2017 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab engine overheat

have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation 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 informa-
tion.
• 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 vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance 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 involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
470 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
(Continued)
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 appli-
cable). 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.
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471

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.
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.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Door LocksDoor Locks ..............................30
KeyFob................................30
Remote ................................30
Remote Keyless Entry ......................30
Door Locks, Automatic .......................32
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .165
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .348
Dual Rear Wheels ....................387, 427, 434
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .172
Electric Rear Window Defrost ..................186
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ..............342
Electronic Brake Control System ................353
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................353
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................361
Traction Control System ....................357
Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........145
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............358
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........205
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .......161
Emergency Brake .......................... .350Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................439
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................426
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Tow Hooks ............................ .440
Emission Control System Maintenance ............449
Engine ................................. .447
Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Break-In Recommendations ................93, 94
Compartment Identification .................447
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .500
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................95, 399
Flooded, Starting ........................ .323
Fuel Requirements ....................... .396
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Oil .............................. .452,
500
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .453
Oil Filter .............................. .454
Oil Selection ........................... .452
Oil Synthetic ........................... .453
Overheating ........................... .426
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .453
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........68, 444
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ................................. .39710
INDEX 519

Multi-Function Control Lever..................137
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............161
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................93, 94
Occupant Restraints .........................40
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................396
Oil, Engine ........................... .452, 500
Capacity .............................. .499
Change Interval ........................ .452
Dipstick .............................. .452
Disposal .............................. .453
Filter ............................. .454, 500
Filter Disposal .......................... .453
Identification Logo ...................... .453
Pressure Warning Light ....................205
Recommendation ........................ .452
Synthetic ............................. .453
Viscosity .............................. .453
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .454
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .205
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................448
Operating Precautions ...................... .448
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................110 Overdrive
............................... .333
Overdrive OFF Switch ...................... .333
Overhead Console ......................... .164
Overheating, Engine ....................... .426
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,514
Paint Care ............................... .481
Panic Alarm ...............................24
Parking Brake ............................ .350
ParkSense System, Rear ...................148, 155
Passing Light ............................ .138
Passive Entry ..............................34
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .142
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .294
Personal

Settings .......................... .230
Pets .....................................93
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........371, 372
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ..................486
Door Locks ..............................32
Mirrors ................................111
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........172, 177
Seats .................................115
Sliding Rear Window ..................... .187
Steering ........................... .349, 350
524 INDEX