2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS radiator cap

5. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

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
7

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

CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage. If a non-
HOAT coolant is introduced into the cooling sys-
tem in an emergency, it should be replaced with
the specified coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” 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.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (front and rear)
Disc brakes do not require periodic adjustment.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Sunroof............................. 143
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 406
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 45
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 43
Programmable Electronic Features.........138,142
Programming Transmitters..............138,142
Radial Ply Tires......................... 272
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......369,371
Radio Operation......................174,191
Radio Remote Controls.................... 205
Radio (Sound Systems)...........174,180,191,197
Rear Axle............................. 374
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 380
Reclining Front Seats..................... 109
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 405Recreational Towing...................... 309
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....310,313
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 311,315
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 283
Refrigerant............................ 363
Relays and Flashers...................... 389
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 43
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 22
Remote Sound System Controls.............. 205
Replacement Tires....................... 276
Reporting Safety Defects................... 432
Restraint, Head......................... 109
Restraints, Child.......................56,62
Rotation, Tires.......................... 280
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 71
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 71
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 432
Safety Information, Tire................... 259
446 INDEX