2015 Ram 3500 engine overheat

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• 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).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 731

CAUTION!(Continued)
•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.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important 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.
770 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 775

Break-In Recommendations................113
Compartment ......................... .744
Compartment Identification .........744, 745, 746
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................817
Exhaust Gas Caution .................114,632
Flooded, Starting ...................... .445
Fuel Requirements ...................627, 815
Jump Starting ......................... .725
Oil .......................... .751, 815, 817
Oil Filler Cap ...................... .753, 754
Oil Selection ...................... .752, 815
Oil Synthetic ......................... .754
Overheating .......................... .679
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................753, 754
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................753
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............78
Entry System, Illuminated ....................24
Ethanol ............................... .629
Event Data Recorder ........................81 Exhaust Gas Caution
....................114,632
Exhaust System .......................114,768
Exterior Lighting ......................... .165
Exterior Lights ...........................117
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .755
Engine Oil ........................ .754, 817
Engine Oil Disposal .....................754
Flashers Turn Signal .....................117, 175, 285
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... .698, 719
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .635
Engine Oil ........................... .634
Fuel Requirements ...................633, 634
Maintenance .......................... .636
Replacement Parts ...................... .635
Starting ............................. .635
10
INDEX 847

Occupant Restraints........................49
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................627
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ...........526, 549
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ...........526, 549
Oil, Engine ......................... .751, 817
Capacity ............................ .815
Change Interval ....................... .752
Dipstick ............................. .751
Disposal ............................. .754
Filter ............................ .754, 817
Filter Disposal ........................ .754
Identification Logo ..................... .752
Recommendation ....................752, 815
Synthetic ............................ .754
Viscosity ...................... .753, 754, 815
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .754
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................747
Operating Precautions ..................... .747
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4Outside Rearview Mirrors
...................134
Overdrive .......................... .474, 485
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................474, 485
Overhead Console ........................ .209
Overheating, Engine ...................... .679
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,837
Paint Care ............................. .786
Panic Alarm ..............................28
Parking Brake ........................... .572
ParkSense® System, Rear ................189, 198
Passing Light ........................... .176
Passive Entry .............................42
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .183
Personal Settings ..................... .319, 346
Pets ...................................112
Pets, Transporting .........................112
Pickup Box ...................... .248, 251, 268
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........598
10
INDEX 853