2016 Ram 1500 engine overheat

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).
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
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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.
776 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
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 813

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.
814 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 819

Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck................775
Hazard Warning Flasher..................725
Jump Starting..........................770
Tow Hooks............................776
Emission Control System Maintenance..........792
Engine..............................789, 790
Air Cleaner...........................799
Block Heater..........................486
Break-In Recommendations................116
Compartment..........................788
Compartment Identification.........788, 789, 790
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................863
Exhaust Gas Caution.................118,679
Flooded, Starting.......................480
Fuel Requirements...................674, 861
Jump Starting..........................770
Oil ...........................795, 861, 863
Oil Filler Cap.......................797, 798Oil Filter.............................799
Oil Selection.......................796, 861
Oil Synthetic..........................798
Overheating...........................725
Engine Oil Viscosity....................797, 798
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................797
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............80
Entry System, Illuminated....................24
Ethanol.............................676, 680
Event Data Recorder........................83
Exhaust Gas Caution....................118,679
Exhaust System.......................118,812
Exterior Lighting..........................173
Exterior Lights...........................121
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................799
Engine Oil.........................799, 863
Engine Oil Disposal.....................798
10
INDEX 897

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................665
MOPAR Parts.........................793, 885
MTBE/ETBE............................676
Multi-Function Control Lever.................183
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS).............214
New Vehicle Break-In Period.................116
Occupant Restraints........................51
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................674
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)...........569, 591
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)...........569, 591
Oil, Engine..........................795, 863
Capacity.............................861
Change Interval........................796
Dipstick..............................795
Disposal..............................798
Filter.............................799, 863Filter Disposal.........................798
Identification Logo......................796
Pressure Warning Light................305, 308
Recommendation....................796, 861
Synthetic.............................798
Viscosity.......................797, 798, 861
Oil Filter, Change.........................799
Oil Filter, Selection........................799
Oil Pressure Light......................305, 308
Onboard Diagnostic System..................791
Operating Precautions......................791
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors...................138
Overdrive...........................509, 520
Overdrive OFF Switch..................509, 520
Overhead Console.........................217
Overheating, Engine.......................725
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)..........4,886
10
INDEX 903