2014 Ram 1500 engine overheat

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle.
Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, caus-
ing serious injury.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 677

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 707

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant 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.
708 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant should be between the ADD and SAFE range on
the dipstick.
To check the coolant level:
1. Open the coolant reservoir.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 713

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........189
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............532
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .297
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Setup
Menu ............................... .297
EVIC Messages ........................ .297
Selectable Menu Items ....................323
Emergency Brake ........................ .521
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................675
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................629
Jump Starting ......................... .671
Tow Hooks ........................... .677
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........694
Engine ................................ .691
Air Cleaner .......................... .701
Block Heater ......................... .399
Break-In Recommendations ................119 Compartment
......................... .690
Compartment Identification ................690
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................758
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................121
Flooded, Starting ...................... .393
Fuel Requirements ..................... .577
Jump Starting ......................... .671
Oil................................. .697
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .699
Oil Selection .......................... .698
Oil Synthetic ......................... .700
Overheating .......................... .629
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .699
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................699
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............79
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .578
Event Data Recorder ........................82
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................... .121
788 INDEX

Onboard Diagnostic System..................693
Operating Precautions ..................... .693
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................139
Overdrive .............................. .422
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .422
Overhead Console ........................ .212
Overheating, Engine ...................... .293
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .725
Panic Alarm ..............................28
Parking Brake ........................... .521
ParkSense® System, Rear ....................193
Passing Light ........................... .180
Passive Entry .............................42
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .187
Personal Settings ......................... .327
Pets ...................................119 Pets, Transporting
.........................119
Pickup Box ............................. .248
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........546
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ................734
Door Locks ............................39
Mirrors ............................. .142
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........227
Seats ............................... .147
Sliding Rear Window ....................245
Steering ............................. .518
Sunroof ............................. .224
Windows ..............................46
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .760
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................68
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................66
Programmable Electronic Features .............327
10
INDEX 795