2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab air conditioning

•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.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
(Continued)
388 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

•Any time 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 the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
BODYWORK
Protection From Atmospheric Agents
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road
surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or
cold weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody protec-
tion.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resis-
tance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Body And Underbody Maintenance
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed
by rinsing.
420 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............385
Adding Fuel ............................. .289
Additives, Fuel ........................ .290, 430
Adjust Down .............................. .46, 48
Forward ............................ .46, 48
Rearward ........................... .46, 48
Up ................................ .46, 48
Adjustable Pedals ...........................59
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .200
Air Bag Warning Light .....................197
Enhanced Accident Response .............206, 355
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................355
If A Deployment Occurs ....................205
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .201
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............207
Transporting Pets ....................... .233
Air Bag Light ...................... .150, 197, 234
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .207
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......368
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................371
Air Conditioning ............................82
Air Conditioning Filter ....................97, 372
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................97Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............371, 372
Air Conditioning System ...................96, 371
Air Filter ............................... .368
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .405
Alarm, Panic ...............................22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................33, 151
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................33
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................385
Capacities ............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .387
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................164
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................156
Ashtray ................................ .127
Assist,

Hill Start .......................... .166
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .441
Auto Down Power Windows ...................99
Automatic Door Locks ........................40
Automatic Headlights ........................72
Automatic High Beams .......................71
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............96
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .391
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................392
Fluid Level Check .....................389, 390
512 INDEX

Exterior Lights......................... .69, 236
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .368
Air Conditioning ..................... .97, 372
Engine Fuel ........................... .435
Engine Oil ......................... .368, 435
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .368
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .75, 158, 236
Flash-To-Pass ..............................72
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .344
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .243
Fluid, Brake ............................. .437
Fluid Capacities ........................... .434
Fluid Leaks .............................. .236
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................390
Brake ................................ .388
Power Steering ......................... .269
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .435
Fog Lights ......................... .74, 157, 328
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................117
Folding Rear Seat ...........................43
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................320 Four Wheel Drive
......................... .257
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .350
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .392
Fuel ................................... .429
Adding .............................. .289
Additives .......................... .290, 430
Clean Air ............................. .430
Ethanol .............................. .431
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .290
Filter ................................ .435
Gasoline .............................. .429
Light ................................ .156
Materials Added ..................... .290, 430
Methanol ............................. .431
Octane

Rating .......................... .429
Requirements .......................... .429
Tank Capacity .......................... .434
Fuses .................................. .331
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............102, 108
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .....................290
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .430
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .430
Gear Ranges ............................. .249
Gear Select Lever Override ....................349
516 INDEX