Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Ram Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truckshould not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door
opening. NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset
if necessary at the beginning and end of the snowplow
season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
408 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:The positive battery post is covered with a
protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post.WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent
electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri- cal accessories.
Positive Battery Post
432 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
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
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
The radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator
tank. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant expan-
sion bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System — Drain Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
3. Check the coolant level on the dipstick.
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 attendantof 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
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 467
Fluid Type........................... .474
Shifting ............................. .300
Special Additives ...................... .474
Axle Fluid ............................. .471
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................471
Battery ................................ .455
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Belts, Seat ...............................50
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................457
B-Pillar Location ......................... .351
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............333
Brake Fluid ............................ .469
Brake System ........................... .330
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .331
Fluid Check .......................... .469
Master Cylinder ....................... .469
Parking ............................. .328Warning Light
........................ .202
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................300
Bulb Replacement ........................ .496
Bulbs, Light .............................114
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................501
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........503
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .503
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .453
Power Steering ........................ .327
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................465
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................110
Cargo Light ............................ .159
Car Washes ............................ .478
Cellular Phone .......................... .268
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............499
Center Lap Belts ...........................59
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............187
10
INDEX 527
Certification Label........................ .387
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .345
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .200
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............110
Checks, Safety ............................110
Child Restraint ............................74
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................98
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......82
Cigar Lighter ........................... .180
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .381
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .480
Climate Control ......................... .268
Cold Weather Operation ....................295
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............267
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .362
Console, Overhead ....................... .174
Contract, Service ......................... .519Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)
...........465
Cooling System .......................... .461
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............463
Coolant Capacity ...................... .503
Coolant Level ......................... .461
Disposal of Used Coolant .................466
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................462
Inspection ........................... .466
Points to Remember .....................468
Pressure Cap ......................... .465
Radiator Cap ......................... .465
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............462
Corrosion Protection ...................... .477
Cupholders ............................ .182
Customer Assistance ...................... .517
Data Recorder, Event .......................73
Daytime Running Lights ....................152
Dealer Service ........................... .449
528 INDEX