2013 Ram 1500 engine overheat

exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• 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 ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
646 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion. •
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 647

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

Engine................................ .631
Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Block Heater ......................... .351
Break-In Recommendations ................119
Compartment ......................... .630
Compartment Identification ................630
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................691
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................121
Flooded, Starting ...................... .345
Fuel Requirements ..................... .521
Jump Starting ......................... .612
Oil................................. .637
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .639
Oil Selection .......................... .638
Oil Synthetic ......................... .639
Overheating .......................... .571
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............76
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .522Event Data Recorder
........................83
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................... .121
Exhaust System .......................... .121
Exterior Lighting ......................... .162
Exterior Lights .......................... .124
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Engine Oil ........................... .640
Engine Oil Disposal .....................639
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .124
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ .585
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .529
Engine Oil ........................... .528
Fuel Requirements ..................... .526
Maintenance .......................... .529
Replacement Parts ...................... .529
718 INDEX

Dipstick............................. .637
Disposal ............................. .639
Filter ............................... .640
Filter Disposal ........................ .639
Identification Logo ..................... .638
Recommendation ...................... .638
Synthetic ............................ .639
Viscosity ............................ .639
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .640
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................633
Operating Precautions ..................... .633
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................133
Overdrive .............................. .374
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .374
Overhead Console ........................ .194
Overheating, Engine ...................... .266
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4Paint Care
............................. .661
Panic Alarm ..............................28
Parking Brake ........................... .467
Park Sense System, Rear ....................184
Passing Light ........................... .172
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .179
Personal Settings ......................... .285
Pets ...................................119
Pets, Transporting .........................119
Pickup Box ............................. .229
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........489
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ................668
Door Locks ............................36
Mirrors ............................. .136
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........208
Seats ............................... .141
Sliding Rear Window ....................226
Steering ............................. .465
724 INDEX