2021 RAM 1500 engine overheat

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE423
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 an authorized
dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended 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 will return to the radiator
from the coolant expansion bottle/recovery
tank (if equipped). The cap should be inspected and cleaned if
there is any accumulation of foreign material on
the sealing surfaces.
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, clean up any ground
spills immediately. If ingested, seek emergency
assistance immediately.
Checking Coolant Level — 3.6L 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 is
needed to maintain the proper level, it should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Checking Coolant Level — 5.7L Engines
With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant should be between the ADD and
SAFE range on the dipstick.
To check the coolant level:

1. Open the coolant reservoir.

2. Lift and remove the plastic dipstick from the
reservoir neck.
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.
8

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470TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(Continued)
DO NOT USE E-85 IN NON-FLEX FUEL
V
EHICLES
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible
with gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
(E-15). Use of gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with
E-85 fuel, the engine will have some or all of
these symptoms:
Operate in a lean mode.
OBD II Malfunction Indicator Light on.
Poor engine performance.
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
Increased risk for fuel system component
corrosion.
CNG AND LP FUEL SYSTEM
M
ODIFICATIONS
Modifications that allow the engine to run on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid
Propane (LP) may result in damage to the
engine, emissions, and fuel system
components. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are not the responsibility of FCA and
may void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
METHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYL
M
ANGANESE TRICARBONYL (MMT) IN
G
ASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic
additive that is blended into some gasoline to
increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT
provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emissions system
performance in some vehicles. FCA
recommends that gasoline without MMT be
used in your vehicle. The MMT content of
gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline
pump; therefore, you should ask the gasoline
retailer whether the gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California
reformulated gasoline.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions
control system can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can
impair engine performance and damage
the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or igni -
tion malfunctions can cause the catalytic
converter to overheat. If you notice a
pungent burning odor or some light smoke,
your engine may be out of tune or malfunc -
tioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now
being sold as octane enhancers, is not
recommended. Most of these products
contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor -
mance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsi -
bility of FCA and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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485
D
Daytime Running Lights
................................... 53Dealer Service............................................... 409Defroster, Rear Window................................... 63Defroster, Windshield............................. 63, 369Deleting A Phone........................................... 275Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 137Diesel Fuel..................................................... 471Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 471Bulk Storage Of......................................... 210Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming..................... 414Differential, Limited Slip................................ 174Disable Vehicle Towing.................................. 392Disc Drive...................................................... 268Disconnecting................................................ 275Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 423Disturb........................................................... 278Door Ajar........................................................ 129Door Ajar Light............................................... 129Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 27Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 412Driver Memory Presets.................................. 265Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 34DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 234Dual Rear Wheels.......................................... 467
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 311Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 310Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 312, 318Electric Parking Brake................................... 151Electrical Power Outlets................................... 74Electronic Range Select (ERS)...................... 159Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 312Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 128Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 161, 163Emergency Braking....................................... 327Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 389Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 391Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 373Jump Starting........................................... 386Emission Control System Maintenance........ 138Engine........................................................... 404Air Cleaner................................................ 411Block Heater............................................. 150Break-In Recommendations..................... 150Compartment................404, 405, 406, 407Compartment Identification.............404, 405, 406, 407Coolant (Antifreeze).................................. 475Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 371, 372Fails To Start............................................ 144Flooded, Starting...................................... 144Fuel Requirements.......................... 468, 474Idling........................................................ 148
Jump Starting........................................... 386Oil...........................................410, 474, 475Oil Filler Cap............................................. 404Oil Filter.................................................... 410Oil Selection..................................... 410, 474Oil Synthetic.............................................. 410Overheating.............................................. 389Starting............................................ 143, 144Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 353, 394Entry System, Illuminated................................58Ethanol.......................................................... 469Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 371, 372Exhaust System................................... 371, 420Exterior Lighting...............................................52Exterior Lights........................................ 52, 371
F
Family Alerts................................................. 300FiltersAir Cleaner................................................ 411Air Conditioning................................. 67, 415Engine Fuel............................................... 412Engine Oil........................................ 410, 475Engine Oil Disposal................................... 410FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 55, 136, 371Flash-To-Pass...................................................54Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 384Fluid Capacities............................................ 474
11

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488
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check
Engine)
.......................................................... 130Manual Service...................................................... 482Media Hub....................................................... 72Media Mode.................................................. 268Memory Seat................................................... 32Memory Settings............................................. 32Methanol....................................................... 469Mirrors............................................................. 44Electric Powered......................................... 47Heated........................................................ 48Memory....................................................... 32Outside........................................................ 46Rearview..................................... 44, 45, 373Trailer Towing.............................................. 48Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................ 11Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 327Mopar Parts................................................... 481MP3 Control.................................................... 72Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 53
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 150, 151
O
Occupant Restraints...................................... 334Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 468, 469Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).................... 235
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)................... 235Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 410Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 410Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 128Oil, Engine............................................ 410, 475Capacity.................................................... 474Dipstick.................................................... 408Disposal................................................... 410Filter................................................ 410, 475Filter Disposal........................................... 410Identification Logo.................................... 410Materials Added To.................................. 410Pressure Warning Light............................ 128Recommendation............................ 410, 474Synthetic.................................................. 410Viscosity................................................... 474Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 137Operating Precautions.................................. 137Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 482Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 46Overheating, Engine...................................... 389
P
Paint Care..................................................... 461Parking Brake............................................... 151ParkSense Active Park Assist........................ 195ParkSense System, Rear.............................. 189Passive Entry................................................... 28Pedals, Adjustable........................................... 43
Pets............................................................... 369Phone Mode.................................................. 271Pickup Box................................................90, 92Pinch Protection........................................81, 83Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 447PowerDistribution Center (Fuses).............. 428, 432Door Locks...................................................28Mirrors.........................................................47Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........74, 75Seats...........................................................36Side Steps...................................................28Sliding Rear Window....................................79Steering............................................. 47, 174Sunroof.................................................80, 82Windows......................................................77Power SeatsDown...........................................................36Forward.......................................................36Rearward.....................................................36Recline.........................................................37Tilt................................................................37Up................................................................36Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 340Presets.......................................................... 265PretensionersSeat Belts................................................. 340

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