2018 Ram 2500 engine coolant

Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended, because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select De-
frost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions, such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from
the air. Contact an authorized dealer to service your cabin
air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 105

Base Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display •When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
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 is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
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, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Servicing And Mainte-
nance.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter •When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the
electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay
within the normal range if the battery is charged. If the
pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE: The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater
system. The number of cycles and the length of the cycling
operation is controlled by the engine control module.
Post-heat operation can run for several minutes, and then
the electrical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge
•The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
6. Instrument Cluster Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further 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, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171

allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Servicing And Mainte-
nance.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle may be equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver. With
the ignition in the STOP/OFF mode, opening/closing of a
door will activate the display for viewing, and display the
total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your instrument
cluster display is designed to display important informa-
tion about your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a
driver interactive display located on the instrument panel,
your instrument cluster display can show you how sys-
tems are working and give you warnings when they are
not. The steering wheel mounted controls allow you to
scroll through the main menus and submenus. You can
access the specific information you want and make selec-
tions and adjustments.
172 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

cluster display. Push and release therightarrow button to
enter the submenus items of Vehicle Info. Follow the
directional prompts to access or reset any of the following
Vehicle Info submenu items:
• Tire Pressure
• Transmission Temp (Automatic only)
• Oil Temp
• Oil Life
• Air Suspension — If Equipped
• Coolant Temp — If Equipped
• Oil Pressure — If Equipped
• Battery Voltage — If Equipped
• Gauge Summary — If Equipped
• Engine Hours
Fuel Economy
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and Hold the rightarrow button to
reset Average Fuel Economy.
• Current Fuel Economy Gauge •
Average Fuel Economy Value
• Range To Empty
Trip A/Trip B
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Trip menu item is highlighted in the instrument cluster
display. Push and release the rightarrow button to enter
the submenus of Trip A and Trip B. The Trip A or Trip B
information will display the following:
• Distance
• Average Fuel Economy
• Elapsed Time
Push and hold rightarrow button to reset all information.
Trailer Tow
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the rightarrow button
and the next screen will display the following trailer trip
information:
• Trip (trailer specific) Distance: Push and hold the right
arrow button to reset the distance.
• Trailer Brake
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15
seconds when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the tempera-
ture reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will be
sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool:
whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If
Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging
properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light
turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This
light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The
engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected
while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

CAUTION!(Continued)
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoper-
able. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to your au-
thorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal (11.0 L)
this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The
light will turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not function-
ing and service is required as soon as possible. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have
the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant
level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler cap is loose.
Properly close the filler cap to disengage the light. If the
light does not turn off, please see your authorized dealer.
— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means
that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature
is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as
trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK
and run the engine at idle or slightly higher until the light
turns off.
196 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To exit ERS mode, simply hold the gear selector to the right
(+) (console shift) or press and hold the ERS (+) switch
(column shift) until the gear limit display disappears from
the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
gear selector to the left (-) (console shift) or the ERS (-)
switch down (column shift). The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descending
steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the engine.
Apply the brakes as needed to prevent engine over-
speed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (fourth and fifth gears). The transmission
will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following
conditions are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position,
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature,
• The engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached an adequate
temperature,
Console Gear Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 313