2016 Ram 2500 coolant level

Rear Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Rear Fog Light Indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are on.
Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level is low.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211

•Turbo Boost
Displays the actual turbo boost value.
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
Displays the actual tire pressure.
• Gauge Summary
Displays the coolant, trans, oil temp and oil pressure.
• Oil Temp
Displays the actual oil temperature.
Diesel Indicator Lights
Water In Fuel Indicator Light The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start
the vehicle before you drain the water from the fuel filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ters” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
NOTE: The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup — This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds)
During Warmup — This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is between
-10° F (-23° C) and -25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup — This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F
(-32° C) and below. •
Coolant Low — This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel emissions
standards, resulting in one of the lowest emitting diesel
engines ever produced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art
engine and exhaust system. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM manages en-
gine combustion to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to
trap and burn Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no
input or interaction on your part.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233

NOTE:The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is low.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup — This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C). •
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds)
During Warmup — This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is between
-10° F (-23° C) and -25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup — This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F
(-32° C) and below.
• Coolant Low — This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245

you use the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conform-
ing to MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•We recommend using MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA Ma-
terial Standard MS.90032.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F
(37°C) are anticipated. •
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned below the radiator and
the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables more efficient
burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions. To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy
of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at
or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required. •
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air filter.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
380 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............140
Adding Fuel .............................114
Air Bag Light .............................25
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .128
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................28
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................139
Capacities ........................... .146
Disposal ............................. .142
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .150
Axle Fluid ............................. .150
Battery .................................30
Charging System Light ....................30
Brake Fluid ............................ .150
Brake System ........................... .144
Fluid Check .......................... .144
Master Cylinder ....................... .144Warning Light
..........................26
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........146
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .146
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .127
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................142
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .144
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........142
Cooling System .......................... .138
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............140
Coolant Capacity ...................... .146
Coolant Level ......................... .138
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................142
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................139
Points To Remember .....................143
Pressure Cap ......................... .142
Radiator Cap ......................... .142
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........139 , 147
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INDEX - RAM 1500 391