2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL engine overheat

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.
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 exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything 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.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to 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.
•
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine CoolantUsed ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Coolant LevelThe coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the coolant recovery bottle should
be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

Oil Change Indicator..................... 193
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 193
Oil, Engine ......................... 431,479
Capacity ............................ 478
Change Interval ....................... 432
Dipstick ............................. 431
Disposal ............................ 433
Filter ............................ 433,479
Filter Disposal ........................ 433
Identification Logo ..................... 432
Materials Added to ..................... 433
Pressure Gauge ....................... 190
Recommendation ................... 432,478
Synthetic ............................ 433
Viscosity ......................... 432,478
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............428,429
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 153
Operating Precautions .................... 428
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4Outside Rearview Mirrors
.................. 83
Overdrive ............................. 257
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 257
Overhead Console .................... 145,146
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 146
Overheating, Engine ...................... 191
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,505
Parking Brake .......................... 329
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 54
Passing Light ........................... 137
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 141
Pets .................................. 73
Pets, Transporting ........................ 73
Phone, Cellular .......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect) ............... 86
Pickup Box ............................ 176
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 350520 INDEX