2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 344

344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 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. For 3.7L, 4.7L, and 5.7L engines, check the coolant bottle hoses for condition and tightness of the connections at both the coolant bottle and radiator. For 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L engines, check the coolant pressure cap and coolant reserve system for proper vacuum sealing. With the engine at normal operating 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 draincock. If the coolant level in the coolant bottle drops, the system is sealing properly. Coolant Level ( 3.7L, 4.7L, 5.7L Engines) The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual method of determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the coolant bottle should be between the fluid level marks. Check the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.