2012 Ram Cargo Van brake

•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do 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.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 567

Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
568 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
The six–speed transmission is equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors and rocker panels be kept clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar
cause which destroys the paint and protective coating,
have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The
cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of
the owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust the
following MOPAR wheel cleaners are recommended or
select a non-abrasive, non acidic cleaner.
•For chrome wheels, use MOPAR Chrome Cleaner
(Part# 04318013) or equivalent.
•For aluminum wheels, use MOPAR Wheel Cleaner
(Part# 04796239AB) or equivalent.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573

CAUTION!
•When installing the Totally Integrated Power
Module cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to
do so may allow water to get into the Integrated
Power Module, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
The numbers inside the TIPM cover correspond to the
following table.
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J1 40 Amp Green — Power Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp Pink — Power Liftgate Mod-
ule
J3 30 Amp Pink — Rear Door Module
J4 25 Amp Natural — Driver Door Node
J5 25 Amp Natural — Passenger Door Node
J6 40 Amp Green — Antilock Brakes
Pump/Stability Con-
trol System
J7 30 Amp Pink — Antilock Brakes
Valve/Stability Con-
trol System
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 579

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M1 — 15 Amp BlueRear Center Brake
Lamp/Brake Switch
M2 — 20 Amp YellowTrailer Lighting, Front
Fog Lamps, Intelli-
gent Battery Sensor
(IBS)
M3 — 20 Amp YellowFront/Rear Axle
Locker, Vacuum
Pump Motor
M4 — 10 Amp RedTrailer Tow
M5 — 25 Amp NaturalInverterCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M6 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #1
(ACC), Rain Sensor,
Cigar Lighter (Instru-
ment Panel or with
Console Rear)
M7 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
– Center Seat or with
Console Rear
M8 — 20 Amp YellowFront Heated Seat – If
Equipped
M9 — 20 Amp YellowRear Heated Seat – If
Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 581

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M32 — 10 Amp RedAirbag Module,
THATCHUM – If
Equipped
M33 — 10 Amp RedPowertrain
M34 — 10 Amp RedPark Assist, Heater
Climate Control Mod-
ule, Headlamp Wash,
Compass, Rear Cam-
era, Door Lamps,
Flashlight, Relay Die-
sel Cabin Heater, Rad
Fan Diesel – If
Equipped
M35 — 10 Amp RedHeated MirrorsCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M36 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #3 (In-
strument Panel or
with Console Center)
M37 — 10 Amp RedAntilock Brakes, Sta-
bility Control, Stop
Lamp, Fuel Pump
M38 — 25 Amp NaturalDoor Lock/Unlock
Motors, Liftgate
Lock/Unlock Motors
The heated mirrors, lower instrument panel power outlet
and removable floor console, when in the front position
are fused with self-resetting fuses that are only service-
able by an authorized dealer. The power seats are fused
by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the driver’s
seat. The power windows are fused by a 25 Amp circuit
breaker located under the instrument panel near the
584 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 591