2014 Ram 3500 engine coolant

Idle Shutdown
This feature can be enabled so that the truck will auto-
matically shutdown when the truck has been idling for a
set period of time when the engine is at operating
temperature. Idle time can be set in 5 minute increments
between 5 and 60 minutes. See your local authorized
dealer to enable this feature.
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed (Chassis
Cab Only)
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum vehicle
speed for the vehicle. The 3500 Series maximum vehicle
speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 87 mph
(140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum vehicle
speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 85 mph
(136 km/h). See your local authorized dealer to enable
this feature.
NOTE:DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a
value greater than what the vehicle tires are rated for.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (antifreeze) (a
mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not
exceed the normal range of the temperature gauge 240°F
(116°C) with a 16 psi (110 kPa) radiator cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze) temperature indi-
cated during operation will be to the left of center in the
normal range of the gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature below the normal range on the gauge 140°F
(60°C) can be harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete combus-
tion which allows carbon and varnish to form on piston
rings and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can
enter the crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil and
causing rapid wear to the engine.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

•sudden loss of power
•unusual engine noises
•fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
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.NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR® dealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110–115 Volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
NOTE:The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and 6.5
Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine
block heater usage is recommended.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

Once theExhaust Brake Indicator” is illuminated and
the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h); the
exhaust brake will automatically operate when the driver
removes pressure from the accelerator pedal. Exhaust
braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher.
The automatic transmission will downshift more aggres-
sively in TOW/HAUL mode when the exhaust brake is
enabled to increase brake performance.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recom-
mended and could lead to engine damage
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in
icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine
braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which may cause an accident possi-
bly resulting in personal injury or death.
NOTE:For optimum braking power it is recommended
to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL mode.
The exhaust brake feature can also be used to reduce the
engine warm up time. To use the exhaust brake as a
warm-up device, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 mph (8 km/h), theExhaust Brake Indicator
must be on, and the coolant temperature must be below
180°F (82°C) and ambient temperature below 60°F (16°C).
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the
engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
•The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
•The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.•The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
•The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
•The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.4
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage (and
68RFE-equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear),
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently warm,
will demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift
into and out of Overdrive.•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 239

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models)
1 — Battery 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB MODELS)
1 — Battery 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter 290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 Volt AC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized MOPAR® dealer.
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.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE