2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL engine coolant

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
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 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
degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process enables more
efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil(6.7L Turbo Diesel)Use (SAE 15W-40, API CJ-4 Certified, that meets DaimlerChrysler Material
Standards MS-10902. Products meeting Cummins CES 20081 Standards may
also be used.)
Engine Oil Filter
(6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine)MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 05083285AA or equivalent.
Engine Fuel Filter
(6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine)MopartFuel Filter, P/N 05183410AA or equivalent. Must meet 7 micron rat-
ing.Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturers filtration and
water separating requirements can severely impact fuel system life and re-
liability.
Crankcase Ventilation Filter
(6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine)MopartCCV Filter, P/N 68001433AA or equivalent.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Drain water from the fuel filter.
²Check Filter MinderŸ (If Equipped). Replace air
cleaner filter element if necessary.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the U-Joints (if equipped) and front suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4).
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
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(Miles) (45,000) (52,500) (60,000) (67,500) (75,000)
Kilometers 72 000 84 000 97 000 109 000 121 000
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Change the transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not replaced at 100,000 miles (160 000 km).***X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
488 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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(Miles) (82,500) (90,000) (97,500) (100,000) (105,000)
Kilometers 133 000 145 000 157 000 160 000 169 000
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not replaced at
60 mos.***X
Inspect the transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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(Miles) (112,500) (120,000) (127,50) (135,000) (142,500) (150,000)
Kilometers 181 000 193 000 205 0000 217 000 229 000 241 000
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X XXXXX
Rotate tires. X XXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X XXXXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months,
if not replaced at 100,000 miles (161 000 km).***X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X X
Change transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. X X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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Adding Fuel........................... 349
Adjustable Pedals....................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................419,452
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System................252,430
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 255
Air Filter.............................. 419
Air Pressure, Tires....................325,333
Airbag............................35,48,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,190
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,192
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 332
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 245Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............438,439
Capacities........................... 479
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............195,314
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,192
Appearance Care........................ 455
Ashtray............................... 162
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 146
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 85
Automatic Door Locks.................... 146
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission................... 447
Adding Fluid......................448,449
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 450
Fluid Level Check...................... 448
Fluid Type........................447,482
Shift Indicator........................ 192
506 INDEX