Technical Car Experts Answers everything you need: overheating problem on Dodge Ram ?

Low coolant, water pump blocked, cooling fan not running, this are basic possibilities, but if all this checked OK, then its problem with thermostat, compressor.---

To remove the thermostat its not very easy, but here is the procedure:---

Compressor doesn not need removed but alternator off to side etc./ No shortlcuts. Here are the directions. It surely needs to be replaced knowing what you have tried and t stat can clearly cause the problem

THERMOSTAT-3.9L V-6 OR 5.2/5.9L V-8
REMOVAL

WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that the replacement is the specified thermostat for the vehicle model and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 3.9L V-6 or 5.2/5.9L V-8 engines are installed on a gasket with an anti-stick coating. This will aid in gasket removal and cleanup.

Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.Drain cooling system until coolant level is below thermostat.

Support Bracket-Generator Mounting Bracket-To-Intake Manifold-Typical

If equipped with air conditioning:Remove the support bracket (rod) located near the rear of generator.The drive belt must be removed. Refer to Belt Removal/Installation in Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories.The generator must be partially removed. Remove the two generator mounting bolts. Do not remove any wiring at generator. If equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp wiring harness (located near rear of generator).Remove generator. Position generator to gain access for thermostat gasket removal.WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.

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CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with a matching number or letter.

Remove upper radiator hose clamp. Remove upper radiator hose at thermostat housing.Position the wiring harness (behind the thermostat housing) to gain access to thermostat housing.

Thermostat-3.9L V-6 Or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines

Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts, thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat. Discard old gasket.INSTALLATION

Clean mating areas of intake manifold and thermostat housing.Install thermostat (spring side down) into recessed machined groove on intake manifold.Install gasket on intake manifold and over thermostat.Position the thermostat housing to the intake manifold.

Thermostat Position-3.9L V-6 Or 5.2/5.9L V-8 Gas Engines

Note: The word FRONT stamped on the housing. For adequate clearance, this must be placed towards the front of vehicle. The housing should be slightly angled forward after installation to intake manifold.

Install two housing-to-intake manifold bolts. Tighten bolts to 23 Nm (200 inch lbs.) torque.CAUTION: Housing must be tightened evenly and thermostat must be centered into recessed groove in intake manifold. If not, it may result in a cracked housing, damaged intake manifold threads or coolant leak.

Install upper radiator hose to thermostat housing.Air conditioned vehicles:Install generator. Tighten bolts to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.Install support bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake manifold). Tighten bolts to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) torque.CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not, the engine may overheat due to the water pump rotating in the wrong direction. The correct belt with the correct length must be used.

Fill cooling system.Connect negative battery cable to battery.Start and warm engine. Check for leaks.

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For more car related problem troubleshooting:---

This are the sections, you can go through and click the link to read its troubleshooting.

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