Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual page 343

7 - 8 COOLING
COOLING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES
5. Pressure cap not installed tightly. If cap
is loose, boiling point of coolant will be
lowered. Also refer to the following Step
6.
6. Poor seals at the radiator cap.
7. Coolant level low in radiator but not in
coolant reserve/overflow tank. This
means the radiator is not drawing coolant
from the coolant reserve/overflow tank as
the engine cools
8. Incorrect coolant concentration
9. Coolant not flowing through system
10. Radiator or A/C condenser fins are
dirty or clogged.
11. Radiator core is corroded or plugged.
12. Aftermarket A/C installed without
proper radiator.
13. Fuel or ignition system problems.
14. Dragging brakes.
15. Bug screen or cardboard is being
used, reducing airflow.
CORRECTION
5. Tighten cap
6. (a) Check condition of cap and cap
seals. Refer to Radiator Cap. Replace
cap if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator.
7. (a) Check condition of radiator cap and
cap seals. Refer to Radiator Cap in this
Group. Replace cap if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator.
(c) Check condition of the hose from the
radiator to the coolant tank. It should fit
tight at both ends without any kinks or
tears. Replace hose if necessary.
(d) Check coolant reserve/overflow tank
and tanks hoses for blockage. Repair as
necessary.
8. Check coolant. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID
TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
9. Check for coolant flow at radiator filler
neck with some coolant removed, engine
warm and thermostat open. Coolant
should be observed flowing through
radiator. If flow is not observed, determine
area of obstruction and repair as
necessary.
10. Remove insects and debris. (Refer to
7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
11. Have radiator re-cored or replaced.
12. Install proper radiator.
13. Refer to 14 - Fuel System or 8 -
Electrical for diagnosis and testing
procedures.
14. Check and correct as necessary.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) for correct procedures.
15. Remove bug screen or cardboard.
BR/BE