maintenance schedule DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2003, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 2003Pages: 2895, PDF Size: 83.15 MB
Page 14 of 2895
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION..........................1
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE.......................1
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL AND
LUBRICANTS.........................2
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING FLUID . . 3
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT........3
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV241
GENII...............................4
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV271 . . 4
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV243 . . 4
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV273 . . 4
DESCRIPTION - AXLE...................4DESCRIPTION - MANUAL TRANSMISSION . . . 4
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID..................4
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID...............................5
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES.....................5
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION..........................6
JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING...13
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING.......14
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING........15
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 1).
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and hazardous or explosive when mixed
with diesel fuel.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier in your Dodge truck. For most year-round ser-
vice, number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 0ÉF/-
18ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Fig. 1 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 1
Page 19 of 2895
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front sus-
pension components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ªAº 10 000 km (6,000 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule ªBº 10 000
km (6,000 miles).
Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
Page 20 of 2895
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).³X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).³X
Miles 33,000 36,000 39, 000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 21 of 2895
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables (5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).X
Miles 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000 75,000
(Kilometers) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace
if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 22 of 2895
Miles 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace
if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump and spin-on cooler
return filter (if equipped) [45RFE/545RFE
only].X
Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Flush and replace engine coolant. X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 23 of 2895
Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (168 000) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XXXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.XX
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables
(5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace
as necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt
and replace if required
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³ X³
Drain and refill automatic
tranmission fluid, change filter
and adjust bands (46RE/
47RE/48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic
tranmission fluid and change
main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
0 - 10 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 24 of 2895
![DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual Schedule ªAº
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Check t](/img/12/56913/w960_56913-23.png "DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual Schedule ªAº
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Check t")
Schedule ªAº
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Inspect brake linings. X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (58 000) (67 000) (77 000) (84 000) (96 000) (106 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XXXXX
X
Check transfer case fluid
level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXXXX X
Flush and replace engine
coolant at 60 months,
regardless of mileage.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner
filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace
as necessary.X*
Replace ignition cables
(5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 11
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 25 of 2895
![DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX](/img/12/56913/w960_56913-24.png "DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX")
Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not
done at 60 mos.X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables (5.7L/5.9L/
8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as
necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt and
replace if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/
8.0L).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission
fluid, change filter and adjust bands
(46RE/47RE/48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission
fluid and change main sump filter and
spin-on cooler return filter (if equipped)
[45RFE/545RFE only].X
Miles 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models only. X X X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³X³
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.WARNING: You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
0 - 12 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
Page 407 of 2895
For battery system maintenance schedules and
jump starting procedures, see the owner's manual in
the vehicle glove box. Optionally, refer to the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual for
the proper battery jump starting procedure. While
battery charging can be considered a maintenance
procedure, the battery charging procedure and
related information are located later in this section of
the service manual. This was done because the bat-
tery must be fully-charged before any battery system
diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed.
OPERATION
The battery system is designed to provide a safe,
efficient, reliable and mobile means of delivering and
storing electrical energy. This electrical energy is
required to operate the engine starting system, as
well as to operate many of the other vehicle acces-
sory systems for limited durations while the engine
and/or the charging system are not operating. The
battery system is also designed to provide a reserve
of electrical energy to supplement the charging sys-
tem for short durations while the engine is running
and the electrical current demands of the vehicle
exceed the output of the charging system. In addition
to delivering, and storing electrical energy for the
vehicle, the battery system serves as a capacitor and
voltage stabilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It
absorbs most abnormal or transient voltages caused
by the switching of any of the electrical components
or circuits in the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the engine to start
and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of
the components that are used in these systems must
perform within specifications. It is important thatthe battery, starting, and charging systems be thor-
oughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs
to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal bat-
tery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure
must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is
replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service.
The service information for these systems has been
separated within this service manual to make it eas-
ier to locate the specific information you are seeking.
However, when attempting to diagnose any of these
systems, it is important that you keep their interde-
pendency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used for the battery,
starting, and charging systems include the most
basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more
sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmme-
ter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load
tester), a 12-volt test lamp and/or special service
tools may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are
monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is
assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM
will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure
it detects. Always check the PCM for stored trouble
codes before returning the vehicle to service. Refer to
Charging System for the proper charging system test
procedures. Refer to Starting System for the proper
starting system test procedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is
designed to help the dealership technician diagnose a
defective battery. Follow the instruction manual sup-
plied with the tester to properly diagnose a battery.
If the instruction manual is not available, refer to
the standard procedure in this section, which
includes the directions for using the Micro 420 bat-
tery tester.
8F - 2 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
Page 410 of 2895
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle
parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for
the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm
that the replacement battery is the correct size and
has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
(4) Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to
remove any acid film.(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)