2019 Ram 2500 Cooling system

10
DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 506
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 507
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 509
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 509
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 511
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 516
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 517
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 517
Exhaust System ........................................................... 520
Cooling System ........................................................... 522
Brake System ............................................................... 527
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 528
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 529
Transfer Case ............................................................... 530
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 531 
TIRES ..................................................................................531
Tire Safety Information ............................................531
Tires — General Information ...................................541
Tire Types .....................................................................547
Spare Tires — If Equipped .....................................548
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................551
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 552
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............................553
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................555
Treadwear .....................................................................556
Traction Grades............................................................ 556
Temperature Grades ................................................... 556
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................557
 BODYWORK ......................................................................557
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................557
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................558
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 558
 INTERIORS .......................................................................561
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................561
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................562
Leather Parts.................................................................563
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................563

90 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to
manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning system.
When the air conditioning system is turned on, cool dehu-
midified air will flow through the outlets into the cabin. For
improved fuel economy, press the A/C button to turn off the
air conditioning and manually adjust the blower and airflow
mode settings. Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level,
or Floor modes.
NOTE:
• For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is in Mix, Flooror Defrost Mode, the A/C can be turned off, but the A/C
system shall remain active to prevent fogging of the
windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase blower speed if needed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located in
front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of the radi -
ator and through the condenser. MAX A/C
MAX A/C sets the control for maximum cooling perfor
-
mance.
Press and release to toggle between MAX A/C and the prior
settings. The button illuminates when MAX A/C is on.
In MAX A/C, the blower level and mode position can be
adjusted to desired user settings. Pressing other settings will
cause the MAX A/C operation to switch to the selected
setting and MAX A/C to exit.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to
excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may be
unavailable (button on the touchscreen greyed out) if condi -
tions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the
windshield.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, if equipped, the
Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost mode to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation is
disabled automatically if this mode is selected. Attempting
to use Recirculation while in this mode causes the LED in the
control button to blink and then turns off.

92 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
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
damage 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 Defrost
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.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to the
heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of the rear window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the heating
elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking with
warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.

162 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
7. Temperature Gauge•The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.The pointer positioned within the normal range indi -
cates that the engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
•The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera -
ture 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 Maintenance.” Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
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.

164 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium 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 displayshows 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 whenthe 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 gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature.The pointer positioned within the normal range indi -
cates that the engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
•The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera -
ture 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 Maintenance.” Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle will 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 information
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 systems 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 selections and adjustments.
Instrument Cluster Display Controls
The instrument cluster display features a driver-interactive
display that is located in the instrument cluster.Base Instrument Cluster Display
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
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.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

286 SAFETY
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An
unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured,
or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.

Exhaust Gas
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause
serious injury or death.

• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
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), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.

332 STARTING AND OPERATING
effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Be
sure to consider this when determining the depth and the
ability to safely cross.

• Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other Standing
Water – Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water types
normally contain hidden obstacles and make it difficult to
determine an accurate water depth, approach angle, and
bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where
you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes
for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are able
to determine you can safely cross, than proceed using the low
and slow method.
• Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water – Flowing water can be extremely dangerous.
Never attempt to cross a fast running stream or river even in
shallow water. Fast moving water can easily push your
vehicle downstream sweeping it out of control. Even in very
shallow water, a high current can still wash the dirt out from
around your tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy.
There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle damage with slower water currents in depths greater than the
vehicle's running ground clearance. You should never
attempt to cross flowing water which is deeper than the
vehicle's running ground clearance. Even the slowest current
can push the heaviest vehicle downstream out of control if the
water is deep enough to push on the large surface area of the
vehicle's body. Before you proceed determine the speed of the
current, the water's depth, approach angle, bottom condition
and if there are any obstacles, then cross at an angle heading
slightly upstream using the low and slow technique.

Airing Down For Off-Road Driving
Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve your ride
comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing the tire air pressure
allows the tire to bulge slightly, improving its surface area
for better flotation and ability to mold or form to the ground
contour. Different terrain, tires, and vehicles require
different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like rock and heavier
vehicles require higher pressures than softer surfaces such as
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can push
your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of control.
This could put you and your passengers at risk of injury
or drowning.