2023 RAM 1500 coolant

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS system Úpage 141.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
problem with the ETC system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light
will either stay on or flash depending on the
nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle
is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals
are pressed at the same time. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine coolant
temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the
temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to
cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service
Úpage 327.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the hood
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate, and a chime
will sound, to indicate low engine oil pressure.
If the light and chime turn on while driving,
safely stop the vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely stopped,
restart the engine and monitor the Oil Pressure Warning
Light. If the Oil Pressure Warning Light is still illuminated,
turn the engine OFF and contact an authorized dealer for
further assistance. Do not operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected. If the light is no longer illuminated, the
engine can be operated but it is recommended to take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.3

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STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as defined
above, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release
the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking
with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location

The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle next to the engine
coolant reservoir.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 325.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
4

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254MULTIMEDIA
Save
Pressing the SAVE button will let you save the timer data
for Recent, Last, and Best recorded times to an inserted
USB flash drive.
The Timers pages contain:
Reaction Time : Measures the driver's reaction time for
launching the vehicle against a simulated drag strip
timing light (behavior modeled after 500 Sportsman
Tree) displayed in the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:Drag timers (RT, 60 ft [20 m], 330 ft [100 m], 1/8 mile
[200 m], 1000 ft [300 m], and 1/4 mile [400 m]) and Acceleration Timers (0-60 mph [0-96 km/h] and
0-100 mph [0-160 km/h]) will be ready to acquire new
recent data measurements when the vehicle is at 0 mph
(0 km/h) and vehicle is in drive.
The timer listed shows the measured time required to
travel at the cited distance is met. Some timers will also
display speeds present at the time the distance was met.
 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h)
 60 ft (20 m) ET
 330 ft (100 m) ET
 ⅛ Mile (200 m) + ET
 ⅛ Mile (200) + mph
 1000 ft (300 m) ET
 ¼ Mile (400 m) + ET
 ¼ Mile (400 m) + mph
 Brake Distance ft (meters)
NOTE:The distance measurement will be aborted if the brake
pedal is released or the parking brake is engaged, before
the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Brake from mph (km/h)
NOTE:Brake Distance and Speed timers only display “ready”
when vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
GAUGES
When selected, this screen displays the following values:
Coolant Temperature
Shows the actual coolant temperature.
 Oil Temperature
Shows the actual oil temperature.
 Oil Pressure
Shows the actual oil pressure.
 Trans Temp
Shows actual transmission oil temperature.
 Battery Voltage
Shows actual battery voltage.
 Intake Air Temp
Shows actual intake air temperature.
If a gauge is selected, the Gauge Detail View Page will
appear on the screen. This page shows gauge values for
the previous two minutes on the selected gauge. Pressing the Left or Right Arrow will cycle through the
details for each of the gauges. Pressing the minimize
button beside the graph will return to the Gauge menu.
G-FORCE
When G-Force is selected, the following features will be
available:

Vehicle Speed
Measures the current speed of the vehicle in either
mph or km/h, starting at zero with no maximum value.
 Front G-Force
Measures the peak braking force on the front of the
vehicle.
 Right G-Force
Measures the peak force on the right side of the
vehicle.
 Left G-Force
Measures the peak force on the left side of the vehicle.
 Rear G-Force
Measures the peak acceleration force on the rear of
the vehicle.
NOTE:Front, Right, Left, and Rear G-Forces are all peak values.
These readings can be reset by clearing peak G-Force on
the instrument cluster.

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256MULTIMEDIA
OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with Off-Road Pages which
display vehicle information related to the drivetrain,
transfer case, and coolant/oil gauges. To access Off-Road Pages, press the Vehicle button on the
touchscreen, select the Offroad tab, and then select the
OFF ROAD button on the main screen. Off-Road Pages can
also be accessed through the app drawer.

OFF ROAD Button

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MULTIMEDIA259
ACCESSORY GAUGE
The Accessory Gauge page displays the current status of
the vehicle’s Coolant Temperature, Oil Temperature, Oil
Pressure, Transmission Temperature, and Battery
Voltage.

Accessory Gauge Menu 2WD/4WD

1 — Oil Temperature
2 — Coolant Temperature
3 — Oil Pressure
4 — Battery Voltage
5 — Transmission Temperature
5

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SAFETY313
(Continued)
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel or brake fluid leaks are
suspected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have an authorized dealer inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
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.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle
is stopped in an open area with the engine running
for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation
system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
 Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte -
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every
time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal condi -
tions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all
side windows fully open.
6

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY327
(Continued)

Fuel Funnel Location

NOTE:
In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel door
from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the fuel door
to break the ice buildup and re-release the fuel door using
the inside release button. Do not pry on the door.
Emergency Gas Can Refueling:
Most gas cans will not open the flapper doors. A funnel is
provided to allow emergency refueling with a gas can.
See the following steps for refueling:

1. Retrieve funnel from under the passenger’s front seat.

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.

Inserting Funnel

3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper doors open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the spare tire storage area.IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be serviced by
an authorized dealer.
Potential signs of vehicle overheating:
Temperature gauge is at HOT (H)
 Strong smell of coolant
 White smoke coming from engine or exhaust
 Coolant bottle coolant has bubbles present
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the
fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to
turn on.
 A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WARNING!
7

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333
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
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, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. 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
Úpage 98.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 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.
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, and fill as needed.
 Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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