oil filter DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 41,250 45,000 48,750 52,500 56,250
(Kilometers) (66 000) (72 000) (78 000) (84 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
0 - 14 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 60,000 63,750 67,500 71,250 75,000
(Kilometers) (96 000) (102 000) (108 000) (114 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 78,750 82,500 86,250 90,000 93,750
(Kilometers) (126 000) (132 000) (138 000) (144 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 97,500 100,000 101,250 105,000 108,750 112,500
(Kilometers) (156 000) (160 000) (162 000) (168 000) (174 000) (180 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Flush and replace engine
coolant.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.X
Miles 116,250 120,000 123,750 127,500 131,250 135,000
(Kilometers) (186 000) (192 000) (198 000) (204 000) (210 000) (216 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Clean engine air filter canister.X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as
required.X
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.XX
Drain and refill automatic
transmission fluid. Replace
filter and adjust bands.X
0 - 16 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²LTier 1 EPA (250 hp or 305 hp) Engines Only
(see engine data label for your engine type)
²² California LEV (235 hp) Engines Only (see
engine data label for your engine type)Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Schedule ªAº
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (96 000) (108 000) (120 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensorX
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (132 000) (144 000) (156 000) (160 000) (168 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not
done at 60 mos.X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [150]
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXXXX X
Flush and replace engine
coolant, if it has been 160
000 km (100, 000 miles) or 60
months since last change.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.XX
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Check tranfer case fluid level
(4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X X
Inspect damper. X X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XXX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel
sensor.XXX
0 - 18 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain the coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the power cord from the heater by
unplugging (Fig. 7).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 7).
(5) Remove the block heater by carefully prying
from side-to-side. Note the direction of the heating
element coil (up or down). The element coil must be
installed correctly to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install the new O-ring seal(s) to heater.
(3) Insert the block heater into cylinder block and
position the element properly.
(4) With the heater fully seated, tighten center
screw to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill the cooling system with the recommended
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check the block heater for leaks.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a threaded hole of the
engine cylinder block with the heating element
immersed in engine coolant. The cord is attached to
an engine compartment component with tie-straps.
The 5.9L diesel engine has the block heater located
on the right side of the engine below the exhaust
manifold next to the oil cooler (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 Engine Block Heater - 3.7L/4.7L
1 - ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Fig. 7 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
DRENGINE 7 - 37
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (Continued)

NOTE: ECM Inputs:
²Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Volts
²APPS1 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS2 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS idle validation switches #1 and #2
²Battery Temperature
²Battery voltage
²Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
²Fuel pressure sensor
²Fan speed (engine cooling fan)
²Ground circuits
²Inlet air temperature sensor/pressure sensor
²Intake air temperature sensor/MAP sensor
²Oil Pressure switch
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor
NOTE: ECM Outputs:
After inputs are received by the ECM, certain sen-
sors, switches and components are controlled or reg-
ulated by the ECM. These are consideredECM
Outputs.These outputs are for:
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²CKP and APPS outputs to the PCM
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Fan Clutch PWM
²Five volt sensor supply
²Fuel Control Actuator
²Fuel transfer (lift) pump
²Intake manifold air heater relays #1 and #2 con-
trol circuits
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp)
(databus)
²Oil Pressure Swith/warning lamp (databus)
²Wait-to-start warning lamp (databus)
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) warning lamp (databus)
REMOVAL
The engine control module (ECM) is bolted to a
support bracket near the fuel filter. The support
bracket mounts to the block with four capscrews and
vibration isolators. A ground wire is fastened to the
bracket. The other end of the wire is fastened to the
engine block.
(1) Record any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
found in the ECM.To avoid possible voltage spike damage to the
ECM, ignition key must be off, and both negative
battery cables must be disconnected before unplug-
ging ECM connectors.
(2) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries.
(3) Remove the 50±way and 60±way connector
bolts at the ECM. Note: The connector bolt is a
female allen head. As bolt is being removed, very
carefully remove connectors from the ECM.
