2014 Ram 2500 coolant level

•Hill Decent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
The Hill Decent Control symbol indicates the
status of the Hill Descent Control (HDC) fea-
ture. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is
armed. HDC can only be armed when the
transfer case is in the “4WD LOW” position and the
vehicle speed is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these
conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC
feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.
5. EVIC Amber Telltales
• Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low. •
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
• Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this telltale
turns on, safely pull over and stop the vehicle.
Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the
engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295

seconds and then returns to the previous screen. An
example of this message type is “Automatic High Beams
On”.
EVIC Amber Telltales
This area will show reconfigurable amber caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low. •
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
• Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
700 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 MIN and MAX range on
the dipstick.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 701

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.
Opening The Coolant Reservoir
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
702 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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.
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant bottle
should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” range on the
bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the cap unless checking for coolant
freeze point or replacing engine coolant (antifreeze).Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 703

Severe Duty All Models
•Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environ-
ment. 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 dam-
age. 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
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 751

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............699
Adding Fuel ............................ .577
Additives, Fuel .......................... .571
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .180
Airbag ..................................67
Airbag Deployment ........................78
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................79
Airbag, Side ..............................70
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................71
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .689
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................691
Air Conditioning ......................... .356
Air Conditioning Controls ...................356
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................691
Air Conditioning System ....................356
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .541
Air Suspension .......................... .451
Alarm Light ............................ .283Alarm, Panic
.............................27
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................698
Disposal ............................. .701
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................517
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................278
Appearance Care ........................ .712
Ashtray ............................... .224
Auto Down Power Windows ..................46
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ..................... .163
Automatic Transmission ....................397
Adding Fluid ..........................711
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................712
Fluid Change ......................... .712
Fluid Level Check ...................... .708
Fluid Type ........................... .708
770 INDEX