2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 449

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447 • Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions. Brake System Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check 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. The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a "FULL" mark and an "ADD" mark. The fluid level must be kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the "FULL" mark, because leakage may occur at the 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, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts" in this section for the correct fluid type. WARNING! • Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification, may result in sudden brake failure during hard prolonged braking. You could have an accident. • Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. (Continued) 7