RAM 2500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 33

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

525

Cooling System Pressure Cap

The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine

coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant (anti-

freeze) 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 accu-

mulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.

Disposal Of Used Coolant

Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-

lated 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.

WARNING!

• Do not open 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 over-

heated 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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526 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 compartment. This is normally a result of mois-

ture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the

radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens,

allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) 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) additions are

required, the cooling system should be pressure tested for

leaks.

• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 oper-

ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the

correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat-

isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor

gas mileage, and increased emissions.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

527

(Continued)

Brake System

In order to assure brake system performance, all brake

system components should be inspected periodically. Refer

to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.

Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder

The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked

when performing under the hood service or immediately if

the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated

marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master

cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area

before removing cap.

With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as the

brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid

level may be caused by a leak and a system check should be

conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly

a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on

the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake

temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake

damage. You would not have your full braking capacity

in an emergency.

WARNING!

• Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci-

fications” for further information. Using the wrong

type of brake fluid can severely damage your brake

system and/or impair its performance. The proper type

of brake fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the

original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder

reservoir.

• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-

ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been in

a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylinder

reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a open

container absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a

lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil unexpect-

edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in

sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.

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528 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Automatic Transmission

Selection Of Lubricant

It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to ensure

optimum transmission performance and life. Use only the

manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids

And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It is

important to maintain the transmission fluid at the correct

level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes

should be used in any transmission; only the approved lubri-

cant should be used.

Special Additives

The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any

special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-

sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-

mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.

Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-

sion. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may

adversely affect seals.

• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in

spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the

brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage

painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to

avoid its contact with these surfaces.

• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the

brake fluid. Brake seal components could be damaged,

causing partial or complete brake failure. This could

result in a collision.

WARNING! (Continued)

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturer’s

recommended fluid may cause deterioration in

transmission shift quality and/or torque converter

shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine

Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the

chemicals can damage your transmission components.

Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited

Warranty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

529

Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed Transmission

The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require

adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine

fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-

sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your

transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit

an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission

fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper

fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed Transmission

Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the

factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life of the

vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,

change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated

(with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for

any reason.

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level

For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not

required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the

exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected. If

gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to

“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for

further information. This inspection should be made with

the vehicle in a level position.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/

4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the

9.25 in front, 11.5 in rear axle, and 12.0 in rear axle.

CAUTION!

If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized

dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may

occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust

the fluid level accurately.

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530 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Lubricant Selection

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tion” for further information.
NOTE:

The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in

corrosion and possible failure of differential components.

Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in

some off-highway types of service, will require draining and

refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited slip oil

additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:

Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident while

turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on concrete or

dry pavement. These conditions should be considered

normal operation of the limited slip differential.
Drain And Refill

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance

intervals.

Transfer Case

Selection Of Lubricant

Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer to

“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for

further information.
Fluid Level Check

This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug.

The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler plug

hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

531

HOISTING

A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking loca-

tions. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.

However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on

any other parts of the underbody.

TIRES

Tire Safety Information

Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following

information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,

Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire

Loading.

Tire Markings

Tire Markings

CAUTION!

Never use a floor jack directly under the differential

housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may

result.

1 — U.S. DOT Safety

Standards Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction

and Temperature Grades

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532 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into

the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:

P215/65R15 95H.

• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the

tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the

section width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire size

designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires

is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT”

that are molded into the sidewall preceding the size desig-

nation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency

use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare tires have

the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall preceding the

size designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards

and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the side-

wall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

533

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
". blank. " = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
T or S = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
• A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

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534 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

H = Speed Symbol
• A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain oper-

ating conditions

• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions

(i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:

Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
• LL = Light load tire or
• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

EXAMPLE:

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

535

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white side-

walls will have the full TIN, including the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the

outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side, then you will

find it on the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
• This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is

approved for highway use

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
• 01 means the year 2001
• Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was

manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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536 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind

the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle

has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile

(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. Inflation pressure is

measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire

inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is

molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as

shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s

loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended

cold tire inflation pressures.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

537

Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the

driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver's side

door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare

tire (if equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the recom-

mended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

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538 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare

tires.

Loading

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the

load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will

not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you adhere to

the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pres-

sures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard

in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”

section of this instruction.
NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle

weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not

be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and

trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting

And Operating” section of this instruction.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your

vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-

pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on

the Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined

weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue

weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight refer-

enced here.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

539

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-

pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.”

on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and

passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and

passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of

cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”

amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb

passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo

and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5x150) =

650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo

being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely

exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity

calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your

trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this

instruction to determine how this reduces the available cargo

and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will

be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-

able cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340

(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
• If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your

trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following

table shows examples on how to calculate total load,

cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle with

varying seating configurations and number and size of

occupants. This table is for illustration purposes only and

may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity

of your vehicle.

• For the following example, the combined weight of occu-

pants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

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540 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can

cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase

your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended

load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.