2023 RAM 1500 engine overheat

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY329
To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal while seated
in the driver’s seat.

2. Pull the tether strap out again, then release it.
3. Allow the tether to retract with the lever back to its original position.

Manual Park Release Tether

4. Verify the transmission is in PARK.
5. Confirm that the tether has retracted fully and reinstall the access cover. If the access cover cannot
be reinstalled, repeat steps 1 through 4.
NOTE:When the lever is locked in the released position the
access cover cannot be reinstalled.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels
or racing the engine.
NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved
at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE
or REVERSE.
Push the ESC OFF button to place the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system in “Partial OFF” mode, before rocking
the vehicle
Úpage 264. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the ESC OFF button to restore “ESC On” mode.
CAUTION!
 Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for
at least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts
to free a stuck vehicle.
 When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
 Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis -
sion shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping when you
are stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel,
no matter what the speed.
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 329

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE349
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifications,
should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is
in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
 Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
 Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant 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 (conforming to MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 334.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective -
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
 Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
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 open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
 Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
 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.
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 349

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE351
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.

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.
WARNING!
Do not open a hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over -
heated. 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 speci -
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 351

394TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline containing more
than 15% ethanol (E-15) or gasoline containing methanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 the manufacturer 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 gasolines 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. The manufacturer 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!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing methanol, or
gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15).
Use of these blends may result in starting and
drivability problems, damage critical fuel system
components, cause emissions to exceed the applicable
standard, and/or cause the Malfunction Indicator Light
to illuminate. Please observe pump labels as they
should clearly communicate if a fuel contains greater
than 15% ethanol (E-15).
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 perfor -
mance and damage the emissions control system.
 An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
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
malfunctioning 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 meth -
anol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or addi -
tives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer
and may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 394

405
E
Electric Brake Control System..................................... 263 Anti-Lock Brake System ......................................... 262
Electronic Roll Mitigation .............................. 264
, 268
Electric Parking Brake ................................................. 122
Electric Power Steering................................................ 141
Electrical Power Outlets..................................................66 Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................................... 128
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................................ 264
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light................... 109
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .................. 130
, 132
Emergency Braking ...................................................... 276
Emergency Gas Can Refueling .................................... 326
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................................. 329
Hazard Warning Flasher ......................................... 314
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Emission Control System Maintenance...................... 117
Engine ........................................................................... 337 Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342Block Heater ........................................................... 121
Break-In Recommendations .................................. 122
Compartment ........................................337
, 338, 339
Compartment Identification .................337, 338, 339
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................................................ 396
Exhaust Gas Caution .............................................. 313
Fails To Start ........................................................... 121
Flooded, Starting .................................................... 121
Fuel Requirements ........................................ 393
, 395
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Oil ...........................................................341
, 395, 396
Oil Filler Cap ............................................................ 337 Oil Filter ....................................................................342
Oil Selection ................................................... 341
, 395
Oil Synthetic ............................................................. 342
Overheating ............................................................. 327
Starting.....................................................................118
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............. 297
, 332
Entry System, Illuminated .............................................. 52 Ethanol .......................................................................... 394
Exhaust Gas Cautions ..................................................313
Exhaust System .................................................. 313
, 348
Exterior Lights ........................................................46, 313
FFamily Alerts .................................................................. 248
FAQ ................................................................................ 248
Features ........................................................................ 239
Filters Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342
Air Conditioning ................................................59
, 344
Engine Oil ................................................................. 342
Engine Oil Disposal..................................................342
Flashers Turn Signals ................................................... 115
, 313
Flash-To-Pass .................................................................. 48
Flat Tire Stowage .......................................................... 323
Fluid Capacities ............................................................395
Fluid Leaks ....................................................................313
Fluid Level Checks Brake ........................................................................ 352
Fluid, Brake ...................................................................397
Fog Lights ...............................................................48
, 368
Fold-Flat Seats ................................................................ 30 Forward Collision Warning ........................................... 274
Four Wheel Drive .......................................................... 130
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ............................................. 314
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ............................................... 329
Front Axle (Differential) ................................................ 353
Fuel................................................................................ 393
Adding ...................................................................... 171Additives .................................................................. 393
Clean Air .................................................................. 393
Ethanol..................................................................... 394Gasoline ................................................................... 393
Light ......................................................................... 111
Materials Added ...................................................... 393
Methanol ................................................................. 394
Octane Rating.................................................393
, 396
Requirements .................................................393, 395
Tank Capacity .......................................................... 395
Fuel Saver Technology ................................................. 141
Fuses ............................................................................. 354
GGarage Door Opener (HomeLink) .................................. 42 Gasoline, Clean Air ....................................................... 393
Gasoline, Reformulated ............................................... 393
Getting Started ............................................................. 238
Glass Cleaning .............................................................. 391
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................................................... 34
Gross Axle Weight Rating ............................................. 173
Gross Combination Weight Rating .............................. 173
Gross Trailer Weight ..................................................... 173
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ....................................... 173
Guide Body Builders ...............................................................9
GVWR ............................................................................ 172
11

