2020 Ram 3500 coolant level

385
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating
Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).

An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change.If a scheduled oil change is performed by
someone other than an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominantly at idle, or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE389
HEAVY DUTY USE OF THE VEHICLE
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
SCHEDULED SERVICING— DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
More frequent maintenance may be needed in
severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very
short trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking
the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Add oil only when the level is at or
below the ADD or MIN mark. Once A Month
Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and automatic trans-
mission, and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect engine air filter. Replace the engine
air filter cleaner, if necessary.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped
with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System
Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement
may be more frequent if vehicle is operated
in extreme dusty conditions.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only service
work for which you have the knowledge and
the right equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain
your vehicle could result in a component
malfunction and effect vehicle handling
and performance. This could cause an acci -
dent.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE395
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
Flush and replace power steering
fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant.
*** X
1. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months or 500 Hours, whichever comes first.
2. Under no circumstances should the air cleaner filter element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first.
3. Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000 miles (32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months:6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
78
84
90
96
102
108
114
120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends that all cooling system service, maintenance, and repairs be performed by your local authorized dealer.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE419
be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent
reducing this extended maintenance period, it
is important that you use the same engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032)
throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for
using Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant
(antifreeze):

We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032.

Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled
water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F
(−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact an
authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 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 a local autho -
rized dealer.
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is
not recommended and can result in cooling
system damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are
mixed in an emergency, have an authorized
dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
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 overheated. 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 specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
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420SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Disposal Of Used Coolant

Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated 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 containers
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). 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 compart -
ment. This is normally a result of moisture from
rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on
the radiator and being vaporized when the ther -
mostat 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) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen -
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum compo -
nents.
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 ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.

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552
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)
.............................................. 282Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 418Adding Fuel.......................................... 319, 320Additives, Fuel............................................... 454AdjustDown........................................................... 35Forward....................................................... 35Rearward..................................................... 35Up................................................................ 35Adjustable Pedals............................................ 42Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 185Air Bag Warning Light................................ 182Enhanced Accident Response......... 189, 384Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 384If Deployment Occurs................................ 188Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 185Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 190Maintenance............................................. 190Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............183Transporting Pets...................................... 209Air Bag Light............................... 130, 182, 210Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 403, 425
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 405Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 405, 406Air Conditioner System................................. 405Air Conditioning......................................... 57, 67Air Conditioning Filter..............................69, 406Air Conditioning System................................... 67Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 68Air Filter........................................................ 403Air PressureTires......................................................... 436AlarmPanic........................................................... 15Security Alarm....................................25, 132Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 12Android Auto................................................. 545Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 418, 459Capacites................................................. 460Disposal................................................... 420Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 144Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 137Apple CarPlay................................................ 546Assist, Hill Start............................................. 151Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 467Auto Down Power Windows............................. 70Automatic Door Locks...................................... 30
Automatic Headlights.......................................50Automatic Tailgate Release.............................74Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............67Automatic Transmission....................... 235, 424Adding Fluid.............................................. 424Fluid And Filter Change............................. 424Fluid Change............................................. 424Fluid Level Check............................. 422, 423Fluid Type............................... 422, 463, 466Shifting..................................................... 239Special Additives...................................... 422Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 238AUX Camera......................................... 311, 318Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 153Axle Fluid.....................................424, 463, 466Axle Lubrication............................................ 424
B
Back-Up......................................................... 309Back-Up Camera........................................... 309Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System......................... 260Battery................................................. 132, 400Blanket..................................................... 225Charging System Light.............................. 132Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................15Battery Saver Feature......................................53

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553
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 210Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 153Body Builders Guide........................................ 12Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 414B-Pillar Location............................................. 433Brake Assist System...................................... 145Brake Control System.................................... 145Brake Fluid.......................................... 421, 463Brake System...................................... 421, 452Fluid Check............................................... 421Master Cylinder......................................... 421Parking...................................................... 231Warning Light............................................ 131Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 235Bulb Replacement......................................... 351Bulbs, Light.......................................... 212, 351
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 357Camera.......................................................... 309Camera, AUX........................................ 311, 318Camera, Rear...................................... 309, 312Camper............................................................ 98Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 460Capacities, Fluid.................................. 459, 460Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)...................................... 396, 402Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 419Car Washes................................................... 448Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 209, 456
Cargo Light....................................................... 52Cellular Phone.............................................. 540Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 356Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 81Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 421Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 430Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 143Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 209Checks, Safety.............................................. 209Child Restraint.............................................. 191Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 194Child Seat Installation..................... 202, 204How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 201Infant And Child Restraints....................... 192Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 199Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 195Older Children And Child Restraints......... 193Seating Positions...................................... 195Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 454CleaningWheels..................................................... 442Climate Control................................................ 57Automatic.................................................... 61Manual........................................................ 57Cold Weather Operation............................... 217Compact Spare Tire...................................... 441Contract, Service.......................................... 549Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 419
Cooling System............................................. 417Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 418Coolant Level................................... 418, 420Cooling Capacity.............................. 459, 460Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 420Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 418Inspection................................................. 420Points To Remember................................ 420Pressure Cap............................................ 419Radiator Cap............................................. 419Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).... 418, 459, 461, 464Corrosion Protection..................................... 447Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 280, 282Cruise Light................................................... 141Cupholders.......................................................86Customer Assistance.................................... 548Cybersecurity................................................ 467
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................49Dealer Service............................................... 401Defroster, Rear Window...................................57Defroster, Windshield............................ 57, 210Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................55Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 142Diesel Exhaust Brake.................................... 232Diesel Fuel.................................................... 456Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 456
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554 Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming
..................... 412Differential, Limited Slip................................ 270Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 381Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 420Do Not Disturb............................................... 545Door Ajar........................................................ 133Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 26Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 409Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 33DrivingOff-Pavement............................................ 261Off-Road.................................................... 261Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water..................................... 343Dual Rear Wheels................................ 445, 452
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 145Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153Electrical Power Outlets................................... 86Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 238, 243Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 246, 250Emergency Braking........................................ 231
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 380Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 346Jump Starting........................................... 375Emission Control System Maintenance........ 143Engine......................................... 396, 397, 398Air Cleaner................................................ 403Block Heater.................................... 220, 229Break-In Recommendations..................... 230Compartment.................................. 397, 398Compartment Identification...................... 396Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 461, 464Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 209, 456Fails To Start............................................ 216Flooded, Starting...................................... 216Fuel Requirements.......................... 454, 459Identifcation.................................... 397, 398Idling........................................................ 226Jump Starting........................................... 375Oil..................................401, 459, 461, 464Oil Filler Cap.................................... 396, 402Oil Filter.................................................... 403Oil Reset................................................... 115Oil Selection.................................... 401, 459Oil Synthetic............................................. 403Overheating.............................................. 379Runaway................................................... 319Starting..................................................... 214Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 402
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...189, 384

Entry System, Illuminated................................54Ethanol.......................................................... 454Exhaust Brake............................................... 232Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 209, 456Exhaust System..........................209, 416, 425Exterior Lighting...............................................48Exterior Lights........................................ 48, 212
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 403Air Conditioning................................. 69, 406Engine Fuel............................................... 409Engine Oil............................... 403, 461, 464Engine Oil Disposal................................... 403FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 51, 141, 212Flash-To-Pass...................................................50Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 372Fluid Capacities................................... 459, 460Fluid Leaks.................................................... 212Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 421Fluid, Brake................................................... 463Fluids And Lubricants........................... 461, 464Fog Lights.............................................. 51, 355Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................84Fold-Flat Seats.................................................33Forward Collision Warning............................ 160Four Wheel Drive........................................... 246

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