2014 Ram 1500 coolant level

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure WarningLight**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS)Light**
- Air Bag Warning Light**
- Electronic ThrottleControl (ETC) Light
- Engine TemperatureWarning Light
- Transmission TemperatureWarning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction IndicatorLight (MIL)**
- SERV (Service) 4WDIndicator Light
- Low Coolant LevelIndicator Light
(See page 169 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
8

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
1500 3.0L DIESEL
145

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to
its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recom-
mended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be
located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
6.7L CUMMINS® DIESEL
155

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
171

- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns
off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as “Change Oil Soon” and “Oil Change Needed”)
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
174

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
•1500 Models Only
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months on 1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•2500 – 3500 Models
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
or twelve months on 2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
215

Maintenance Chart — Gasoline Engine
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. XXXXXXXInspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear
oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-
road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid.
XXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary. X XXXXX X
Adjust parking brake as necessary. XX XXXX X
Inspect transfer case fluid. XXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX XX X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (6.4L engine).** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s)
(six-speed automatic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
216

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil
change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe
Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
219