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 405

408 N
Navigation .................................................................... 103
New Vehicle Break-In Period ....................................... 122
OOccupant Restraints .................................................... 282
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................................... 393
Off Road Pages ............................................................ 256 Accessory Gauges................................................... 259
Pitch And Roll .......................................................... 260
Status Bar ............................................................... 257Vehicle Dynamics.................................................... 258
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ................................. 190
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ................................. 190
Oil Filter, Change .......................................................... 342
Oil Filter, Selection ....................................................... 342
Oil Life Reset ¹ .............................................................. 101
Oil Pressure Light ......................................................... 109
Oil, Engine............................................................ 341
, 396
Capacity ................................................................... 395
Dipstick.................................................................... 340
Disposal................................................................... 342
Filter......................................................................... 342
Filter Disposal ......................................................... 342 Identification Logo .................................................. 341Materials Added To................................................. 342Pressure Warning Light .......................................... 109Recommendation .......................................... 341
, 395
Synthetic.................................................................. 342
Viscosity................................................................... 395
Onboard Diagnostic System ........................................ 116
Operating Precautions ................................................. 116 Operator Manual
Owner's Manual ....................................................... 401
Outside Rearview Mirrors............................................... 40
Overheating, Engine ..................................................... 327
PPaddle Shifters ............................................................. 129
Paint Care...................................................................... 388
Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone

b
...230
Panic Alarm ..................................................................... 17
Parallel Parking ............................................................. 159
Parking Brake ............................................................... 122
Parking Lights ................................................................. 48
ParkSense Front And Rear......................................................... 152
ParkSense Active Park Assist ...................................... 157
ParkSense System, Rear.............................................. 152
Passive Entry................................................................... 25 Pedals, Adjustable .......................................................... 38
Pedestrian Warning System ......................................... 276
Pets ................................................................................ 311
Phone Mode .................................................................. 228
Pickup Box................................................................ 79
, 81
Pinch Protection.............................................................. 73
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........................ 374
Power Distribution Center (Fuses)........................... 355
, 360
Door Locks ................................................................. 25
Mirrors ........................................................................ 41
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...................... 66
, 67
Seats .......................................................................... 32
Side Steps .................................................................. 25
Sliding Rear Window ................................................. 71
Steering ....................................................................141 Sunroof ...................................................................... 72
Windows .................................................................... 70
Power Seats Down .......................................................................... 32
Forward ...................................................................... 32
Rearward ................................................................... 32
Recline ....................................................................... 32
Tilt .............................................................................. 32
Up ............................................................................... 32
Power Steering ............................................................. 141
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ................................ 287
Presets .......................................................................... 224
Pressure Washing ........................................................ 341
Pretensioners Seat Belts ................................................................ 287
Profile Settings ............................................................. 193
RRadial Ply Tires ............................................................. 378
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ................349, 350
Radio Off Road Pages ....................................................... 256Presets ..................................................................... 224Settings.................................................................... 191
Sound Setting .......................................................... 211
Radio Controls .............................................................. 218
Radio Mode .................................................................. 218
Radio Operation ..................................................218
, 252
Radio Remote Controls ................................................ 218
Rain Sensitive Wiper System......................................... 53 RamBox........................................................................... 81
RamBox Safety ............................................................... 83Rear Axle (Differential) ................................................. 353
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails .......................................... 80

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