2020 Ram 1500 leak

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 507
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). 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 an authorized 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.
NOTE:
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti -
freeze), may result in engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon
-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF
mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can start at
any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
WARNING! (Continued)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 511
2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the reservoirneck.
Coolant Reservoir Dipstick
3. Check the coolant level on the dipstick.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for engine
coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise 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 mois
-
ture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
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512 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions arerequired, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• 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 oper -
ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the
correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat -
isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals. 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.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing 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!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
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.
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514 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor -
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis -
sion. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis -
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the
factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life of the
vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated
(with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 514

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 515
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected. If
gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill hole
(within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front axle and
rear axle.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential components.
Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in
some off-highway types of service, will require draining and
refilling the axle to avoid damage. Limited-Slip Differentials
Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential require
that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive be added to
the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specification” for further information. The
Mopar Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle
equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
NOTE:
When refilling a limited slip differential axle which requires
a friction modification additive, the additive should be
added before the gear lubricant to ensure proper additive
fill.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
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661
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart .................................................... 493
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ......................... 262, 481
Entry System, Illuminated ....................................................... 75
Ethanol...................................................................................... 550
Exhaust Gas Cautions .................................................... 286, 552
Exhaust System ............................................................... 286, 505
Exterior Lighting ....................................................................... 66 Exterior Lights ................................................................... 66, 289 F
Filters Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 494Air Conditioning ........................................................... 93, 497
Engine Oil..................................................................... 494, 554
Engine Oil Disposal ............................................................ 494
Flashers Turn Signals ........................................................... 71, 193, 289
Flash-To-Pass ............................................................................. 69
Flat Tire Stowage .................................................................... 468
Fluid Capacities ....................................................................... 553
Fluid Leaks ............................................................................... 289
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................................................................... 512
Fluid, Brake .............................................................................. 556
Fluids And Lubricants ........................................................... 554
Fog Lights........................................................................... 71, 441
Fold-Flat Seats ........................................................................... 42 Forward Collision Warning................................................... 222
Four Wheel Drive .................................................................... 310
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................................................431
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........................................................477
Front Axle (Differential) .........................................................515
Fuel ............................................................................................548 Adding ..................................................................................403
Additives ..............................................................................550
Clean Air...............................................................................549
Ethanol ..................................................................................550
Gasoline ................................................................................548Light ...................................................................................... 185
Materials Added ..................................................................550
Methanol...............................................................................550
Octane Rating.......................................................548, 549, 554Requirements ...............................................................548, 553Tank Capacity ......................................................................553
Fuses..........................................................................................444 G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........................................109
Gasoline, Clean Air .................................................................549
Gasoline, Reformulated..........................................................549
General Information ...............................................................233
Glass Cleaning .........................................................................545
Grocery Bag Retainer ................................................................54
Gross Axle Weight Rating .....................................................408
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663
K
Key Fob Panic Alarm ........................................................................... 20
Programming Additional Key Fobs ............................. 24, 31
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry)................. 21
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) .................. 24
Keyless Enter-N-Go .......................................................... 37, 291 Lock The Vehicle’s Doors................................... 566, 586, 610
Passive Entry.......................................................................... 37
Passive Entry Programming ...................................... 586, 610
Keys............................................................................................. 18 Replacement........................................................................... 32 L
Lane Change And Turn Signals .............................................. 71 Lane Change Assist .................................................................. 71
LaneSense ................................................................................. 391
Lap/Shoulder Belts ................................................................ 237
Latches ...................................................................................... 289 Hood ..................................................................................... 105
Lead Free Gasoline ................................................................. 548
Leaks, Fluid.............................................................................. 289
Life Of Tires ............................................................................. 529
Light Bulbs ....................................................................... 289, 436
Lights ........................................................................................ 289 Air Bag .................................................................. 179, 246, 287
Brake Assist Warning ......................................................... 204 Brake Warning .....................................................................179
Bulb Replacement................................................................436
Cargo .......................................................................................72
Center Mounted Stop..........................................................443
Courtesy/Reading ................................................................73
Cruise ............................................................................193, 194 Daytime Running ..................................................................67
Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator ...................181
Engine Temperature Warning ...........................................181
Exterior............................................................................66, 289Fog .........................................................................................441
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................................................431
Headlights ........................................................................66, 70High Beam ..............................................................................68
High Beam/Low Beam Select .............................................68
Hill Descent Control Indicator .......................................... 205Illuminated Entry ..................................................................75
Interior ....................................................................................73
Lights On Reminder..............................................................71
Low Fuel ...............................................................................185
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).............................183Park........................................................................................192Passing ....................................................................................69
Seat Belt Reminder ..............................................................179
Security Alarm .....................................................................180
Service ...................................................................................436
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