Brake System; Automatic Transmission - RAM 1500 2025 Owner's Manual

316 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
●
If frequent engine coolant additions are required, the
cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
●
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a minimum
of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
●
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
●
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
●
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 engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
B S
RAKE YSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically
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page 299.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master
Cylinder
The fluid level of the brake master cylinder should
be checked whenever the vehicle is serviced, or
immediately if the Brake System Warning Light is on. If
necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder
area before removing cap. With disc brakes, fluid level
can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake
fluid level should be checked when pads are replaced.
If the brake fluid is abnormally low, check the system
ð
for leaks page 353.
WARNING!
●
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid
ð
page 353. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
●
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in an open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
●
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
●
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
A T
UTOMATIC RANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to
the transmission. Avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission
as the chemicals can damage your transmission
components. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
(Continued)
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
WARNING!
CAUTION!