement
with new antifreeze coolant.
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.
Drain, Flush And Refill
At intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to
your dealer or consult a service manual for proper
procedures.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34°F (
37°C) are anticipated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
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Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing according to
the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle
is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
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.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
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, if not replaced at 102,000 miles (163
000 km).X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. Replace if
necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary. **X
Replace ignition cables.X
SCHEDULE “A” 423
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Adding Fuel........................285,321
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 358,382
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............362,363
Air Conditioning System................ 211,362
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 215
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,277
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................71,166
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,169
Alignment and Balance................... 277
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............370,403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 256
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............170,258
Anti-Theft System.....................29,169
Appearance Care........................ 385Ashtray............................... 148
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 378
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 379
Fluid Level Check...................... 377
Fluid Type........................379,406
Shift Indicator........................ 169
Shifting............................. 232
Special Additives...................... 379
Axle Fluid.......................298,374,406
Axle Lubrication.....................298,374
Ball Joints............................. 364
Battery............................... 361
Emergency Starting..................... 337
Bearings.............................. 380
Belts, Drive............................ 357
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 366
436 INDEX

Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 148
Climate Control......................... 208
Clock................................ 173
Clutch............................... 374
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 374
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 207
Compact Disc Player..................180,187
Compact Spare Tire...................... 272
Compass...........................133,134
Compass Calibration..................... 134
Compass Variance....................... 136
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 130
Console, Overhead....................... 129
Contract, Service........................ 430
Converter, Catalytic...................... 291
Cooling System......................... 368
Coolant Capacity...................... 403
Coolant Level......................... 369Disposal of Used Coolant................ 371
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 369
Inspection........................... 368
Radiator Cap......................369,371
Selection of Coolant...............370,403,405
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 125
Cup Holder............................ 149
Customer Assistance..................... 428
Daytime Running Lights................... 118
Dealer Service.......................... 352
Defroster, Rear Window..............81,214,218
Defroster, Windshield..................210,213
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 121
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 253
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 377
Power Steering........................ 363
438 INDEX