Archived transmission light come on while on road, low coolant level

[TexasRam3500]

On vacation, location 5 minutes from Estes Park, CO. Pulled from Texas. Still pulling a 27' Airstream (07 Dodge Mega dually 5. 9). Had problems with coolant low level few months back (filled with Dodge coolant-no problems since now). Had low level in reservoir and radiator about 1/3 full) Filled with water, but transmission light come on around 10 minutes later. Lost 50% power in transmission function. Pulled over in RV park with 5 minutes of the activation of transmission light. Question #1: Can I fill reservoir & radiator with water until I can get to Estes Park (5 miles). Question #2: No Dodge dealership can I mix Preston (sp?) coolant with Dodge coolant. And I guess question is, : did this cause the transmission light to activate and is it going to be ok?

Thanks for your quick help. DJ... texasram3500

 

[Gen3tech]

You can mix any approved coolant with your Mopar coolant, make sure it is as close to possible with the Mopar. The light probably came on due to overheating the trans, i'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. I've seen it alot with people travelling towing things. Make very sure when you fill the system to purge it otherwise it will vapor lock and overheat again. I take the heater hose loose that attaches beside the valve cover on the pass side. Also have your trans serviced and bands adjusted as soon as possible to ensure that it is good shape to tow again. Normally people have the trans light on it starts slipping but stop before any major damage is done and are saved from major repair bills.

 

[Hoefler]

On the 5. 9 48re combo trucks, the transmission is first cooled by engine coolant and then on to the cooler in front of the radiator. By being that low on engine coolant, the transmission could not get enough cooling. Like said above, make sure you get all the air purged out of the system. I would drive it with the cap on the first notch for a short period to allow the air to get pushed out. This will not let the system pressurize but will keep all the coolant contained.

 

[GaryOwen]

Zerex G05 is an approved coolant. Is supposedly the supplier to Dodge. Can find it at NAPA, maybe other places too. Cost is about $1 more per gallon than Prestone. Water is okay to use in situations like yours, but I would recommend distilled water if available.

 

[Missouri Mule]

If the Common Rails are like the 12 valves you should have a jiggle pin near the t-stat housing /top radiatro hose. Coolant/distilled water should be added while engine is off.

 

[TexasRam3500]

Thanks

Many thanks for your responses. After I filled the bottle and radiator, the transmission symbol (light) went out. Truck seems to shift fine unloaded. Fixen to load her back up with the trailer and head for Yellowstone. Thanks again. dj