RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Radiator: Testing and Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING-RADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant is flowing through the cooling system.
1. Idle engine until operating temperature is reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flowing
to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO COVER THE RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP, OPEN RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO
VENT TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRESSURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE CAP FROM
FILLER NECK.
2. Drain a small amount of coolant from the radiator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.