2013 Ram 2500 coolant temperature

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 freez-
ing.
• 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
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
660 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.
• 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 emis-
sions.
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 661

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............656
Adding Fuel ............................ .534
Additives, Fuel .......................... .529
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .175
Airbag ..................................64
Airbag Deployment ........................78
Airbag Light .............................72
Airbag Maintenance ........................80
Airbag, Side ..............................67
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................68
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .646
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................648
Air Conditioning ......................... .314
Air Conditioning Controls ...................314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................648
Air Conditioning System ....................314
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .499
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .260Alarm, Panic
.............................27
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................655
Disposal ............................. .658
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................473
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................255
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .668
Ashtray ............................... .209
Auto Down Power Windows ..................44
Automatic Door Locks ......................36
Automatic Headlights ..................... .158
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........324
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .667
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................668
722 INDEX