Page 347 of 440
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
7
Page 348 of 440

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 357 of 440

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 below34°F (37°C) are anticipated.
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.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording 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.WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
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 recovery bottle.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7
Page 424 of 440

Jacking............................. 320
Overheating.......................... 357
Tow Hooks.......................... 327
Towing............................. 328
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 390
Emission Related Components.............. 359
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 346
Block Heater......................... 244
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment......................335,336
Coolant (Antifreeze).................356,386
Cooling............................. 354
Exhaust Gas Caution................33,75,290
Fails to Start.......................... 243
Flooded, Starting...................... 243
Fuel Requirements..................... 385
Jump Starting......................... 325
Oil ...........................340,385,386Oil Filler Cap......................... 343
Oil Selection.......................... 385
Oil Synthetic......................... 344
Overheating.......................... 357
Starting............................. 242
Temperature Gauge..................... 183
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 14
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 313
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 356
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution..............33,75,290,354
Exhaust System.......................75,353
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 47
Exterior Lighting........................ 134
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 346
Engine Fuel.......................... 346
Engine Oil........................344,386
424 INDEX
Page 430 of 440

Change Interval....................... 342
Dipstick............................. 340
Disposal............................ 344
Filter............................344,386
Filter Disposal........................ 344
Identification Logo..................... 343
Materials Added to..................... 344
Recommendation...................343,385
Synthetic............................ 344
Viscosity..........................343,385
Onboard Diagnostic System..............337,338
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 162
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 85
Overdrive..........................186,247
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 247
Overhead Console....................155,156
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 156
Overheating, Engine...................185,357
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 416Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 258
Parking On Hill......................... 258
Passing Light........................... 136
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 141
Pets.................................. 74
Pets, Transporting........................ 74
Phone, Cellular.......................... 88
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 88
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 269
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 360
Power
Brakes.............................. 360
Distribution Center..................370,373
Door Locks.........................14,16
Lift Gate............................. 31
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 170
Steering..........................262,350
430 INDEX