Hello everyone! I’m new to the fount and glad to be here! I have a 04 Dodge Ram 1500 that I dearly love lol. I recently noticed a slight drip on my driveway and noticed the bottom of the radiator had some pinkish fluid that had dripped down. What fluid is this and what could be the issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Most likely engine coolant. Could be trans fluid. Possibly power steering fluid but unlikely. Is it oily to the touch?
Keep in mind your cooling fan will blow the leaking substance all over the place. Clean up the mess you can see either by washing the area down or wiping well with a rag. Let the engine idle until its reached its operating temp..shut er down and do a close examination for a leak. Quite possible leak is a result of those two spring clamps observed in the pictures.

 

Thanks for the reply. I originally thought it was one of the rubber return hoses, but I noticed it was dripping from the bottom of the radiator onto those hoses and on the ground.

The fluid does does feel oily.

 

That is coolant that has leaked out and dried to the rad tank. Replace the radiator.

 

It could be Engine Coolant... you should just have the radiator replaced and do the fluids too. I wouldn't think it would kill your wallet.

 

What color is your coolant when you take the cap off, or look in the overflow tank? If it's not red, then that's definitely ATF.