Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made every 12
months (prior to the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core. Check coolant bottle
tube for condition and tightness of connections at coolant
bottle and radiator.
Check the coolant pressure cap and coolant bottle for
proper vacuum sealing. With the engine at normal oper-
ating temperature, note the level of the coolant in the
coolant bottle. Without removing the pressure cap (with
the engine off), drain a small amount of coolant from the
radiator drain cock. If the coolant level in the coolant
bottle drops, the system is sealing properly.
Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the
addition of a “winter front” for effective operation of the
cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent-
age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow
through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission
oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased
with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or
engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling
frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter
front.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
343
7
Summary of Contents for 2004 Ram 2500
Page 2: ......
Page 8: ......
Page 66: ...Multiple Child Restraints 66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 141: ...INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141 4 ...
Page 142: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 198: ...Operating Tips Chart 198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...
Page 203: ...m Driving Off Road 292 m Traction 293 m Engine Data Plate 294 STARTING AND OPERATING 203 5 ...
Page 250: ...250 STARTING AND OPERATING ...
Page 316: ......
Page 320: ...ENGINE COMPARTMENT 5 9L 5 9L HO CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL 320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 368: ...368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 382: ......
Page 406: ...406 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ...
Page 410: ......
Page 411: ...INDEX 10 ...