2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS coolant level

•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” switch has not been
activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section. If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

CRACKING DUE TO WEATHERING DOES NOT AD-
VERSELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE. If, however, exces-
sively deep localized cracks are present, or any part of the
exhaust system abnormally contacts the underbody hard-
ware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced.
Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified. Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core.
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.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
7

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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
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.
448 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. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
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/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (60 000) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000)
[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 spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. X X XXXX
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/
3500, 4X4). X X XXXX
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 (170
000 km). X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. X
504 SCHEDULE “A”
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Adding Fuel........................... 360
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..............436,459
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 440
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............440,441
Air Conditioning System ................277,440
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 280
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 344,352
Airbag .......................... 43,50,80,86
Airbag Light ...................... 53,109,220
Airbag On/Off Switch ................... 50,86
Airbag, Side ............................ 89
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................26,222
Alignment and Balance ................... 351
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............448,483
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 331
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............224,332 Anti-Theft System
..................... 26,222
Appearance Care ........................ 462
Ashtray ............................... 194
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 455
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 456
Fluid Level Check ...................... 454
Fluid Type ........................ 456,486
Shift Indicator ........................ 222
Shifting ............................. 299
Special Additives ...................... 456
Axle Fluid .......................... 452,486
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 452
Ball Joints ............................. 441
Battery ............................... 439
Emergency Starting ..................... 416
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 163
Bearings .............................. 457
518 INDEX

Child Restraint Tether Anchors........60,63,97,101
Child Seat ....................... 56,62,94,100
Cigar Lighter ........................... 194
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ..................... 227,230,238,252,265
Clutch ............................... 451
Clutch Linkage Maintenance ................ 452
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 347
Compass .............................. 180
Compass Calibration ..................... 180
Compass Variance ....................... 182
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 176
Console, Overhead ....................... 175
Contract, Service ........................ 512
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 365
Cooling System ......................... 446
Coolant Capacity ...................... 483
Coolant Level ......................... 446 Disposal of Used Coolant
................ 449
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 447
Inspection ........................... 446
Radiator Cap ...................... 446,449
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......448,483,485
Temperature Gauge ..................... 221
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 172
Cup Holder ............................ 195
Customer Assistance ..................... 510
Data Recorder, Event .................... 54,91
Daytime Running Lights ................... 164
Dealer Service .......................... 430
Defroster, Rear Window .............. 119,280,283
Defroster, Windshield .................. 275,278
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 168
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 327
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 454
520 INDEX