2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab radiator cap

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.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, apply the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Correct Positive Jumping Location
344 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

•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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT (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 HOT
(H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine
off immediately and call for service.
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the following
procedure to temporarily move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of the steering column, and
push and hold the override release lever up.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 347

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 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.DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
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 autho-
rized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
382 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
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 a local autho-
rized 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 engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
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.
384 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated 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 coolant in open contain-
ers 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.
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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 385

•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
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. 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
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
386 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fluid Type......................... .387, 435
Shifting .............................. .247
Special Additives ........................ .388
Axle Fluid ........................ .390, 391, 435
Axle Lubrication ....................... .390, 391
Back-Up ................................ .284
Back-Up Camera .......................... .284
Battery .............................. .149, 363
Charging System Light ....................149
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................22
Belts, Seat ............................... .232
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................376
B-Pillar Location .......................... .398
Brake Assist System ........................ .162
Brake Control System, Electronic ................161
Brake Fluid .......................... .386, 435
Brake System ......................... .386, 424
Fluid Check ........................... .386
Master Cylinder ........................ .386
Parking .............................. .243
Warning Light .......................... .147
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................246
Bulb Replacement ......................... .323Bulbs, Light
.......................... .234, 323
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................328
Camera ................................ .284
Camera, Rear ............................ .284
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........432
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .432
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .362, 366
Power Steering ......................... .267
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................384
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................231, 431
Cargo Light ...............................
73
Car Washes .............................. .418
Cellular Phone ........................... .483
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............326
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............109
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .337
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .394
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .157
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............231
Checks, Safety ............................ .231
Child Restraint ........................... .204
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .209
12
INDEX 511

Child Restraints........................ .204
Child Seat Installation ..................220, 221
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........218
Infants And Child Restraints ................207
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............215
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......211
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........208
Seating Positions ........................ .210
Cigar Lighter ............................ .123
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .428
Cleaning Wheels ................................411
Climate Control ............................80
Manual ................................80
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .242
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................501
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .409
Contract, Service .......................... .506
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............384
Cooling System ........................... .382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................383
Coolant Capacity ........................ .432
Coolant Level ....................... .382, 385
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................385
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................382 Inspection
............................. .385
Points To Remember ..................... .385
Pressure Cap ........................... .384
Radiator Cap .......................... .384
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........382, 433
Corrosion Protection ....................... .417
Cruise Light ............................. .156
Cupholders ...............................118
Customer Assistance ....................... .504
Customer Programmable Features ...............461
Daytime Running Lights ......................69
Dealer Service ............................ .364
Defr

oster, Rear Window .......................80
Defroster, Windshield .....................80, 232
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ....................77
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................156
Differential, Limited-Slip .....................263
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................388
Power Steering ......................... .267
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................350
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................385
Door Ajar ............................... .150
512 INDEX