2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 343

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343 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 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 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 percentage 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. 7