(4) Remove five ECM mounting bolts and remove
ECM from the vehicle (Fig. 2).
INSTALLATION
Do not apply paint to ECM or a poor ground will
result.
(1) Position the ECM to the ECM support bracket
and install the five mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts
to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(2) Check pin connectors in ECM, 50±way and
60±way connectors for corrosion or damage. Repair
as necessary.
(3) Clean pins in the 50±way and 60±way electri-
cal connectors with a electrical contact cleaner.
(4) Install the 50±way and 60±way connectors to
ECM. Tighten connector bolts to 3 N´m (27 in. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect both negative battery cables.
(6) Use DRBIIItscan tool to erase any stored com-
panion DTC's from ECM.
Fig. 2 Diesel ECM
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - ECM MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
8E - 4 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
29). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.(1) Remove necessary air filter tubing at throttle
body.
(2) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Diagnos-
tics and Testing - Spark Plug Conditions.
4.7L V-8
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(1) Remove necessary air filter tubing at throttle
body.
(2) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Diagnos-
tics and Testing - Spark Plug Conditions.
5.7L V-8
Eight of the 16 spark plugs are located under an
ignition coil; the other 8 are not. If spark plug being
Fig. 27 CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
Fig. 28 PREIGNITION DAMAGE
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 29 SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 19
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

removed is under coil, coil must be removed to gain
access to spark plug. Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/
Installation and observe all CAUTIONS and WARN-
INGS.
Before removing or disconnecting any spark plug
cables, note their original position. Remove cables
one-at-a-time. To prevent ignition crossfire, spark
plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing
loom) into their original position. Refer to Spark Plug
Cable Removal for a graphic.
Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, apply dielectric grease to inside
of boots.
(1) Remove necessary air filter tubing at throttle
body.
(2) Prior to removing ignition coil (if coil removal
is necessary), spray compressed air around coil base
at cylinder head cover.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Diagnos-
tics and Testing - Spark Plug Conditions.
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file center electrode flat with a small point file or
jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
Adjust spark plug gap with a gap gauging tool
(Fig. 30).
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Before installing ignition coil(s), check condi-
tion of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in
coil installation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(4) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
4.7L V-8
CAUTION: The 4.7L V±8 engine is equipped with
copper core ground electrode spark plugs. They
must be replaced with the same type/number spark
plug as the original. If another spark plug is substi-
tuted, pre-ignition will result.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Before installing ignition coil(s), check condi-
tion of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in
coil installation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
Fig. 30 SETTING SPARK PLUG GAP - TYPICAL
1 - GAUGE TOOL
2 - SPARK PLUG
8I - 20 IGNITION CONTROLDR
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................38
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING............................38
CLEANING............................39
INSPECTION..........................39
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................40
REMOVAL.............................40
INSPECTION..........................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING FITTING................44
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................48
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................48
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING....49
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON FITTING..51
REMOVAL.............................51
CLEANING............................52
INSPECTION..........................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING.............................53
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................55
INSTALLATION.........................56
STRUCTURAL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................57
OPERATION...........................57
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................57
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................59
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................61
OPERATION...........................61
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
LEAK...............................64DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SEAL
AREA LEAKS.........................65
OIL PAN
DESCRIPTION.........................66
REMOVAL.............................66
CLEANING............................66
INSPECTION..........................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................67
OPERATION...........................67
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................68
INSPECTION..........................68
ASSEMBLY............................69
INSTALLATION.........................69
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................70
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE............................71
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................72
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................72
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................73
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................74
REMOVAL.............................74
INSTALLATION.........................74
VALVE TIMING
DESCRIPTION.........................76
OPERATION...........................76
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR.......77
SERVICE PROCEDURE - TIMING
VERIFICATION........................77
BALANCE SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................80
IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL.............................83
INSPECTION..........................84
INSTALLATION.........................85
9 - 2 ENGINE - 3.7LDR