2013 Ram 1500 antifreeze

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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 Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Checking Coolant Level
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be between the MIN and MAX range on
the dipstick.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 651

To check the coolant level:
1. Open the coolant reservoir.
2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the reservoirneck. 3. Check the coolant level on the dipstick.
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
652 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-
12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 653

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, 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 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.
654 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

U.S.Metric
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 14 Quarts
13 Liters
4.7L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 14 Quarts
13 Liters
5.7L Engine – 1500 Models (We recommend you use MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 16 Quarts
15 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use
MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula.) 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models w/Heavy Duty (We recommend
you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile For-
mula.) 19.2 Quarts
18.2 Liters
690 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology).
Engine Oil We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine For 2500/3500 trucks operating
under a gross combined weight rating greaterthan
14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.) We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR® brand Engine Oil
Filters.
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap
0.043 in [1.1 mm])
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 691

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............649
Adding Fuel ............................ .530
Additives, Fuel .......................... .524
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .179
Airbag ..................................66
Airbag Deployment ........................80
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................82
Airbag, Side ..............................69
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................70
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .640
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................642
Air Conditioning ......................... .315
Air Conditioning Controls ...................315
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................642
Air Conditioning System ....................315
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .494
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .262Alarm, Panic
.............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................648
Disposal ............................. .651
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................470
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .661
Ashtray ............................... .212
Auto Down Power Windows ..................45
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .162
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........325
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .660
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................661
714 INDEX

Cargo Light............................ .170
Car Washes ............................ .662
Cellular Phone .......................... .314
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............684
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............219
Certification Label ........................ .532
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .483
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .257
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............120
Checks, Safety .......................... .120
Child Restraint ............................84
Cigar Lighter ........................... .212
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .522
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .664
Climate Control ......................... .314
Cold Weather Operation ....................345
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............313
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .498Console, Overhead
....................... .194
Contract, Service ......................... .707
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........650
Cooling System .......................... .647
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............649
Coolant Capacity ...................... .689
Coolant Level ......................... .648
Disposal of Used Coolant .................651
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................648
Inspection ........................... .651
Points to Remember .....................653
Pressure Cap ......................... .650
Radiator Cap ......................... .650
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............648
Corrosion Protection ...................... .661
Cupholders ............................ .214
Customer Assistance ...................... .705
Data

Recorder, Event .......................83
716 INDEX