2005 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL cooling

CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage, and de-
crease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied 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 loss of coolant and to insure that coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
CAUTION!
Recheck the cooling system to insure total system is
full of coolant.
Fan
Inspection
Check the fan for cracks and bent or broken blades. If any
of these conditions exist, you must replace the fan. Make
sure it is securely mounted.
NOTE:This service procedure must be performed by a
trained service technician. Make arrangements with your
authorized Dodge Truck Dealer for this inspection.
Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)
The charge air cooler is positioned between the radiator
and the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50 to 100
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7

degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more
efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
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 adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Tampering With Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo-
rated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle
after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
•AIR CLEANER
Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from the air
cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting.
•EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust system
components including the muffler or tailpipe.
•ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative the fan clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as manufac-
tured by the manufacturer, was designed, built and
equipped to conform at the time it left the manufacturer’s
control with all applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regu-
lations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built and
equipped by the manufacturer, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle
manufactured by the manufacturer. Defects in design,
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Pull bulb straight from the connector.
3. Reverse procedure for installation of bulbs and hous-
ing.FLUID CAPACITIES
FLUID CAPACITIES U.S. Metric
Fuel
2500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
3500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
3500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
Engine Oil
5.9L Diesel Engine I-6 12.0 qts. 11.4L
Cooling System
5.9L Diesel Engine I-6 7 gal. 26.5L
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 144
Climate Control......................... 204
Clock................................ 170
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 368
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 203
Compact Disc Player..................177,183
Compact Spare Tire...................... 272
Compass...........................131,132
Compass Calibration..................... 132
Compass Variance....................... 133
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 128
Console, Overhead....................... 127
Contract, Service........................ 426
Cooling System......................... 361
Coolant Capacity...................... 397
Coolant Level......................... 361
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 364
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 362Inspection........................... 361
Radiator Cap......................... 364
Selection of Coolant..................363,398
Temperature Gauge..................... 165
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 124
Cup Holder............................ 145
Customer Assistance..................... 424
Daytime Running Lights................... 117
Dealer Service.......................... 340
Defroster, Rear Window..............81,210,214
Defroster, Windshield..................206,209
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 120
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 254
Dipsticks.............................. 343
Power Steering........................ 356
Disc Brakes............................ 366
Disposal.............................. 348
Engine Oil........................... 348
434 INDEX

Used Coolant......................... 364
Door Ajar............................. 164
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Opener, Garage..................... 134
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 351
Drive Belts............................ 348
Dual Rear Wheels.....................280,324
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........81,210,214
Electrical Power Outlets................... 143
Electronic Speed Control................... 124
Emergency Brake........................ 255
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 331
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 314
Jacking............................. 318
Jump Starting......................... 327
Tow Hooks.......................... 331
Towing............................. 332Emission Control System Maintenance......... 402
Engine............................... 338
Air Cleaner.......................... 349
Block Heater.......................224,231
Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Compartment......................... 338
Coolant (Antifreeze).................363,398
Cooling............................. 361
Data Plate........................... 311
Identification......................... 338
Idling.............................. 233
Jump Starting......................... 327
Oil ..............................343,398
Oil Synthetic......................... 233
Runaway............................ 281
Temperature Gauge..................... 165
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 363
Exhaust Gas Caution................69,155,360
Exhaust System....................69,360,375
INDEX 435
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