2016 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab coolant level

CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as a problem.
Diesel Engine
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine does not re-
quire a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods. •
Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•
Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the
Owner ’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 113

1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) •When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) messages. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
3. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
5. Temperature Gauge •
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather or up moun-
tain grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the
upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately
and call an authorized dealer for service.
230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. Fuel Gauge•The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
6. Driver Information Display (DID) •When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Driver Information Display (DID) mes-
sages. Refer to “Driver Information Display (DID)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
7. Temperature Gauge •The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily. •
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather or up moun-
tain grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the
upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately
and call an authorized dealer for service.
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Fog Light Indicator
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257

•Coolant Temp
• Transmission Temp (Automatic only)
• Oil Temp
• Oil Pressure
• Oil Life
• Battery Voltage
• Gauge Summary
• Engine Hours
Fuel Economy Menu Item
Push and release the UPorDOWN arrow button until
the Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted. Push and
Hold the RIGHTarrow button to reset Average Fuel
Economy.
• Current Fuel Economy Gauge •
Average Fuel Economy value
• Range to Empty
• Dual Fuel Tank levels — If Equipped
• Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to display
the Fuel Tank Level submenu item. Your EVIC will
display the fuel levels of the Front and Rear fuel tanks.
The fuel is automatically transferred from the Rear
tank to the Front tank based on both tank levels. Fuel
transfer is complete once the Front Fuel Level is
greater than the Rear Fuel Level.
Trip A
Push and release the UPorDOWN arrow button until
the Trip A menu item is highlighted in the EVIC. The Trip
A information will display the following:
• Distance
• Average MPG
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275

•Oil Life
• Battery Voltage — If Equipped
• Gauge Summary:
– Coolant Temperature
– Transmission Temperature (automatic only)
– Oil Temperature
– Oil Pressure
• Engine Hours
Fuel Economy
Push and release the UPorDOWN arrow
button until the Fuel Economy Menu icon/title
is highlighted. Submenu item:
•
Range
• Current MPG or L/100 km
• Average MPG or L/100 km
• To reset the following features (Range, Current MPG
or L/100 km, or Average MPG / L/100 km), push hold
the RIGHT arrow button till features are reset.
• Dual Fuel Tank levels — If Equipped
• Push and release the RIGHTarrow button to display
the Fuel Tank Level submenu item. Your DID will
display the fuel levels of the Front and Rear fuel tanks.
• The fuel is automatically transferred from the Rear
tank to the Front tank based on both tank levels. Fuel
transfer is complete once the Front Fuel Level is
greater than the Rear Fuel Level.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 295

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.
• 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.
586 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
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.
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE