2012 RAM CHASSIS CAB coolant

of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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. • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
• Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
• 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.422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
• 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 engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
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.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately
if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
Standard Rear Tank 52 Gallons 197 Liters
Optional Midship Tank 22 Gallons 83 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Cooling System
5.7L Engine (MOPAR  Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent. 18.7 Quarts 17.7 Liters
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPAR  Antifreeze/Coolant 5–Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter – 5.7L Engine MOPAR  Engine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 5.7L Engine LZFR5C–11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended 450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
• Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S 456 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

72,000 Miles (117,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule ❏ Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
72,000 miles (117 000 km).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4
only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid,
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing. Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center 80,000 Miles (130,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule ❏ Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
80,000 miles (130 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) whichever
comes first.
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S 462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

104,000 Miles (169,000 km) or
78 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule ❏ Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
104,000 miles (169 000 km).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4
only).
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at
104,000 miles (169 000 km) or 60 months
whichever comes first.
❏ Flush and replace power steering fluid. Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center 112,000 Miles (182,000 km) or 84 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule ❏ Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
112,000 miles (182 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 465

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 418
Adding Fuel ........................... 340
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 158
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 408
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 411
Air Conditioning ........................ 256
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 256
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............. 41 1,412
Air Conditioning System ............. 256,260,411
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 267
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 319,330
Airbag ................................ 52
Airbag Deployment ....................... 60
Airbag Light ..................... 58,62,79,200
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 61
Airbag, Side ............................ 57
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 57
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 19
Alarm Light ........................... 192 Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 243
Anti-Lock Warning Light ............... 200,308
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ........................ 19
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 418
Capacities .......................... 449
Disposal ........................... 420
Appearance Care ........................ 430
Ashtray ............................... 169
Assistance Towing ....................... 107
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 87
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 32
Automatic Headlights .................... 148
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 260482 INDEX