2016 Ram 2500 radiator

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
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compat-
ible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an au-
thorized dealer as soon as possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that al-
lows extended maintenance intervals. This engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) can be used up to ten years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent reduc-
ing this extended maintenance period, it is important that
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) 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!
• 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
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359

•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

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
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 391

New Vehicle Break-In Period..................13
Oil Pressure Light ..........................31
Oil, Engine ............................. .126
Capacity ............................ .146
Change Interval ....................... .127
Dipstick ............................. .126
Disposal ............................. .128
Filter ........................... .128 , 147
Filter Disposal ........................ .128
Materials Added To ..................... .128
Pressure Warning Light .................31,34
Recommendation ...................... .126
Viscosity ............................ .127
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........139
Remote Starting System ......................12 Schedule, Maintenance
.....................152
Seat Belts Reminder ..............................24
Security Alarm ............................28
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..............147
Signals, Turn .............................57
Starting .................................97
Automatic Transmission ...................98
Engine Block Heater .................100 , 107
Remote ...............................12
Starting Procedures .........................97
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) .............97
Tip Start ................................98
Ti re s Pressure Warning Light ....................40
Transfer Case Fluid ............................... .150
394 INDEX - RAM 1500

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............356
Adding Fuel ............................ .312
Air Bag Light ........................... .191
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .340
Air Filter .............................. .340
Alarm (Security Alarm) .....................194
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................355
Capacities ........................... .373
Disposal ............................. .358
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... .365
Fluid Level Check ...................... .364
Fluid Type ........................... .377
Shifting ............................. .286
Axle Fluid ............................. .377
Battery ................................ .196
Blanket .......................... .274 , 354Charging System Light
...................196
Emergency Starting ..................... .326
Brake System ........................... .360
Fluid Check .......................... .360
Master Cylinder ....................... .360
Warning Light ........................ .192
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................286
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........373
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .373
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................358
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .360
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........358
Cooling System .......................... .354
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............356
Coolant Capacity ...................... .373
Coolant Level ......................... .354
396 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500