2017 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab radiator cap

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Ram Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck shouldnot exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow sys-
tem, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, op-
tions, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE: Detach the snowplow when transporting passen-
gers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifications
at the factory without consideration for the weight of the
plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the snowplow
season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator should
be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce
speed and use extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar
areas or under poor visibility.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the upper
switch bank just below the radio.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic
of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to turn off
the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down. •
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
430 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE:The positive battery post may be covered with a
protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the cap to gain access
to the positive battery post. Do not jump off fuses. Only
jump directly off positive post which has a positive (+)
symbol on or around the post.
WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is ON. You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent
electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis- sion into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
Correct Positive Jumping Location
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 441

WARNING!(Continued)
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, 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.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE 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 main-
tenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is differ-
ent and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

NOTE:
•It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. 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 pos-
sible.
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 over-
heated. 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 speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
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 animals 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 479

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). Ad-
vise 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 additional
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 normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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 pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• 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.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Type......................... .484, 510
Shifting .............................. .331
Special Additives ........................ .484
Axle Fluid ........................ .482, 483, 510
Axle Lubrication ....................... .482, 483
Back-Up Camera .......................... .160
Battery .............................. .204, 463
Charging System Light ....................204
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................25
Belts, Seat .................................93
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................471
B-Pillar Location .......................... .376
Brake Assist System ........................ .359
Brake Control System, Electronic ................357
Brake Fluid .......................... .481, 510
Brake System ......................... .356, 481
Fluid Check ........................... .481
Master Cylinder ........................ .481
Parking .............................. .355
Warning Light .......................... .202
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................331
Bulb Replacement ......................... .501Bulbs, Light
........................... .96, 500
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................505
Camera, Rear ............................ .160
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........507
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .507
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .459
Power Steering ......................... .354
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................479
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................93, 405
Cargo Light ............................. .135
Car Washes .............................. .487
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............504
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............183
Certification Label ......................... .407
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .372
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .455
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................92
Checks, Safety .............................92
Child Restraint .............................67
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................71
Child Restraints ..........................67
Child Seat Installation ...................81, 82
10
INDEX 525

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.........79
Infants And Child Restraints .................69
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............76
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........73
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........70
Seating Positions ..........................72
Cigar Lighter ............................ .177
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .402
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .488
Climate Control ........................... .280
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .327
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................278
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .386
Console, Overhead ........................ .163
Contract, Service .......................... .520
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............479
Cooling System ........................... .476
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................478
Coolant Capacity ........................ .507
Coolant Level ....................... .477, 480
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................479
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................477
Inspection ............................. .480
Points To Remember ..................... .480Pressure Cap
........................... .479
Radiator Cap .......................... .479
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........477, 508
Corrosion Protection ....................... .486
Cruise Light .......................... .221, 222
Cupholders .............................. .179
Customer Assistance ....................... .518
Customer Programmable Features ...............259
Daytime Running Lights .....................129
Dealer Service ............................ .456
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .187
Defroster, Windshield ........................94
Delay

(Intermittent) Wipers ...................137
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................350
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Power Steering ......................... .354
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................446
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................479
Do Not Disturb ........................... .319
Door Ajar ............................... .207
Door Ajar Light ........................... .207
526 INDEX