2021 RAM 1500 engine coolant

422SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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
(conforming to MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 395.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Ú page 475.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant, may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protec-
tion. OAT engine coolant is different and
should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant or
any “globally compatible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is introduced into the
cooling system in an emergency, the cooling
system will need to be drained, flushed, and
refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine coolant.
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant
is not recommended.
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.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can
be used up to 10 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 that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032. When adding
engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT 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 solution. The use of lower
quality water will reduce the amount of corro
-
sion protection in the engine cooling system.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 422

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

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 423

424SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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. 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.
Cooling System Notes
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 needs to be added, the contents of
the coolant expansion bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pres -
sure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant 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 operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
CHARGE AIR COOLER — INTER-COOLER
(D
IESEL ENGINE)
The charge air cooler is positioned in front of the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly
reaches high temperature. The air is then
directed through a hose to the charge air cooler

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 424

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS475
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Gas Engine CoolantWe recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Motor Generator Unit – 3.6L Engine (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 0W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Gas Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar brand engine oil filters.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not use E-85).
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not
use E-85).
Diesel Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil — 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine We recommend you use 5W-40
synthetic engine oil such as Mopar that meets FCA Material
Standard MS-12991 and the API SN engine oil category is required.
Diesel Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar engine oil filters.
Using an oil filter that does not meet FCA’s
filtration requirements can severely impact engine life and reliability.
9

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS477
(Continued)
NOTE:
If Climatized or Number 1 ULSD fuel is not avail -
able, and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C),
in sustained arctic conditions, Mopar Premium
Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equivalent) is recom -
mended to avoid gelling.
CAUTION!
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), 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 (antifreeze). If a
non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is
introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, the cooling system will need to
be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or anti-
rust products, as they may not be compat -
ible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom -
mended.
CAUTION! (Continued)
9

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483
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise
Control)
................................................ 177, 179Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 422Adding Fuel.......................................... 208, 210Additives, Fuel............................................... 469AdjustDown........................................................... 36Forward....................................................... 36Rearward..................................................... 36Up................................................................ 36Adjustable Pedals............................................ 43Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 279Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 344Air Bag Warning Light...................... 342, 345Enhanced Accident Response......... 353, 394Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 394Front Air Bag............................................. 345If Deployment Occurs................................ 352Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 349Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 354Maintenance............................................. 354Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............343Transporting Pets...................................... 369Air Bag Light............................... 126, 342, 369
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)............................................................ 411Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 415Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 415Air Conditioner System................................. 415Air Conditioning................................................ 63Air Conditioning Filter..............................67, 415Air Conditioning System................................... 65Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 66Air Filter........................................................ 411Air PressureTires......................................................... 450Air Suspension..................................... 165, 169AlarmSecurity Alarm....................................26, 127Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 11Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 422, 474Disposal................................................... 423Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 310Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 132Assist, Hill Start............................................. 317Audio Settings............................................... 266Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 236Auto Down Power Windows............................. 78Automatic Door Locks...................................... 30
Automatic Headlights.......................................54Automatic High Beams.....................................53Automatic Tailgate Release.............................85Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............65Automatic Transmission....................... 156, 426Adding Fluid.............................................. 426Fluid And Filter Change............................. 426Fluid Change............................................. 426Fluid Level Check...................................... 426Fluid Type........................................ 426, 478Special Additives...................................... 426Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 159AutoPark....................................................... 141AUX Camera......................................... 204, 208Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 318Axle Fluid.............................................. 426, 478Axle Lubrication............................................ 426
B
Back-Up......................................................... 202Back-Up Camera........................................... 202Battery................................................. 128, 409Charging System Light.............................. 128Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................18Battery Saver Feature......................................57Belts, Seat.................................................... 369
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484
Blind Spot Monitoring
.................................... 318Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile PhoneOr Audio Device After Pairing
................275Body Builders Guide........................................ 11Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 418B-Pillar Location............................................. 447Brake Assist System...................................... 311Brake Control System.................................... 311Brake Fluid.......................................... 425, 478Brake System...................................... 425, 467Fluid Check............................................... 425Master Cylinder......................................... 425Parking...................................................... 151Warning Light............................................ 126Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 155Bulb Replacement......................................... 437Bulbs, Light.......................................... 371, 437
C
Camera.......................................................... 202Camera, AUX........................................ 204, 208Camera, Rear...................................... 202, 204Camper............................................................ 97Capacities, Fuel............................................. 474Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 404Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 423Car Washes................................................... 462
Carbon Monoxide Warning................... 371, 372Cargo Light....................................................... 56CD................................................................. 268Cellular Phone.............................................. 309Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 442Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 68Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 424Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 444Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................................................. 138Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 369Checks, Safety.............................................. 369Child Restraint.............................................. 355Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 358Child Seat Installation..................... 364, 365How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 363Infant And Child Restraints....................... 357Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 362Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 360Older Children And Child Restraints......... 357Seating Positions...................................... 359Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 469CleaningWheels..................................................... 456Climate Control................................................ 60Automatic.................................................... 60Manual........................................................ 63Cold Weather Operation............................... 146
Compact Spare Tire...................................... 455Connected Services...................................... 282Connected Services FAQ............................... 301Connected Services Features....................... 286Connected Services, Getting Started............ 284Connected Services, Introduction................. 282Contract, Service........................................... 480Controls........................................................ 259Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 423Cooling System............................................. 421Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 422Coolant Level................................... 421, 423Cooling Capacity....................................... 474Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 423Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 422Inspection................................................. 423Points To Remember................................ 424Pressure Cap............................................ 423Radiator Cap............................................. 423Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 422, 474, 475Corrosion Protection..................................... 461Cruise ControlAccel/Decel.............................................. 178Cancel....................................................... 179Resume.................................................... 179Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 177, 179Cruise Light................................................... 136Customer Assistance.................................... 479Cybersecurity................................................ 236

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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
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